CBT Psychologist in Florida
Finding a therapist who is the right fit for you is SO important. Although some psychologists are "generalists" - meaning they work with people who have all kinds of challenges, what works best for me is to focus what I do best - anxiety and OCD treatment.
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In traditional “talk therapy” you might see yourself venting as someone listens and nods, and occasionally advises you on how to deal with your problems. But my approach is different.
I offer an active, warm, and results-oriented approach that will empower you to face the obstacles in your life with self-compassion, courage, and determination.
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What to Expect in Therapy with Dr. Penela
I am a bilingual psychologist (fluent in English and Spanish) specializing in the treatment of anxiety and OCD for adults and children in South Florida.
When working together in therapy, here's what you can expect:
When working together in therapy, here's what you can expect:
- Compassionate treatment. I care deeply for each of my patients. Our ability to connect and trust one another is critical. My goal is for you to feel understood, seen, and validated. Therapy is a place where I hope you will learn to laugh, let your guard down, and get comfortable exploring the deep life challenges that are holding you back.
- Effective, evidence-based treatment. I trained at top universities in the country - University of Miami and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And here, I learned to use gold-standard, research-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These are the evidence-based tools that I use in my practice each day because it was what I know works well for the most people.
- Practice to be completed after our session. I believe that the most important work in your treatment will take place outside of our therapy session - when you're actually trying out the skills and strategies we discuss in session! At the end of each therapy session, you'll have a game plan of things to try out. And you can expect to receive extra support as needed between our sessions.
I have expertise in working with children, adults, and parents -
and each requires a different approach to help you succeed.
and each requires a different approach to help you succeed.
Effective Therapy for Anxiety and OCD
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In therapy, I mostly use a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, as well as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. And I include other therapy approaches as needed to meet each person’s needs, such as mindfulness-based techniques. Together we will identify your challenges and try out new tools to help you overcome them. My goal is to empower you to develop confidence and trust in your self to know how to cope with the uncertainty and problems that life will throw your way today and in the future.
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Dr. Eli Penela sits with the founder of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dr. Aaron Beck, at an advanced training at the Beck Institute in 2015.
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Because I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, and related issues, it's really important to me to stay current on evidence-based treatments. One way I do that is by being an active member of both the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and attending conferences to stay up-to-date on the most cutting-edge treatments.
Click below to get the full scoop on my education and training experiences, and check out my full CV here.
Click below to get the full scoop on my education and training experiences, and check out my full CV here.
Although I love working with families in the therapy room, it is very important to me to spread the word in the community about evidence-based treatment for anxiety and OCD. For that reason, I've done many professional presentations for parents and teachers, and continue to carve out time for these opportunities regularly. I have also published in academic journals and presented with various professional organizations.
CBT Therapist, Mom & Foodie in South Florida
I love living in South Florida - the year-around warm weather, the cultural diversity, and the food scene - have kept me very grounded here. Although I love to travel, South Florida is my home for the long run. When I'm not cheering on my therapy clients in session, you can usually find me chasing after my two boys on the soccer field, enjoying a great yoga practice, or planning my next travel adventure. I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and have a deep appreciation for history.
One of my most cherished trips was a recent hiking adventure to the Inca Trail in Peru, and this blog post illustrates how I used CBT skills while on this incredible and challenging 4-day hike. I'm always scoping out new restaurants in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Cooper City, Miramar - looking for the next hidden gem in the suburbs! And of course occasionally making the trek out to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, especially to my all-time favorite Peruvian spot for many years - Ceviche 105 in Miami!
One of my most cherished trips was a recent hiking adventure to the Inca Trail in Peru, and this blog post illustrates how I used CBT skills while on this incredible and challenging 4-day hike. I'm always scoping out new restaurants in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Cooper City, Miramar - looking for the next hidden gem in the suburbs! And of course occasionally making the trek out to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, especially to my all-time favorite Peruvian spot for many years - Ceviche 105 in Miami!
Think we might be a good fit to work together in therapy?
Let's set up a time to talk soon!
