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Maria Rivera

Maria Rivera, LCSW

North Carolina

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LCSW - Stress and Anger support

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing

About Maria

Maria Rivera is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in North Carolina with 15 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, and anger. Maria speaks English and draws on straightforward methods to help people manage day-to-day problems and strong emotions.

She sees clients as the experts of their own stories and starts from what each person already does well. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings. Maria uses clear, action-oriented tools rather than jargon, so people leave with things to practice at home or at work.

Her approach blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and client-centered techniques. That mix is applied to issues like grief, parenting struggles, body image, and coping with major life changes. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused work are also part of her toolbox when someone needs direction or a plan.

Maria has supported people through complicated medical and caregiving situations, chronic pain and illness, adoption and foster care concerns, and attachment issues. She also addresses attention differences, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring problems such as depression and substance use.

Practical problem solving and steady skill-building are central in her practice. People who come for help with anger learn ways to notice triggers, practice alternative responses, and set small goals for change. The work is collaborative and paced to each person's readiness.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing unhelpful thoughts and choosing actions that match personal values. It helps when anger or avoidance gets in the way of living the way someone wants. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is commonly used for anger, anxiety, and mood problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That means trying strategies, checking how they land, and adjusting plans over time so the work stays useful and realistic.

Session formats are not specified in the biographical details, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid being on camera for every meeting. Licensed professionals often use these practical benefits to help clients keep therapy consistent while balancing everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management

Also works with

Family conflictsGriefEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Listed in

North Carolina

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she work with?

She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger, grief, parenting, self esteem, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD and related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is practical and client-centered. She uses plain language, action steps, and evidence-informed techniques to address problems.

How much experience does she have?

She has 15 years of professional work experience helping people with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

What are her credentials and location?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in North Carolina.

Which languages are supported and can she work internationally?

Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

Confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the biography.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Whenever you are ready

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp, in your own time.

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Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, or you are afraid of someone at home, contact emergency services. Emergency and domestic abuse numbers

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Maria RiveraLCSW

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