ABOUT

Hi, I'm Cindi Rivera, MFT
And I provide Individual and Couples Psychotherapy for People (especially of Color) in Oakland, CA
I help Folks (including POC) like you, who are challenged with worrying, feeling upset or down, not knowing what to do, to feel better about yourself and your relationships. Through empathetic listening, I provide a space where you can be yourself without judgement.
Together, we'll explore how to get to a place where your worry and stress no longer run your life.
If You Feel Overwhelmed or Scared, I Hear You, And You Are Not Alone
Having enough energy to do your job well, tend to your relationship, be an effective parent to your kids, deal with all the micro aggressions that come your way in this negative political climate as a person of color, let alone, have some time to take care of yourself, requires superhuman effort. There are so many challenges to worry about and you might feel like a Hot Mess at the end (or beginning) of each day.
Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed right now with all that's going on. You may be feeling:
- Lonely and isolated that you have to do it all on your own
- Anxious about how much there is to do
- Feeling on the edge of tears all the time after interactions with loved ones, or coworkers, or the daily news
- Insecure about being a good enough parent, or partner, or professional, or Person in the world
- Scared that you will never feel good again or that you don’t know what would help
If worrying, feeling upset, not knowing what to do are affecting your ability to live your life, then it may be time to get Individual, and Couples Psychotherapy.
It’s Possible To Start Feeling At Peace
As your therapist, I will listen deeply to you as you unload what hurts; help you to articulate your feelings and discover your own voice; teach mindfulness skills to help build more effective communication with yourself and others; explore ways of building self-esteem and self compassion; and guide you down the path to freedom from the binds of what ails you, and to a rich personal sense of empowerment and understanding.
I will honor where you come from, meet you where you are, help you to see your important relationships and sense of yourself in ways that you might not have recognized before, and without judgment help you to live the life you want to have.
I love the opportunity to be fully present with a client who might be struggling with something current or past, and to experience their sense of uplift after talking with me, being listened to deeply, and perhaps learning some new ways to look at their situation.
I have worked hard to tend to my own healing from past emotional injuries and self criticisms, and have developed a thoughtful and meaningful way to assist others in their healing journey.
I am nonjudgmental and I believe in helping you to find the gifts that are present in your feelings - including the most difficult ones. I try to take care of the holes in my own bucket, so I can be fully receptive and responsive to your needs and concerns. I really care to know and understand what your experience is.
I am brave and fearless about feelings and I’ll help you get comfortable with your own range of emotions. I offer mindfulness skills and tools to help support and navigate what is most painful. Over the years I have developed my own mindfulness practice, and use it regularly to help me deal with difficulties that come up and ultimately to feel better.
I am a woman of color, bilingual therapist who values diversity. I am easy to trust and quickly make people feel comfortable and safe. I deeply listen and have a warm-hearted presence. I don’t interrupt. I am sensitive and feeling based. I am thoughtful, kind, down to earth, and deeply present, making room for all.
There Are Many Benefits to Individual, and Couple and Psychotherapy
Individual and Couple Psychotherapy can successfully help you with worrying, feeling upset, not knowing what to do. It can help you:
- Enjoy more connection in your relationships
- Feel more peace in your heart and mind
- Gain confidence that you can manage what life throws your way
- Begin to truly be able to care for yourself in a meaningful way
- Build calm and respectful ways of communicating with kids, partners and other significant people in your life; improving your roles and relationships
These are a few of the ways Individual and Couples can help.

A Little About My Professional Background
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and in Chicano Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. I also received my Masters in Counseling from San Francisco State University. I’ve held a license in Marriage and Family Therapy for the state of California since 1991. In the last 8 years, I have participated in enriched training for working with couples, and for building mindfulness skills.
Asking for help is the next courageous thing to do
Getting some Individual, Couple or Adolescent Psychotherapy can help people (especially POC) feel at peace. Let’s discover how I can help.
Reach out to get your free 15-minute phone consultation. During your free consultation call, you can share a bit about what’s going on and I can answer any questions you have. To get your free 15-minute phone consultation, call 510-482-4445. I'm here for you.