Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D., LMHC
Compassionate, practical midlife guidance
Continue with Catherine
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- Evidence informed
- Action oriented
- Empathy driven
About Catherine
Dr. Catherine Alvarez, Ph.D., is a Florida-based licensed mental health counselor with 17 years of experience. She draws on several evidence-informed approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life changes. Her style is warm and straightforward, aimed at helping clients take practical steps forward one day at a time.
Dr. Alvarez uses methods from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside attachment-focused and client-centered work. She prioritizes clear goals and simple tools that people can use between sessions. Sessions often involve learning new ways to notice thoughts, try small behavior changes, and reconnect with what matters most.
Her practice covers a wide range of concerns, including addiction, grief, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, career strain, and ADHD. She also supports people facing aging issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and complicated relationships. The emphasis is on practical coping skills and rebuilding a manageable routine.
People who come to her can expect an approach that balances empathy with active problem solving. She draws on her lived experience to offer a hopeful, down-to-earth perspective. The work focuses on realistic steps and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
Dr. Alvarez works in English and accepts international clients. To start therapy, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.
Dr. Alvarez uses methods from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside attachment-focused and client-centered work. She prioritizes clear goals and simple tools that people can use between sessions. Sessions often involve learning new ways to notice thoughts, try small behavior changes, and reconnect with what matters most.
Her practice covers a wide range of concerns, including addiction, grief, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, career strain, and ADHD. She also supports people facing aging issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and complicated relationships. The emphasis is on practical coping skills and rebuilding a manageable routine.
People who come to her can expect an approach that balances empathy with active problem solving. She draws on her lived experience to offer a hopeful, down-to-earth perspective. The work focuses on realistic steps and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
Dr. Alvarez works in English and accepts international clients. To start therapy, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
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
Credentials
Florida
Languages
English
How these approaches guide online work and decision-making
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It’s often used for stress, anxiety, and coping with life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to symptoms and testing small changes to break those patterns. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating problems. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current relationships and emotional responses, which can help with intimacy-related issues and communication problems.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will work collaboratively to learn about a person’s goals, needs, and preferences. Together they will try methods that fit the client’s situation and adjust the plan as progress is made.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing meetings during a lunch break or from another quieter spot. It can also allow shorter check-ins when needed, or the flexibility to continue work while traveling. Licensed professionals often use these options to make therapy more practical for everyday routines.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and many life changes including career strain and caregiving stress.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach blends acceptance-based work with cognitive-behavioral tools and attachment-focused listening. Sessions emphasize practical steps and learning skills to try between appointments.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of experience providing mental health care and supporting people through a wide range of concerns and life transitions.
What credentials and region are associated with this therapist?
She holds the credential FL LMHC and practices in Florida.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.