Rivka is a licensed social worker and certified trauma professional with a deep passion for facilitating recovery and healing work using a variety of evidence-based modalities. Rivka interweaves tenets of relational, attachment-based, and psychodynamic theories with CBT, behavioral, somatic, and mindfulness approaches to offer clients the opportunity for tangible progress and change while collaboratively addressing the underlying contributors to their challenges.

With an extensive background working with adolescents and adults struggling with substance abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, PTSD, intimacy and personality disorders, Rivka maintains that early childhood experiences shape many of the beliefs and behaviors, including addiction, self-harm, and other maladaptive coping strategies, that often pose as barriers to freedom and personal growth. Rivka uses warmth, compassion, and cultural sensitivity to support clients in processing trauma, identifying and gaining insight into their unconscious reactions and emotions, and gently challenging and replacing unhelpful beliefs that stand in the way of achieving their goals. Rivka works to empower and encourage clients on their journey by focusing on affirming their strengths, releasing shame, and exploring and modeling realistic and healthy coping skills. In order to facilitate this courageous process, Rivka values providing a safe and supportive holding space by taking the time to build trust and rapport in the therapeutic relationship.

Rivka firmly believes in the importance of integrating multiple disciplines to most effectively meet a client’s individual needs. In addition to using traditional clinical modalities, Rivka is well-versed in and implements a variety of recovery methods, including 12 Step principles, mindfulness techniques, and inner child work. In conjunction with these approaches, Rivka considers holistically exploring and embracing the mind-body-spirit connection to be essential for successfully treating both the symptoms and causes of emotional, mental and somatic distress. Rivka facilitates a connection with clients on their journey by drawing from a deep understanding of growth and healing.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Rivka is state-licensed to provide in-person and/or virtual therapy to clients in both New Jersey and New York.