CBT Psychologist in South Florida
In regular “talk therapy” you imagine yourself venting as someone passively listens and nods, and sometimes gives you advice on how to deal with your problems. But my approach is different.
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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.
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, I focus on the work that I do best, and the work I am most passionate about: effective treatment for anxiety and OCD.
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What to Expect in Therapy with Dr. Penela
I am a bilingual psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety and OCD for adults and teens in South Florida.
Here's what you can expect when we work together in therapy:
Here's what you can expect when we work together in therapy:
- Compassionate treatment. Our ability to connect and trust one another is a critical foundation to your therapy. My hope is that you will learn to laugh, let your guard down, and get comfortable exploring the deep life challenges that are holding you back. Making sure you feel understood, seen, and validated is woven into every aspect of our work together.
- 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 (ACT). 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.
Want to better understand the specific work we'll do together in therapy to help you beat anxiety and OCD? Take a look:
Effective Therapy for Anxiety and OCD
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To help teens and adults struggling with anxiety and OCD, I use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
I use other therapy approaches as needed to meet each person’s needs. For example, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness techniques can often be helpful as well. We'll identify the unique challenges you're experiencing, and try out science-backed tools to help you overcome them. |
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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My goal is to empower you to develop confidence and trust in yourself to know how to cope with the uncertainty and problems that life throws your way.
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.
Get the full scoop on my education and training below, and check out my full CV here.
Get the full scoop on my education and training below, and check out my full CV here.
I love working with adults, teens and parents in the therapy room, but it is also very important to me to spread the word in the community about evidence-based treatment for anxiety and OCD.
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.
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 was born and raised in South Florida - and I love living here! The year-around warm weather, the cultural diversity, and the food scene - have kept me very grounded here. I am Peruvian-American, and a native Spanish speaker. As a child of Peruvian immigrants, I have a personal understanding of how immigration experiences can impact each generation within a family differently. I feel fortunate to serve the South Florida community, where I can support children and adults from different cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds.
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 I share in this blog post 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!
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 I share in this blog post 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!
