“I realize that if I were stable and steady and static, I would be living death. So I accept confusion and uncertainty and fear and emotional highs and lows because they are the price I willingly pay for a flowing, perplexing, exciting life.”  Carl Rogers
Client Portal


At the core of our therapy philosophy is the Latin word movēre. Movere reflects the profound connection between our feelings and our biological drive to act. Our goal is to help you harness the dynamic drive within your emotions and channel it towards actions that are effective and meaningful.


In the context of the U.S. Foreign Service lifestyle, movēre takes on another layer of significance by addressing the innate challenges inherent to frequent transfers and adaptation to new environments. We are here to support you in successfully navigating change, such that it becomes an opportunity to flourish and find richness in all chapters of life.


At the core of our therapy philosophy is the Latin word movēre. Movere reflects the profound connection between our feelings and our biological drive to act. Our goal is to help you harness the dynamic drive within your emotions and channel it towards actions that are effective and meaningful.


In the context of the U.S. Foreign Service lifestyle, movēre takes on another layer of significance by addressing the innate challenges inherent to frequent transfers and adaptation to new environments. We are here to support you in successfully navigating change, such that it becomes an opportunity to flourish and find richness in all chapters of life.

Meet the Team

Catalina Perez, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

I specialize in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder across all ages, supported by advanced training in these areas. I am also committed to helping parents manage overwhelm, addressing early childhood behavioral needs, and guiding individuals and families through cross-cultural transitions. My clients describe my therapeutic style as approachable and warm.  Through creativity, practicality, and sensitivity, I deliver personalized and candid therapy sessions.  In addition, I am a native Spanish speaker and can provide the full range of services in Spanish.

Outside the virtual therapy room, I support therapists in countries with limited mental health resources in advancing their skills.  On a personal level, I try to savor the simple pleasures of life.  This includes taking walks in nature with my family, witnessing my children master new challenges on the playground, immersing myself in inspiring podcasts, and searching for the best pistachio ice-cream in town.

Professional qualifications & credentials

  • Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from The Catholic University of America with a concentration in Children, Families, and Cultures
  • Pre-doctoral internship in clinical child and pediatric psychology at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
  • Postdoctoral fellowship in primary care at Children's National Hospital
  • Training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Training in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
  • National Certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Recipient of the 2022 International OCD Foundation Behavior Therapy Training Institute Scholarship

To learn more about my educational and professional background, please refer to the link below:

Dr. Perez’s Resume

Our Approach to Treatment

Our therapy approach is goal-oriented and time-limited.  We strive to provide practical solutions that can lead to lasting results, without encouraging endless sessions.  We understand that therapy requires time, commitment and financial investment.  Our aim is to equip you with the tools you need to move forward confidently within a defined timeframe.

We use treatment approaches based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  Research shows that these methods significantly improve symptoms and overall well-being.  Within this framework, we offer the following specialized therapies:

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

When working with children, parents are active participants in their child’s wellness journey.  Children may not always possess the developmental awareness to independently generalize therapy skills outside of sessions.  Our parent-based approach dedicates a significant time to teaching parents practical tools that they can integrate into their family’s daily life, in order to promote and sustain lasting changes for their child.  This means that parents actively participate in most sessions, especially those with very young children. 

Request an appointment

If you are interested in starting your therapy journey with us, please complete the form below

If we believe Movere can meet your needs, we will arrange a complimentary 15-minute call to learn more about your goals for therapy and together decide if Movere is the right path.

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