Wellness in Broward

Elizabeth Penela, Ph.D.

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    • Adults >
      • Anxiety Treatment
      • OCD Treatment
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      • Anxiety Treatment
      • OCD Treatment
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Dr. Eli Penela - Anxiety and OCD Treatment Expert

​As seen on... 

Parent Webinar hosted by ​the Selective Mutism Association

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How to Help Your Child Cope with Anxiety:
​A Look at SPACE Training for Parents and Caregivers

Children with selective mutism often struggle with anxiety in different situations. When you see your child struggling with anxiety - what is the best way to help them? Dr. Eli Penela discussed helpful strategies based on the SPACE therapy (Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions) approach. SPACE is an effective, research-backed treatment program that was developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale University for parents of children with anxiety and OCD. During this presentation you will learn effective tools that will help you feel confident when helping your child cope with anxiety. 

Helping Your Child Cope with Back-To-School Anxiety

Public Webinar with Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) 

Como Identificar el Estres en los Niños

Interview on CNN en Español with Dr. Azaret

Junta de la Comunidad: La Acomodación Familiar

Town Hall in Spanish, hosted by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) 

Finding Your Calm Webinar

Webinar for parents of children who struggle with anxiety and OCD

Serving the South Florida Community

Dr. Eli Penela reading to a group of students at a school in Pembroke Pines.
After decades of research, psychologists now have a solid understanding of what kinds of treatments are most effective for specific problems, especially with regard to anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.
​My goal is to share this information as widely as possible. I am passionate about serving my community in order to help others to better understand and learn to mange anxiety, OCD, and related issues.

As part of my community outreach efforts, I've presented throughout Dade and Broward at schools and several organizations. A few past presentation topics include:
  • Parenting Hacks to Help Your Child or Teen Cope with Anxiety
  • Understanding and Managing Anxiety in the Classroom
  • Supporting Caregivers First: The Key to Empowering Youth to Face their Fears
Are you interested in organizing a talk or workshop to share information about coping tools for anxiety or OCD? Please email [email protected] to discuss. 

Articles Published in Academic Journals

Suarez, G. L., Morales, S., Miller, N., Penela, E.C., Chronis-Tuscano, A., Henderson, H., & Fox, N. A. (2021). Examining a Developmental Pathway from Early Behavioral Inhibition to Emotion Regulation and Social Anxiety: The Moderating Role of Parenting. Developmental Psychology. 

Penela, E. C., Walker, O. L., Degnan, K. A., Fox, N. A. & Henderson, H. A. (2015). Early behavioral inhibition and emotion regulation: Pathways toward social competence in middle childhood. Child Development.

Walker, O. L., Henderson, H. A. Degnan, K. A., Penela, E. C., & Fox, N. A. (2014). Associations between behavioral inhibition and children’s social problem-solving behavior during social exclusion. Social Development.

​Penela, E. C., Henderson, H. A., Hane, A. A., Ghera, M. N., & Fox, N. A. (2012). Maternal caregiving moderates the relationship between temperamental fear and social behavior with peers. Infancy.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Dr. Penela proudly provides evidence-based therapy services in English and Spanish. In-person appointments available in South Florida: Weston, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Cooper City, Boca Raton, ​Davie, Parkland, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation and surrounding areas.

Tele-health sessions available to individuals residing in all 43 PSYPACT participating states, including Florida. 
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© 2020 - 2025 Wellness in Broward
  • Therapy
    • Adults >
      • Anxiety Treatment
      • OCD Treatment
    • Kids + Teens >
      • Anxiety Treatment
      • OCD Treatment
    • Parents
  • About Dr. Penela
    • Meet Dr. Penela
    • Areas of Specialty
    • Education + Training
    • Curriculum Vitae
  • En Español
  • Blog
  • Info
    • Contact + Fees
    • FAQs
    • Press
    • Email Newsletter
  • Book an Appointment