Trauma Recovery Expert Dr. Rene Rivera - Background and Therapy Approach

Getting to Know Dr. Rene Rivera, Trauma Recovery Expert

Dr. Rene Rivera is a licensed clinical social worker and highly respected trauma specialist based in California. Over his 30+ year career, Dr. Rivera has used his expertise to assist survivors of trauma and PTSDmove towards healing and recovery. Keep reading to learn more about his background, therapy approach, notable clients, published works, and more.

Education and Early Career

Dr. Rene Rivera completed his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1987. He went on to receive a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from USC in 1990, where he focused on inner-city poverty and mental health through an ethnic-sensitive approach.

Early in his career, Dr. Rivera worked for organizationssuch as the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health and Didi Hirsch's Suicide Prevention Center. During this period, he began developing specializations in trauma, PTSD, depression, and crisis intervention while working with diverse communities.

Ongoing Trauma Therapy Work

For over 30 years, Dr. Rene Rivera has continued working directly with survivors of trauma from all walks of life. Some groups he has focused on include:

• Veterans struggling with combat trauma
• Victims of assault, abuse, and violent crimes
• Individuals who have witnessed violence or accidents
• First responders and emergency personnel
• Marginalized communities affected by poverty, racism, and adversity

No matter the circumstances, Dr. Rivera employs empathy, cultural sensitivity, and evidenced-based therapies to help each client recover from distressing experiences. His goal is always to restore feelings of safety, trust, and control after trauma occurs.

Trauma Recovery Approach

As a highly certified trauma specialist, some of Dr. Rene Rivera's main treatment modalities include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Somatic therapy
• Mindfulness-based interventions

Dr. Rivera customizes his therapeutic approach based on the unique needs of each trauma survivor. Through evidence-based techniques, he supports clients in processing past events, managing distressing memories/symptoms, and moving forward resiliently.

Publications and Presentations

In addition to directly supporting trauma recovery in clinical settings across California, Dr. Rivera actively contributes to research and education around trauma treatment best practices.

He has published numerous articles in journals like Suicidology Online, presented at national conferences, and provides regular trainerings for graduate students and mental health professionals through UCLA and Pepperdine University. Dr. Rivera also teaches about emerging topics like racial trauma and intergenerational PTSD.

Praise for Dr. Rene Rivera's Trauma Therapy Services

Over the past 30+ years, Dr. Rene Rivera has received immense praise and recognition for his trauma recovery work from both clients and professional organizations.

Client Success Stories

Many of the trauma survivors that Dr. Rivera has treated over the decades have shared the life-changing impacts of his therapy. Some powerful examples include:

• A combat veteran who struggled with nightmares and hypervigilance, now sleeping soundly and enjoying family time again after EMDR treatment
• A victim of assault who turned to drugs and isolating behaviors before learning to process trauma, regulate emotions, and regain normalcy through CBT
• A first responder plagued by PTSD flashbacks now feeling in control and thriving again thanks to proven stabilization techniques

No matter what traumatic background his clients face, Dr. Rivera has helped countless individuals rebuild and even strengthen their lives after adversity.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Rene Rivera's contributions to trauma therapy have been widely celebrated over his extensive career. Some of his most notable achievements include:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with decades of clinical experience
• Advanced certificates in trauma focused CBT, EMDR, and more
• Member of the American Psychological Association and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
• Featured speaker at conferences across California
• Received 40+ regional and national awards for mental health service

Without a doubt, Dr. Rivera stands at the forefront of trauma specialists driving meaningful progress in the field through both his therapy work and advocacy efforts.

Working with Dr. Rivera for Trauma Recovery

Dr. Rene Rivera offers trauma-focused psychotherapy services out of his private practice office in Los Angeles, California. He collaborates closely as part of a mental health network while also taking referrals.

What to Expect

In your first sessions with Dr. Rivera, you can expect:

• Compassionate listening about your traumatic experience(s)
• Assessment of current PTSD symptoms you may be experiencing
• Explanation of evidence-based treatment options suited to your situation
• Collaborative goal-setting around trauma recovery

Together, you and Dr. Rivera will create a personalized treatment plan with proven techniques to process trauma, manage emotional distress, overcome stuck points, and improve wellbeing.

Getting Started

To get started working with Dr. Rene Rivera to heal from trauma, you can contact his Los Angeles practice to inquire about appointments or ask for a referral from your primary care physician or mental health provider network. Scheduling a consultation is fully confidential.

Keep in mind that addressing trauma requires commitment, courage, and willingness to face painful memories. However, with Dr. Rivera's 30+ years of experience, compassionate style, and specialty expertise, you can feel empowered in your recovery journey back to peace and purpose.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.