Mona Rivera, LPC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Mona Rivera

Mona Rivera

(she/her)

LPC
18 years of experience
Virtual

Each person's journey is unique, and I believe therapy should reflect that. I draw from various therapeutic techniques and adapt my approach to best support your individual needs, personality, and goals. Whether you're seeking coping skills, emotional healing, or personal growth, our work together will be tailored to meet you where you are, creating a supportive and personalized path forward.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Your first session with me is an opportunity to start building a strong, collaborative relationship and lay the foundation for our work together. Here’s what you can expect: Warm Welcome/Introduction We’ll begin with a warm and welcoming environment, whether online or in person. I’ll introduce myself and my approach to therapy, giving you a sense of who I am and how I work. This time is about creating a safe and comfortable space where you feel heard, respected, and valued. Discussing Your Reasons for Seeking Therapy The session will focus on understanding why you’ve decided to pursue therapy. I’ll ask open-ended questions about what brought you in, the challenges you’re facing, and any specific goals or changes you hope to achieve. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, grief, or navigating a life transition, this is a judgment-free zone where you can share at your own pace. Exploring Your History To get a fuller picture of your life, we’ll explore your personal history, including past experiences, relationships, and any previous counseling or mental health support you’ve received. This helps me understand the context of your current challenges and how they’ve impacted your life. We’ll also discuss any coping strategies you’ve used and what has or hasn’t worked for you. Setting Goals and Expectations Together, we’ll begin to outline what you want to achieve in therapy. Your goals may range from managing anxiety or processing trauma to improving relationships or enhancing self-confidence. I’ll explain how we can work toward these goals using evidence-based approaches, such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or Compassion-Focused Therapy, tailored to your needs. Explaining the Therapy Process I’ll take time to explain my therapeutic methods and how they align with your concerns. For example: If trauma is a focus, I may discuss how EMDR can help reprocess distressing memories. For anxiety or depression, I might outline how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help reshape negative thought patterns. If grief or life transitions are a concern, we’ll talk about creating space for healing and rebuilding. I’ll also answer any questions about the therapy process, including session structure, confidentiality, and what to expect in future sessions. Collaborative Planning Your input is vital, so we’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan is flexible and evolves as we progress, focusing on clear, achievable steps that align wit

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, my strengths lie in a combination of clinical expertise, holistic perspective, compassionate care, and a commitment to fostering meaningful change for my clients. Here’s an overview of what sets me apart and how these strengths contribute to your therapeutic experience: Clinical Expertise and Experience With a diverse background as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and certified EMDR therapist, I bring extensive training and experience to every session. I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and personal growth, tailoring evidence-based approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. My ability to integrate multiple therapeutic modalities ensures that you receive well-rounded, effective care. Holistic Approach I believe that true healing involves the mind, body, and spirit. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor and holistic health coach, I incorporate mindfulness, movement, and overall wellness into therapy when appropriate. This holistic perspective allows me to address the deeper connections between emotional and physical well-being, empowering you to create balance and lasting change. Compassion and Empathy Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space is at the core of my practice. I understand that seeking therapy can feel vulnerable, and I’m committed to meeting you with warmth, empathy, and unconditional support. My clients often share that they feel truly seen and understood, which fosters trust and makes the therapeutic process more effective. Personalized Care I recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to fit your specific concerns and goals. Whether we’re focusing on processing past trauma with EMDR, challenging negative thought patterns with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or building self-compassion through Compassion-Focused Therapy, my methods are customized to meet you where you are and support where you want to go. Commitment to Collaboration Therapy is a partnership, and I value your input at every step. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I’m here to guide and support you. Together, we’ll set achievable goals and develop a plan that reflects your strengths, values, and aspirations. I also encourage ongoing feedback to ensure our work stays aligned with your evolving needs. Specialized Knowledge and Skills I bring in-depth experience working with issues such as: Military Life: Understanding the challenge

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

I use EMDR to help clients process trauma, anxiety, and depression by targeting distressing memories and replacing them with healthier perspectives. This evidence-based approach fosters emotional healing and resilience, allowing you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. EMDR is integrated into a personalized, holistic treatment plan.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress. By focusing on practical strategies and behavioral changes, CBT empowers you to develop healthier perspectives and coping skills, fostering meaningful change and personal growth within a holistic framework.

Compassion Focused

I use Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help clients cultivate self-compassion and reduce self-criticism, which can fuel anxiety, depression, and shame. By fostering kindness toward yourself and building emotional resilience, CFT supports healing and personal growth, integrated into a holistic approach tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients strengthen emotional connections, understand patterns in relationships, and address unresolved emotional pain. This approach fosters deeper self-awareness and healthier bonds, promoting healing and growth within a holistic, personalized framework tailored to your unique concerns and goals.

Grief Therapy

I use grief therapy to support clients in processing loss, honoring their emotions, and navigating the complexities of grief. Through a compassionate, personalized approach, I help you explore your unique experience, identify strengths, and find ways to heal and rebuild, fostering resilience and growth within a holistic framework.