Meet Dr. Livia Perez
Professional Profile
I am a Doctor of Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) devoted to helping individuals heal from trauma and reconnect with their authentic sense of self.
/Integrative Therapeutic Approach
As an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant, and Trainer, my work bridges the science of psychology with the art of compassionate presence. My approach integrates evidence-based methods with holistic, mind-body practices to foster deep and lasting transformation.
/Professional Commitment
For more than fifteen years, I have had the privilege of accompanying individuals through complex and often life-altering experiences, including sexual and physical abuse, homicide, medical trauma, and other forms of psychological pain. My clinical expertise is strengthened by over thirty advanced trauma-focused trainings, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning, professional excellence, and the continual refinement of my therapeutic practice.
/Presence and Personalized Care
My work is grounded in both scientific rigor and human compassion. I believe in creating a comprehensive and individualized healing process for each person I serve, integrating the wisdom of evidence-based modalities with recognized complementary treatments. At the heart of my philosophy is presence, the intentional practice of being fully attuned, grounded, and emotionally available in every therapeutic encounter.
/Humanistic Approach
This deep sense of presence is what guides my work. It allows me to offer a space of safety, trust, and genuine connection where healing can unfold naturally and meaningfully. Above all, I see therapy as a collaborative journey that honors resilience, nurtures growth, and helps individuals rediscover their wholeness and capacity for peace.
ABOUT DR. LIVIA PEREZEducation and Credentials
I earned my Master of Science in Psychology in 2010 and later obtained my Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) with a concentration in Health Psychology in 2021. My doctoral dissertation explored the efficacy of EMDR therapy in treating trauma among individuals with spinal cord injuries, reflecting my commitment to integrating neuropsychological principles with trauma-informed care.
Certifications
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor
North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Florida Qualified Supervisor MHC
EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant
I see therapy as a collaborative journey that honors resilience, nurtures growth, and helps individuals rediscover their wholeness and capacity for peace.
ABOUT DR. LIVIA PEREZProfessional Experience
I began my clinical career at Kristi House in Miami, where I provided psychotherapy to children and adolescents who had experienced sexual abuse. The strength and courage I witnessed in my patients deeply shaped my path as a clinician. Inspired by the healing journey of one of them, I completed my first EMDR training in 2013 and opened my private practice later that same year. Since then, I have continued to expand my knowledge through advanced trainings in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, and other trauma-focused approaches. Over the years, I have also had the privilege of developing and facilitating professional trainings for fellow clinicians, contributing to a shared commitment to compassionate and effective trauma treatment.
Clinical Rotations in Medical and Neuropsychological Settings
During my doctoral program, I had the opportunity to maintain my private practice while completing clinical rotations at several respected medical institutions, an experience that deeply enriched both my professional and personal growth:
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One-year rotation in the Rehabilitation Unit, conducting biopsychosocial evaluations and providing psychotherapy to patients with spinal cord injuries, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and degenerative conditions.
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One-year rotation performing neuropsychological evaluations with geriatric populations as part of the DETECT PAD (Pre-Alzheimer’s Disease) and AIM (Precision-Based Computerized Assessment for the Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment) research programs.
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Eight-month rotation conducting neuropsychological assessments and providing individual and group psychotherapy for patients with traumatic brain injuries and neurological disorders.
Undergraduate, Graduate, Post-Graduate Studies/Advanced
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Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post-Graduate Studies/Advanced Trainings
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Clinical Psychology, Health Concentration, APA Accredited Program, Albizu University, Miami, FL, 2021
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Master of Science in Psychology-Mental Health Counseling, Carlos Albizu University, Miami, FL, 2010
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Bachelor of Arts in Law, University of Havana, Havana City, Cuba, 1999 Validated by Josef Silny & Associates, Miami, FL
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Trainings & Continuing Education Credits
Organized in Chronological Order
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EMDR Training/Continuing Education Credits
Transforming Trauma with EMDR Part I and II by Laurel Parnell, Ph.D., Big Sur, California, August-September 2013 / 38 CE
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Transforming Trauma with EMDR Part III by Laurel Parnell, Ph.D., Big Sur, California, May 2014 / 26 CE
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Attachment – Focused EMDR – Healing Developmental Deficits and Adults Abused as Children by Laurel Parnell, Ph.D., Philadelphia, February 2016 / 12 EMDRIA CE
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See Me, Feel Me, Heal Me – The Untold Story of the Brain and EMDR Therapy by Uri Bergmann, Ph.D., San Diego, California, August 2016 / 14 EMDRIA and CE-CLASSES CE
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EMDR as a Transpersonal Therapy: A Cross-Cultural Perspective Where East Meets West by Irene Siegel, Ph.D., Pahoa, Hawaii, May 2017 / 30 EMDRIA and CE-CLASSES CE
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Treating Chronic Pain with EMDR by Mark Grant, M.A., New York, July 2017 / 13 EMDRIA and CE-CLASSES CE
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EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology: Intervention to Enhance Embodiment in Trauma Treatment by Arielle Schwartz, Ph.D. and Barb Maiberger, LPC, EMDRIA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2018 / 3 EMDRIA CE
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Integrating EMDR Therapy in Trauma-Informed Palliative and Hospice Care by Michael Keller, LCSW, Barbara Ganzel, Ph.D., and Jim Reiser, LMFT, EMDRIA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2018 / 1.5 EMDRIA CE
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Health Issues as a Doorway for Healing Trauma: Changing Our Destiny by Irene Siegel, Ph.D., EMDRIA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2018 / 3 EMDRIA CE
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Using The EMDR Recent Event Protocol with Homicide Survivors and Victims of Other Violent Crimes by Donald F. deGraffenried, LCSW, EMDRIA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2018 / 3 EMDRIA CE
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Buddhist Psychology, EMDR Therapy and Addictions: The MET (T) A Protocol by Stephen Dansiger, PsyD, MFT, EMDRIA Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2018 / 1.5 EMDRIA CE
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Treating First-Responders and Military with EMDR Therapy by E. C. Hurley, Ph.D., Online Training, August 2020 / 18 EMDRIA and NBCC CE
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EMDR-Sandtray Therapy Specialist Intensive Certificate Program by Ana Gomez, MC, Phoenix, Arizona, February-March 2022 / 45 EMDRIA and CE-CLASSES CE
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EMDR-Child Specialist Intensive Certificate Program by Ana Gomez, MC, Phoenix, Arizona, October 2022 / 38 EMDRIA and CE-CLASSES CE
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Integrating EMDR Therapy with Jungian Psychology: Enhancing Generalization to Accelerate EMDR Processing by Andrew J. Dobo, Psy.D., Titusville, Florida, March 2024 / 12 EMDRIA CE
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Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists by Crystal Whitlow, LCSW, Online Training, November 2025 / 13 EMDRIA CE
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Clinical Hypnosis Training/Continuing Education Credits
Basic Hypnosis with Applications by Susan Becker, Ph.D., Miami, Florida, April 2009/ 16 CE
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Clinical Hypnosis with Rapid Trauma Resolution Level I by Jon Connelly, Ph.D., Tampa, Florida, April 2012/ 25 CE
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Clinical Hypnosis with Rapid Trauma Resolution Level II by Jon Connelly, Ph.D., Tampa, Florida, May 2012/ 25 CE
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Past Life Regression Therapy by Dr. Brian Weiss, Rhinebeck, New York, October 2012/ 25 CE
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04/
Qigong Training
Tao Basis (BA) by Mantak Chia, Valencia, Spain, April 2025 / 12 hours
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Healing Love (HL) by Mantak Chia, Valencia, Spain, April 2025 / 12 hours
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Iron Shirt Chi Kung (IS1) & Tan Tien Chi Kung (TTQ) by Mantak Chia, Valencia, Spain, April 2025 / 12 hours
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Emotional Alchemy, Foundations of Tao, Qigong, and the Energetic Body, Online, by Yasmina Drolma, October to December 2025 / 12 hours
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Other Training/Continuing Education Credits
Play Therapy by Lisa Saldana, LMHC, Miami, Florida, October 2009/ 6 CE
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Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Online Course, January 2010/ 10 CE
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Stewards of Children-Sexual Abuse Prevention by Kristi House, Miami, Florida, July 2010
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Trauma, PTSD, and Traumatic Grief by Duane Bowers, LPC, Miami, Florida, November 2010/ 6.5 CE
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Exposure Therapy for Children and Adolescents by the Institute for Child and Family Health, Miami, Florida, June 2011/ 5 CE
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Attachment Difficulties, Childhood Trauma, and Reactive Attachment Disorder: Clinical Guidelines for Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment by the Center for Child and Family Health, Miami, Florida, October 2011
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Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Learning Session I by Michael A. de Arellano, Ph.D., Miami, Florida, January 2013
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Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Learning Session II by Michael A. de Arellano, Ph.D., Miami, Florida, May 2013
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Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Learning Session III by Michael A. de Arellano, Ph.D., Miami, Florida, September 2013 / 16 CE
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Treatment for School-Age Children with Sexual Behavior Problems by Lisa Swisher, Ph.D., Miami, Florida, January 2014
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Integrative Medicine and Nutrition for PTSD and Complex Trauma by Leslie Korn, Ph.D., Online Training, September 2021-May 2022 / 33.75 CE
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Gottman Level One by Chris Cambas, LMFT, Tampa, Florida, January 2024 / 12 CE
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