Gaudi Alvarado, AMFT

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT # #142646) supervised by Paula Kettula, LCSW (LCS# 25403), with over seven years of clinical experience providing trauma-informed care.

I bring warmth, steadiness, and deep cultural awareness into my work. I create a warm, collaborative space where adults and couples feel emotionally safe, supported, and empowered toward meaningful change.

My clinical background includes community mental health, school-based outpatient services, private practice, and work with military service members and veterans, which allows me to support you through a wide range of life challenges.

As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and California State–Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, I have specialized training in trauma recovery, relational safety, and the long-term impact of abuse. I support clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, dual diagnosis, and chronic stress, including the impact of cultural and systemic factors.

My approach is collaborative and intentional. I integrate evidence-based modalities such as CBT, ACT, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused strategies—always tailoring our work to your goals, readiness, and nervous system capacity. I value pacing and sustainability, believing that lasting growth happens when therapy feels both supportive and empowering.

With prior experience as a psychologist in Costa Rica and years of advocacy work supporting families and individuals with complex needs, I bring a strong commitment to ethical care, cultural humility, and relational integrity. I honor your lived experience and welcome you exactly as you are.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable—especially if you’ve been carrying a heavy emotional load for a long time. You don’t have to do that alone. Together, we’ll strengthen coping tools, clarify what matters most, and build a path forward that feels authentic, grounded, and sustainable.

Practice Information

I am part of Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services, a collaborative group practice dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and create more fulfilling lives.

At Porta Verum, we believe that well-being is something you can cultivate through self-awareness, intentional growth, and the right support. Therapy is not just about getting through challenges—it’s about building the insight, resilience, and skills you need to create a life that feels meaningful and aligned.

Our team of compassionate, highly trained therapists is here to support you through whatever you’re facing. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, we offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore, heal, and grow.

With over 150 years of combined clinical experience, our therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs. We focus on helping you better understand yourself, regulate stress, and develop healthier patterns in your life and relationships.

We understand that life today can feel overwhelming and fast-paced. Our goal is to provide a grounded, supportive space where you can slow down, gain clarity, and reconnect with your sense of purpose.

You don’t have to do this alone—we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.