Being heard is the beginning. Being yourself is the work.
At Patterns and People Therapy, we honor the roots you come from — the language, strength, struggle, and spirit passed down through generations. Whether you're carrying the weight of family expectations, navigating bicultural identity, or trying to unlearn patterns that no longer serve you, this is a space where your full self is welcome. Therapy here is not one-size-fits-all. It’s relational, respectful, and grounded in the belief that healing doesn’t mean forgetting where you come from — it means reclaiming who you’re meant to be. Therapy here isn’t about fixing you. It’s about walking with you, listening deeply, and helping you reconnect to the parts of you that deserve more care, clarity, and compassion. You’re not alone — let’s begin, together.
Services Provided All by Telehealth in California Only
One-on-one sessions designed to help you explore your story, process emotions, and shift patterns that hold you back. This is your space to feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow — at your own pace.
Whether you're in a relationship or part of a family system, therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect. We help you explore patterns that create distance or tension, while guiding you toward deeper understanding, trust, and communication. Together, we’ll work to heal what’s unspoken and strengthen the bonds that matter most — with respect for each person's voice, history, and role in the relationship.
*At this time, my practice operates on a cash-pay only basis; however, I am actively pursuing insurance panel participation and provide superbills to assist clients with potential insurance reimbursement
About Elba
I’m Elba Alvarado, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Patterns and People Therapy. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins in relationships — with ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry. I hold space for people navigating the quiet weight of expectations, the complexity of identity, and the patterns that shape how we show up in the world.
My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in cultural humility. I listen for what’s spoken and unspoken, and help clients gently explore the parts of themselves that are ready to grow, heal, or be seen in a new way. Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, life transitions, or family dynamics, I’m here to support you with presence, compassion, and curiosity.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanguard University and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.
Therapy with me isn’t about fixing who you are — it’s about coming home to yourself.