Catherine Penuela-Parker

Welcome to my practice! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#43844). I received my Masters of Art degree in Psychology at Philips Graduate Institute, Encino, Ca. I started my career working with at risk probation youth in residential placement. It was then I knew the future was in our children’s hands. I dove deeper into the world of Community Mental Health with the goal of helping our youth and their families overcome life burdens that led to dysfunctional behaviors in the communities. I worked collaboratively with the Department of Mental Health, The Department of Child and Family Services, Los Angeles County Probation Department, and non-profit organizations for over 15 years. Throughout those years I trained extensively in childhood and adolescent social-emotional development and parent/child relational issues. I also specialized in helping adolescent, adults, and families cope with generational trauma and its impact on their current functioning. In more recent years, my practice has expanded due to high demand for treating trauma, depression and anxiety related issues. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is comprehensive approach that addresses the physiological storage of memory and how it informs our experiences. EMDR is a widely researched model that has been proven to resolve an individual’s most severe and deeply rooted disturbances. My main objective is to build a strong rapport with all my clients. I believe a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of any successful treatment plan. I am committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment where you will feel confident in exploring and processing how to overcome life barriers and achieve ultimate fulfillment. I look forward to meeting you!