Alcohol Use Therapists in Westport, CT

I believe that therapy relies on the collaborative alliance and bond between therapist and client. In fact, I believe that the quality of this relationship is the key to success and change in the therapeutic process. I strive to create a safe, comfortable, and authentic experience for my clients to address challenges and obstacles in their lives. I approach therapy with a unique and energetic perspective. I want therapy to be a relaxing, cathartic, and fulfilling experience. Your appointment with me is your time to have your voice heard, to view things with a new perspective, and to gain the objective and unconditional support that you have always wanted.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety and depression, experiencing grief, feeling overwhelmed about the future, or simply looking to carve out some space to build insight and self care, you are not alone. I have over 20 years of professional experience helping children, adolescents, adults, and families sharpen their skills to more effectively work through stress, loss, transitions, and the unexpected obstacles that life has thrown their way. Empowering individuals and families to reconnect with themselves, redefine themselves, rediscover their inner strengths, and rebuild their emotional well-being is my passion and commitment.

Derio Rivera is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. He received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University in 2019. He worked in residential therapeutic programs in NY with at-risk youth, in an educational program that focused on learning disabilities and completed his graduate clinical hours at a state agency in CT.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that is designed to help you understand your difficulties, find relief from distress, and make the changes you wish to make. I strive to create a supportive environment in which you can feel deeply heard and understood. Through an attentive, empathetic, and interactive style, I work to ensure that you feel safe and supported as you explore painful feelings, identify goals and develop new strategies and skills for living more fully. Working together we can find novel ways of addressing the issues that are causing you distress and start you on the path to a more satisfying life.

We all struggle sometimes. If you find yourself here, dealing with increased levels of worry, stress and over thinking, there is a solution. You don't have to stay overwhelmed and stuck. I can work with you and help you move forward and navigate difficult life transitions, divorce and relationship issues. Our therapy sessions will help you access different resources and strengths in yourself and in your relationships.

Life is a series of transitions that can create anxiety and other emotions or feelings that are difficult to maneuver. I offer support through these transitions working with the mind, body, and spirit. I have a holistic approach I believing in the importance of all aspects of a person for whole health and healing.

For over 28 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals and couples get back to the reasons they became a couple in the first place: someone to love; someone who makes you feel special. I will help you learn skills so that you can once again feel the trust, the connection and the rekindled passion that was once part of your relationship. I use the acronym “LOVERS” from my book, "The Second Wives Club," as the foundation to restore and nurture your relationship. LOVERS stands for Loyalty, Openness, Validity of trust, Empathy, Respect, and Stability of commitment. It works every time!

In seeking therapy, you may be addressing depression, anxiety or substance use. You may be looking to improve personal relationships, navigate a life transition or change behaviors that aren’t working for you. Whatever it may be, we can collaborate to meet your needs. As a therapist I am curious, non-judgmental, and honest. I bring a combination of warmth, practicality and a sense of humor. My approach to therapy is relational and trauma informed. I provide an affirming environment for people who are transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC).

Anxiety is one of the most common conditions in the US, but it is treatable. I rely on well researched, evidence-based methods like CBT to help you learn to manage your thoughts and take control of your happiness. I have over 10 years experience working with adults and young adults struggling with worry, fear, panic, phobias, social anxiety and stress. We will work together to set goals to address the feelings of being paralyzed by fear and anxiety. I have additional training in Complicated or Prolonged Grief and with support, you can find relief from painful feelings of grief and loss.

My therapeutic approach is humanistic, client centered, interactive and solution-focused. , I always make an effort to first listen in order to truly understand your feelings and problems, and then work together with you to resolve them.

I place importance on being approachable, thoughtful, sensitive and direct. In therapy, I think it is valuable to focus on both past and present experiences. Looking at your history can help us understand what sets of beliefs, about yourself and the world, might be holding you back from having a better experience in life - and what makes these beliefs so powerful. Examining current behaviors and interactions allows for reflection and adjustment of unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviors impeding your success and personal satisfaction.

You are not alone. Many people experience difficulty in their lives at one time or another, and for various reasons. You've taken the first step to find help from someone who is a good fit and whom you can feel comfortable exploring and working through whatever brought you here. We're here to support you as we identify what's working for you, what isn't, and use this to guide our work towards helping you reach your optimal self. At BlueSky Wellness, we have many years of diverse experience and training providing comprehensive services to people of varying backgrounds and needs. ​

I received my Master of Social Work from the New York University Silver School of Social Work. While at NYU, I completed my clinical internships at IVDU Boys’ School, a high school for Orthodox Jewish young men with developmental disabilities, and Bleuler Psychotherapy Center, an outpatient mental health clinic for children, adolescents, and adults.

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Therapist in EMDR, I specialize in working with individuals, couples and their families who experience psychological and emotional trauma and PTSD. I work with diverse populations experiencing trauma and a wide range of trauma-informed mental health diagnoses (e.g., anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, chronic pain and eating disorders) as well as those affected by community disasters. I utilize modalities such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, structural and strategic therapy and the Metaframeworks perspective.

If you question life's purpose...if you seek to understand...if you want to make a change...talking with a skilled, compassionate counselor may be a path for you to explore. Maybe you experience anxiety, depression or struggle with addictive or compulsive behaviors? Perhaps you have a history of trauma or are plagued by fears and rage, troubled with distorted thinking & negative beliefs. These are the things that keep you trapped and unable to live life to your full potential. Your answers lie within; change is a choice that only you can make.