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Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D.

Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D., LMHC

Florida

Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D. - LMHC, family of origin and anxiety work

See online therapy options
  • Family of origin issues
  • Anxiety and stress
  • ACT and CBT approaches

About Catherine

Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D., FL LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida with 17 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, addictions, and family of origin issues among other challenges. She lists a broad range of concerns including grief, intimacy-related issues, sleep and eating difficulties, parenting strain, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

Her approach blends several evidence-informed methods. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and take meaningful action. Attachment-Based Therapy and Client-Centered techniques shape conversations about family roles, early patterns, and how those patterns affect current relationships.

In practical sessions she listens, reflects, and helps clients try simple strategies between meetings. Sessions typically focus on clear skills for managing anxiety, setting boundaries, or improving communication. She also works on emotional regulation tools drawn from Dialectical Behavior Therapy when intense emotions cause relationship or work problems.

Dr. Alvarez draws on long experience helping adults untangle patterns that began in childhood. She encourages step-by-step change and uses direct, plain language in sessions. People can expect discussions about what to try next, practice exercises, and checks on what is or is not working.

To begin, clients complete an initial matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The clinician accepts international clients and holds licensure as FL LMHC.

How her approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and values, then take small steps toward what matters. Online ACT work often focuses on brief exercises and practical homework to use between meetings. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at early family roles and how those patterns affect today's relationships; sessions involve talking through past dynamics and trying new ways of relating. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and tests new behaviors in everyday life; that makes CBT straightforward to use in remote sessions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and will decide collaboratively which methods to try first. Sessions can mix styles as needs change, with regular check-ins about what is helping and what should be adjusted.

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce commute time. Many people find remote sessions help keep continuity of care while they test new skills in real life, and the therapist will plan practical steps you can use between sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

17+ years

Listed in

Florida

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she focus on?

She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, grief, parenting strain, and related issues including family of origin concerns.

What is her general therapeutic style?

She combines Client-Centered listening with structured methods like CBT and ACT to help people change unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 17 years of clinical experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

What credentials and location apply to her practice?

She is a licensed mental health counselor, FL LMHC, and practices from Florida.

Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She accepts international clients.

How are sessions scheduled and paid for?

Session cost varies with location; services use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with her therapy?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.

Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D.LMHC

See online therapy options