- Strengths focused
- Goal oriented
- Evidence informed
About Maria
Maria Rivera is an LCSW practicing in North Carolina with 15 years of experience. She centers her work on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and the impacts of trauma and abuse. She also supports those coping with addictions, relationship struggles, and major life changes.
Maria approaches people as the experts on their own lives and looks for the strengths they already have. She uses practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused work to tackle immediate problems. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas help people notice hard thoughts while moving toward the life they value.
Sessions focus on clear goals and small steps that fit into day-to-day life. Maria often blends motivational interviewing when people are deciding to change behaviors, such as substance use or unhealthy patterns in relationships. The emphasis is on doable strategies rather than long explanations.
Her additional focus areas include attention challenges like ADHD, grief and bereavement, parenting concerns, body image and eating issues, chronic illness and caregiver stress, and matters related to adoption or attachment. She has worked across a broad range of concerns over her career and draws on that experience in session.
Maria aims to make the first steps straightforward. She invites people to share what matters most to them and to begin with a short, practical plan aimed at change that feels realistic and measurable.
Maria approaches people as the experts on their own lives and looks for the strengths they already have. She uses practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused work to tackle immediate problems. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas help people notice hard thoughts while moving toward the life they value.
Sessions focus on clear goals and small steps that fit into day-to-day life. Maria often blends motivational interviewing when people are deciding to change behaviors, such as substance use or unhealthy patterns in relationships. The emphasis is on doable strategies rather than long explanations.
Her additional focus areas include attention challenges like ADHD, grief and bereavement, parenting concerns, body image and eating issues, chronic illness and caregiver stress, and matters related to adoption or attachment. She has worked across a broad range of concerns over her career and draws on that experience in session.
Maria aims to make the first steps straightforward. She invites people to share what matters most to them and to begin with a short, practical plan aimed at change that feels realistic and measurable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
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
Credentials
North Carolina
Languages
English
How Maria’s Approaches Work Online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It focuses on clarifying values and taking small, value-driven actions even when emotions are difficult. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. Solution-Focused Therapy helps identify immediate goals and builds small steps that lead to visible progress quickly.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Maria will listen to your goals and try methods that match your needs and preferences. Together you can adjust the plan over time so work in sessions feels relevant and doable.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact session formats before booking since options are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, shorten commute time, and allow for check-ins that suit a workday or caregiving schedule. Some formats may be better for brief coaching-type check-ins while others support longer skills work, so discuss what fits your routine when you schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Maria address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship issues, anger, grief, parenting, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
What approach does she use in sessions?
Her work draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to build practical skills and clarify goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience working with a variety of mental health and life concerns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
Maria is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in North Carolina.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.