- Client-centered care
- Solution-focused steps
- Grief and loss support
About Richard
Richard Rivera is a licensed clinical social worker with 40 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, grief, and big life changes. He emphasizes that clients know their own stories and brings a respectful, supportive presence to sessions. Rivera focuses on listening closely and helping people use their strengths to move forward.
He works from a client-centered perspective that keeps the person's goals at the center of the work. That means sessions start with what matters most to the client and move at a pace they find comfortable. He also uses solution-focused ideas to help people identify small, practical steps that can create change between meetings.
In practice he offers a calm, encouraging style. He helps people talk through difficult feelings, sort out relationship problems, and find ways to cope after loss. Conversations often include identifying what is already working and building on those successes.
Rivera draws on decades of experience in social work to support people through transitions and moments of grief or stress. He aims to empower people to clarify values, set realistic steps, and regain a sense of direction. Sessions are guided by the client's priorities and readiness to change.
Located in New Jersey, he offers services in English and accepts international clients. Prospective clients are invited to start by completing a short matching questionnaire to schedule a first appointment.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the client's priorities. The therapist creates space for people to tell their story, reflect on what matters most, and choose the direction of work. This approach can help with stress, grief, and decisions about life purpose.Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, practical steps that lead to change. Sessions often identify concrete actions, exceptions to problems, and short-term goals that build momentum between meetings. This can be useful for anxiety, coping with change, and relationship concerns.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to match methods to the client's goals and preferences. Together they try ideas, see what helps, and adjust the plan as needed.
Specific session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and create smoother scheduling on short notice. Some formats also allow shorter check-ins or sessions that don't require being on camera, which can help when someone needs flexibility rather than a long session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, grief, and life changes, plus issues like forgiveness, life purpose, and post-traumatic stress.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is client-centered and supportive, with a focus on listening and following the client's lead while offering practical, solution-focused suggestions.
What kind of background does he bring to sessions?
He has 40 years of professional experience in social work and uses that experience to help people cope with transitions, grief, and ongoing stressors.
Which credentials and location apply?
He is an LCSW licensed in New Jersey and practices out of that state.
In what languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.