Dr. Elizabeth Penela's Education and Training

I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami, and my training was focused on high-quality, evidence-based treatments. You might wonder: what does “evidence-based” therapy mean? Psychology can get a bad wrap for not being a true science, but in fact, many psychological treatments have been heavily researched. Results of countless studies show that certain kinds of treatments are effective for specific problems. I had the privilege of training at universities that emphasized mastery of evidence-based treatments.

Doctoral Training at the University of Miami

Dr. Eli Penela stands at a podium next to a panel of speakers. She presents her dissertation study to an audience at the APA conference.

Dr. Eli Penela presents findings from her dissertation at the American Psychological Association conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her study was later published in a leading academic journal, Child Development.

While at the University of Miami, I gained extensive experience using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with children and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, and related problems. My research focused on child temperament and emotion regulation, and the results of my dissertation were published in a leading psychology journal, Child Development.

Pre-Doctoral Internship at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Following my graduate work, I completed my internship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I gained specialized training at the UNC Hospital and the Project Enlightenment Program. In the Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, I also worked with mothers who were experiencing Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Working with mothers struggling with severe anxiety and depression during the postpartum period was incredibly rewarding. In my private practice, I continue to support mothers who struggle with anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, and compulsive rituals.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Miami

After earning my PhD in Clinical Psychology, I sought further specialized training in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders as a Post-Doctoral Fellow. I worked alongside Dr. Jill Ehrenreich-May and Dr. Annette La Greca at the Child and Adolescent Mood and Anxiety Treatment (CAMAT) program within the University of Miami. I provided specialized therapy services to children and adults, and also supervised doctoral students. Some of the disorders I treated included: obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, selective mutism, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and specific phobias (e.g., emetophobia).

Bilingual Psychologist in Florida

Four psychologists standing in front of car on a sunny day in South Florida. Dr. Penela holds desserts in celebration of her birthday.

Dr. Eli Penela stands with the founders of Pediatric Psychology Associates at a community event. Left to right: Dr. Judith Migoya, Dr. Nicholas Maccarrone, Dr. Eli Penela, Dr. Samantha Carella

After completing my post-doctoral training at the University of Miami, I felt passionate about continuing to provide evidence-based therapy to the South Florida community, especially those struggling with anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.

In 2015, I joined a private practice group that shares these ideals: Pediatric Psychology Associates. Over the course of five years at PPA, I provided therapy in English and Spanish to children and adults across South Florida. With other psychologists at PPA, we established the Anxiety and OCD Intensive Outpatient Program in 2016, to better serve individuals requiring a higher level of care.

Then in 2020, I launched my private practice, Wellness in Broward, with the goal of establishing a specialized practice dedicated to serving individuals who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and related concerns.

By providing effective, science-backed tools in a warm and compassionate environment, I help teens and adults overcome the obstacles that keep them from living a full and meaningful life. I also support parents of children and teens who are struggling with anxiety and OCD using SPACE, an evidence-based, parent-focused therapy approach.

In addition to my private practice, I also provide clinical supervision to graduate students at the University of Miami CAMAT Program. These students provide evidence-based therapy to children throughout Miami-Dade County using the Unified Protocol. Regularly working with students who are in training to become therapists and psychologists is an important and exciting aspect of my professional life.

Ongoing Professional Development in Anxiety and OCD Treatment

Florida CBT founding members standing at restaurant in Orlando, Florida.

Florida CBT founding board members at the 2024 IOCDF conference in Orlando, Florida.

It is so important to me to stay up-to-date on the latest research developments related to anxiety and OCD treatment, so that I can provide top-notch, cutting-edge therapy services to all of my clients.

As such, I am a founding member of the Florida CBT Association. Florida CBT is a non-profit organization that helps CBT providers across Florida to connect, build community, and provide a professional space to discuss cutting-edge research. In my initial role as Regional Membership Chair, I helped to grow the membership of this community, and in 2025 transitioned to Board Member-At-Large.

I am also a member of and regularly attend conferences for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) to continue to learn about the latest effective treatments to best serve my therapy clients. I have written various blogs and conducted webinars with these organizations, which can be found on my Press page.

To stay up to date on the most effective treatments for anxiety and OCD, I have completed many advanced professional trainings, such as:

Dr. Eli Penela stands with Dr. Eric Storch near a sign announcing the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI)

Dr. Eli Penela at the Behavior Therapy Training Institute in 2020 with leading child anxiety and OCD expert, Dr. Eric Storch.

Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) sponsored by the IOCDF
Advanced CBT training at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
SPACE Treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) - including the specialized training for parents of adults: Failure to Launch.
Specialized CBT training: Optimizing Exposure Therapy for Anxiety & OCD Through Inhibitory Learning with Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz

I am also active in serving the South Florida community by doing presentations with organizations, such as schools and mental health agencies. Stay tuned about my upcoming events and presentations here!

Dr. Eli Penela walks on a paved path at the IOCDF walk, alongside other members of the community who gathered to raise awareness about OCD.

Dr. Eli Penela at the IOCDF Awareness Walk in Deerfield Beach Florida in December 2024.

To see my full Curriculum Vitae, please click here.

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