CBT Therapist Directory

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Maria Magdalena Rivera, LMFT

Compassionate California LMFT for anxiety and recovery
  • Helps with stress and anxiety
  • Provides addiction support
  • Builds self esteem

About Maria Magdalena Rivera

Maria Magdalena Rivera is a licensed mental health clinician in California with six years of professional experience. As an LMFT - a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - she has worked with people facing stress, anxiety, substance-related challenges, grief and loss, and struggles with motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Her approach centers on treating each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while responding to the specific circumstances they bring to therapy.

Rivera emphasizes a collaborative process, tailoring conversations and treatment plans to reflect each client’s unique needs and goals. She focuses on building practical skills and insight that support gradual change, whether a person is coping with a recent loss, managing anxiety, or working to overcome patterns tied to addiction. Recognizing that seeking support is a courageous step, she offers steady guidance and encouragement throughout the therapeutic journey.

Her practice prioritizes individualized care that adapts as clients move through different stages of healing and growth. Rivera aims to create an environment where people feel heard and understood while developing strategies that enhance well-being and daily functioning.

Areas of Expertise

Additional Focus Areas

Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDrug and alcohol addictionGuilt and shameMidlife crisisSelf-harmSelf-loveYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Maria Magdalena Rivera have?

She has 6 years of experience.

Is Maria Magdalena Rivera a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her license is listed as CA LMFT 143026.

In which languages does Maria Magdalena Rivera provide therapy?

She provides therapy in English.

Where is Maria Magdalena Rivera located?

She is located in California.

How can I work with Maria Magdalena Rivera as my therapist?

You can work with Maria Magdalena Rivera through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Maria Magdalena Rivera work with international clients?

Maria Magdalena Rivera does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Maria Magdalena Rivera cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Maria Magdalena Rivera integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to support people working through stress, anxiety, grief, and motivation challenges. Client-centered therapy focuses on providing an empathetic, nonjudgmental space where the client’s experience guides the work; this approach helps people feel understood and build self-trust. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and practicing practical skills to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning; CBT is often useful for anxiety, low motivation, and issues with confidence.

She also draws on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills when emotion regulation, intense reactions, or self-harm concerns are present. DBT offers concrete strategies for managing strong emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress in healthier ways. Choosing the right approach is viewed as a collaborative process - Rivera partners with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and adjusts the plan as progress occurs.

Online therapy formats such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexibility for people balancing work, family, or health concerns. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from home, and access licensed professionals without geographic barriers, while preserving the therapeutic focus on skills, insight, and personal growth.

Ready to start therapy with Maria Magdalena Rivera?

Take the first step toward a better you.