Berta Rivas Sanchez

Hi, I’m Berta, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I specialize in working with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, mood instability, and life transitions. I have experience supporting clients dealing with depression, intrusive thoughts, psychosis, and challenges related to self-esteem and relationships.

My approach is collaborative, direct, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care. I focus on helping clients better understand their thought patterns, build practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and understood, while also being gently challenged to grow. Therapy with me is not just about talking, but about gaining tools you can actually use in your daily life.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, structured, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I primarily use evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.

I focus on helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while building practical skills to manage distress, regulate emotions, and improve daily functioning. I also incorporate elements of solution-focused therapy to help clients identify strengths and make meaningful progress toward their goals.

In our work together, I aim to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space while also gently challenging patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

In our first session, you can expect a structured but supportive conversation focused on understanding what brings you to therapy and what you would like to change or improve.

We will explore your current concerns, relevant background, and any patterns that may be contributing to your distress. I will also ask questions to better understand your goals, strengths, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past.

By the end of the session, we will begin identifying clear goals for therapy and outline a direction for our work together. My goal is for you to leave with a better understanding of your situation, as well as a sense of clarity and next steps.

I aim to create a space that feels safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative, while also being focused and productive.