Therapist profile
Maria Magdalena Rivera, LMFT
California
Licensed therapist - stress and addictions
Continue with MariaWhere Maria stands
- Credentials
- LMFT
- License
- LMFT, California / 143026
- NPI
- 1255813499
- Experience
- 6 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Codependency concerns
About Maria
Maria Magdalena Rivera is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with six years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, low self-esteem, and life changes including issues around codependency and communication problems.
She prefers a direct, conversational style in sessions. Maria Magdalena listens for what feels most urgent and then helps people set clear, achievable steps. She uses straightforward exercises and practical tools rather than only talking about feelings.
Her approach draws on Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. That mix lets her help with thinking patterns, emotional regulation, and building motivation to make small changes. She also works with chronic pain, illness, and disability concerns when they affect daily coping.
Sessions typically include checking what matters most that week, practicing a new skill, and planning one small step to try between meetings. Maria Magdalena pays attention to guilt, shame, and struggles with self-love while helping people strengthen boundaries and communication skills.
People who feel stuck putting others first often find concrete tools helpful. Maria Magdalena focuses on building practical skills, boosting confidence, and supporting people as they practice new ways of responding. She invites straightforward talk about progress and setbacks so plans can be adjusted as needed.
How sessions work
How her approaches translate to online work
Maria Magdalena commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy online. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and reflecting what matters to the client so they can clarify goals. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviors, and introduces simple exercises to test new ways of thinking and acting.She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. DBT skills teach practical steps for handling intense feelings and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for people who struggle with people-pleasing or reacting strongly in relationships.
Choosing an approach is a shared process. She will work with clients to try methods that fit their goals and preferences, adjust what isn’t working, and introduce new tools as progress unfolds.
Confirm the current session options before booking, since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. Some clients prefer sessions that do not require video, while others find in-session practice with mindful exercises helpful; discuss preferences when scheduling so sessions match everyday life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self-esteem, and coping with life changes including codependency and communication problems.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a conversational, task-focused style. Sessions mix practical exercises, discussion, and goal-setting.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years of professional experience as a therapist.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an LMFT licensed in California.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.