Congratulations! It is great that you have taken the first step in seeking support for your emotional well-being. Perhaps you are struggling with daily stresses, anxiety, overwhelming sadness, depression or past trauma is interfering with your life. Whatever the reason, you are here, which means which mean you are seekng to be the best version of you! I would be honored to continue helping you on this journey. My story is not unique but my journey certainly is. I am a Latina born to teen parents from Puerto Rico. I grew up poor in the inner city. I witnessed my father’s alcohol abuse, DV, divorce and my mother’s depression as she struggled to raise two young daughters while getting an education for herself - all before the age of 8! I survived the only way I knew how - excelling at school. I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship to a prestigious boarding school and studied abroad. This experience had its pros and cons. I saw the world and realized there was much more to life than what I experienced as a child. As an adult, I struggled with forging healthy relationships. I married, had two children. Sadly, I repeated the cycle and married someone that struggled with alcoholism and eventually died as a result. I was left to finish raising two teenagers. While that was hard, the toughest part was when my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He is fine now but the ordeal was terrifying. I am now remarried and happily experiencing the joys and challenges of a blended family. My journey has had successes and challenges. I have recognized that all of these experiences helped me grow emotionally. I believe I am stronger and more grounded and a better therapist because of it.

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

The first session will begin with brief introductions. This will be a great time for you to ask any questions or discuss any concerns or apprehensions you may have. Then we can delve into the specific challenges you are facing. this will help us create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.

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

I feel that my biggest strength is that I am able to meet my clients where they are. I am able to help my clients feel and understand that their anxiety/depression/trauma does not have to define them. I am an empathic listener that can also gently challenge my clients if necessary. I have worked with victims of sexual trauma, childhood sexual, physical, emotional, and mental abuse. I have also worked with clients from different socio economic, cultural and racial backgrounds.

About Lisette Rivera