Katherine Alvarez, PsyD

Postdoctoral Fellow 
Supervised by Vicki Chiang, Psy.D. (PSY21136)

“Most big transformations come about from the hundreds of tiny, almost imperceptible, steps we take along the way.” ~ Lori Gottlieb

Life contains ebbs and flows, and often the difficulty lies in how we navigate these different phases. In my work, I emphasize the importance of self-compassion and strive to create an open and non-judgmental therapy space in which clients feel as though they can show up as their most authentic selves. I utilize a holistic, culturally-informed, and integrative approach to treatment that takes into consideration the importance of recognizing an individual’s lived experience. Subsequently, I emphasize the importance of a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship in order to build comfort in the therapy space.  I approach treatment through an attachment-based, relational lens, while blending skills-based, cognitive-behavioral, exposure and response prevention, and psychodynamic therapy approaches.  Through these approaches, I help those I work with develop a growth-mindset as they heal and build on their strengths.

I provide individual and group therapy across the lifespan, and I’m particularly interested in providing support to those navigating self-esteem, cultural identity and social inequality, life transitions, relational difficulties, OCD, and ADHD.

Growing up as the child of Latinx immigrant parents is an integral part of my personal background and has had a significant impact on how I navigate the mental health field. Subsequently, I’ve developed a special interest in exploring intergenerational trauma and how it affects the way individuals move through and understand the world around them. Navigating one’s own cultural identity can be a deeply personal process, and I believe it is a privilege to join clients along their journey of self-understanding and exploration.