Judith Rivera Counseling

Counseling

I provide counseling that integrates a faith-filled perspective and that is grounded in the Word of God with the best evidence-based interventions revealed to us thus far. We are called to build our homes upon a firm foundation, so my goal is for your journey of healing, restoration, and growth to stand on His original vision for your life.  His Word declares that He knows the plans He has for you, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11) If you are ready to seek support, let’s connect. 

Which Counseling is right for you?

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

Certain events in our life require interventions that address not just our minds and emotions but provide relief in our bodies as well. The effects of trauma (severe or not) clearly manifest beyond the emotional and into the realm of the physical. For instance, we experience these effects as body-consuming anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sleeplessness, tension, and many others.
EMDR is an extensively researched and holistic approach to therapy, designed to alleviate the distress caused by traumatic memories, in all areas of our being. This structured approach can help you target specific events and patterns in a powerful and effective way.

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When there is a lot going on in life, we often find it hard to cope. We can start to feel stuck repeating the same painful patterns, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depleted. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you’re noticing that you complain a lot about feeling stressed, tired, unfulfilled, or anxious. Or there’s a longing inside of you, to reaffirm joy and balance. You know it is time to make a change, but even the smallest addition to your already heavy plate, feels impossible.

If this sounds true for you, I want you to know that many of my clients have shared with me how difficult it was for them to come in because they considered themselves to be strong women of faith with countless blessings in their life. But the courage to receive counsel and embrace an armor bearer during difficult seasons in your life is a sign of strength and wisdom. Self-care is not an indulgence or a selfish act. In fact, it is especially important to take care of yourself when you have the responsibility of caring for others, and it is a biblical principle that the Lord established to bless you.

Perhaps you’re wondering if the areas you’re wanting support with are ones that I am familiar with. Read the list below, to get a sense of what we can work through together. However, please know that I welcome every individual, and this list is not comprehensive. It is simply meant to give you an overview of the most common areas of support.

  • Perinatal Care (Infertility, Miscarriage, Birth Trauma, Loss, Post-Partum Depression & Anxiety)
  • Parenting
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Boundaries & Assertiveness
  • Faith Injuries
  • Relationships & Interpersonal Dynamics
  • Core wounds (Rejection, Humiliation, Betrayal, Abandonment, and Injustice)
  • Self-esteem & Purpose
  • Life-transitions (Through the lifespan for women 18+: career, dating, marriage, parenting, empty nest)
  • Spiritual Development

I’ve helped wonderful women- who have courageously pressed on for years to keep everyone around them going, all while feeling overwhelmed themselves- return to a place of balance, joy, and purpose. I have seen these women flourish with new faith, strength and re-centered in God’s divine blessings for their lives. If this is something that you’ve silently, or not so silently, prayed for then let’s get started.

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“I have found the one whom my soul loves…”
Song of Solomon 3:4

Congratulations! You’re ready to take the next step in your relationship. This is one of the most exciting and foundational seasons in life. It is certainly filled with joyful expectations, but is also one that requires, and I am so sorry to say this, hard work. During this season you will both envision what your hearts are longing for and start laying the foundation for what your life’s journey together will actually be like. You might be wondering, will we successfully navigate conflicts together? Or will we retreat to our corners feeling hurt? Will we grow in trust, love, and understanding of each other? Or will we grow apart as the years pass by? Will we successfully create our own values, traditions, and dynamics? Or will we repeat the same generational patterns that we know we want to break? Will I get hurt? Or will we thrive? The reality is, marriage doesn’t have to be a guessing game, the Word of God gives us very clear parameters and guidelines to build our homes on a solid foundation. He is on our side and wants us to succeed. We just have to know what these foundational principles are and do the work of implementing them. The problem is that the implementation piece can be tricky to navigate without a clear road map and without the right support. Here is a list of key areas to cover before the big I DO:

  • Personality traits & Interpersonal Dynamics
  • Family of Origin
  • Communication Styles & Conflict Resolution
  • Boundaries (both individual & in marriage)
  • Finances
  • Sex, intimacy & affection
  • Faith & spirituality
  • Friends & family/in-laws
  • Roles & responsibilities
  • Expectations, values & love maps
  • Transitional Seasons (e.g., children & parenting, professional/ministerial promotions)

The reality is that the number of sessions a couple requires can vary greatly so the number of these will be tailored to your specific needs. However, I recommend to plan for a minimum of 10 sessions to lay a solid pre-marital foundation that will bless you for years. If the day is quickly approaching and you do not see this number of sessions working for you then don’t be afraid to get started. We can complete as many sessions as possible before your special day and return to work during the newlywed phase. If you’re ready to stop hoping it’ll go well, and instead courageously take ahold of God’s promises for a blessed and loving marriage, then let’s get started.

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Research shows that 1,700 pastoral families leave the ministry each month (Shaffer Institute). Among the reasons cited depression, burnout, or being overworked rise to the top. This same study found that 90% of pastoral couples report working between 55 to 70 hours a week, and yet, 50% of them still feel that they’re unable to meet the demands of the job. It is noteworthy that these statistics are pre-pandemic; we have yet to fully grasp the devastating consequences the pandemic brought on pastors and their families, as they have been leading and serving as spiritual first responders for so many in need. Now more than ever so many pastoral families find themselves drained and exhausted and are worthy of support.

You may have arrived at this website because you or your spouse are experiencing:

  • Burnout
  • Difficulty gathering the energy required to balance church and home life
  • Several years of pushing through weariness and fatigue resulting in not feeling like you’re enough.
  • Not being able to open up and find a safe and confidential place to effectively navigate ministry demands
  • A season of personal pain (illness, grief, finances, relationships) all while still caring for others.

The word of God says “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt. 11:28-29. I wholeheartedly believe the Lord will make a way for you and your family to find rest. If you are ready to find support, let’s talk.

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Personal Evaluation
Do any of the following resonate with you?
You’re burnt out from working too much.
Your mind is working overtime, leaving you exhausted.

You are battling anxiety and longing for peace.

Judith Rivera Counseling

A Safe Space for Healing

Warmhearted + Compassionate

I am a warmhearted and compassionate Christian therapist ready to come alongside you and help you rise above what you are going through. I provide care for those experiencing core wounds, unhealthy pressure and uncomfortable emotions such as shame, anxiety, and depression.

Faith-based Counsel

What makes me different: I provide a safe space filled with compassion, discernment, and encouragement. I also integrate faith-based elements to our journey and will help you discover your unique set of values to guide your journey.

Let's Talk!

Let's Talk!

Limited Availability. If you do not hear back within 2 business days this means that there are no current openings. You will be added to the interest list and be contacted as soon as there is availability. You will also receive free updates on new content and resources upon filling out this form.