About Dr Valeria Penela

I maintain a private practice in West Los Angeles, California where I provide individual, group, couples and family therapy.  I speak publicly and write on several topics of public interest and I’m available to provide both consultation and educational talks.
I received my early training in psychodynamic therapy and family systems theory at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.  After completing a Masters Degree in Psychology, I maintained a successful private practice and taught at the University of Buenos Aires.

I initially focused on treating individuals, families and adolescents. Desiring advanced training in the field of Psychology, I relocated to the United States where I completed my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I then completed two years of intense training in long- term psychodynamic and interpersonal psychotherapy at the Saturday Center for Psychotherapy. My practice specializes in treating individuals who find blocks to their creativity, grief and loss, eating disorders, addictions, sexual abuse and somatic issues. I also enjoy working with successful professionals who have difficulties finding success in committed long-term relationships (see specialities).


I have spoken to professional and non-professional audiences on subjects of eating disorders, sexual abuse and acculturation and made several television and radio appearances as well. I published articles about the treatment of eating disorders and on the use of eclectic models in psychotherapy and was a regular columnist for the Spanish Speaking newspaper La Opinion. In addition, I actively participate in several professional organizations including the Los Angeles County Psychological Association and Los Angeles Group Psychotherapy Society, from which I’m a board member.

I specialized work with survivors of sexual abuse began while working as a group and individual therapist at the Child Abuse Listening and Mediation Center in Santa Barbara. Among other duties, I conducted groups and individual therapy for adult survivors of sexual abuse and developed the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) program.
                                                    

For the past 6 years, I focused on treating individuals who struggle with eating disorders (For more information about eating disorders you can visit http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org) . As part of this specialization I worked for several years at the Eating Disorder Center of California and at Clearview Treatment Center. I have a deep passion working to support both men and women who struggle with different forms of disordered eating. My practice has been successful to help individuals to find their “real hungers” and create healthy ways to satisfy these newfound feelings.


Publications

Mardis, R., Naimi, E., Boone, S., Penela, V. (2007). Real world of Recovery.
Beutler, L.E; Moleiro,C; Penela,V (2002). “What works in psychotherapy”. In Fernandez
Alvarez (Ed.) La Integracion en Psicoterapia. Paidos, Buenos Aires.