Lucy Rivera
Hi, I’m Lucy Rivera, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to feel heard, understood, and valued. My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from strengths-based, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. I work with adolescents ages 12–17 and adults navigating stress, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and experiences that leave them feeling overwhelmed or stuck. I strive to meet each client where they are, honoring their unique experiences, strengths, and goals without judgment or pressure. I believe growth takes time, healing looks different for everyone, and even difficult seasons can create opportunities for change. Guided by compassion, grace, and hope, I work alongside clients to build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and move toward greater confidence and emotional well-being. You don't have to have everything figured out to begin therapy; you simply need a space where you can start.
I believe growth takes time, healing looks different for everyone, and even difficult seasons can create opportunities for change.
First session
I want every client to leave their first session feeling heard, welcomed, and hopeful about the possibility of change. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, so I strive to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where clients can share at their own pace without feeling pressured to have everything figured out. Our first session is an opportunity to get to know one another, explore what brings you to therapy, and begin identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. With adolescents, I focus on building trust and helping them feel respected and understood. With adults, I work collaboratively to explore their concerns and identify meaningful steps forward. When working with families, I emphasize understanding different perspectives, improving communication, and identifying shared goals. My hope is that clients leave feeling a little lighter, more understood, and reassured that they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to therapy is my ability to balance compassion, understanding, and encouragement with honest, supportive guidance. My personal journey and professional experience have taught me that everyone faces challenges differently and that people need to feel heard and respected before they can begin to make meaningful changes. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe being themselves, without fear of judgment. I am a supportive and collaborative therapist who listens deeply while also gently challenging clients to recognize patterns, explore new perspectives, and discover their own strengths. I believe growth happens when we feel supported enough to be vulnerable and empowered enough to take the next step. My goal is not to tell clients how to live, but to help them recognize their potential, build confidence, and make choices that align with the life they want to create.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adolescents and adults navigating life changes, stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about their next steps. They may be working to understand their emotions, build confidence, strengthen coping skills, or find a healthier way to manage life's challenges. I welcome clients who are ready for change as well as those who are still figuring out where to begin. My goal is to meet each person where they are, offering a supportive, judgment-free space to explore their experiences, recognize their strengths, and work toward meaningful goals. Whether someone needs time to process their feelings or is ready to take practical steps forward, I believe therapy should be collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to their individual needs. I hope to help clients develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence as they move toward a more fulfilling life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we explore patterns that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, or other challenges and identify healthier ways of thinking and responding. I help clients develop practical coping skills they can use in everyday life, build confidence in handling difficult situations, and make changes that support their emotional well-being.
Strength-Based
My strengths-based approach focuses on recognizing each client's abilities, resilience, and potential rather than defining them by their struggles. I believe everyone has strengths they can build upon, even during difficult seasons of life. Together, we identify what is already working, explore past experiences of overcoming challenges, and discover resources that can support future growth. My goal is to help clients recognize their own capabilities, build on their successes, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes at their own pace.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore what matters most to them and identify what they want to change in their lives. Sometimes we know we want things to be different but feel uncertain about where to start. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to work through those mixed feelings, recognize personal motivations, and identify realistic next steps. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I help them discover their own reasons for change and build confidence in their ability to move forward.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 10755