Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Angelica Rivera, DPC, LPC.
Hi Dr. Angelica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I knew I wanted to be a therapist since I was in High School. Stories and the “why” behind behavior always interested me. I came from a family who were all in the Helping Profession (Nurses, Restaurant Management, Spiritual Coaching) so empowering people was a norm for us. During my master’s career my teacher, Dr. Terrill, pulled me into his office after submitting a paper late and shorter than the page count. I thought I was going to be in trouble. Working and living alone while in school made time management tricky. I quickly apologized and committed to doing better, but Dr. Terrill said, “Oh, I don’t care about that. Ms. Rivera, this is the best paper I’ve ever read on Attachment Theory. You should consider getting a doctorate.”
So I did! I finished up my licensure while getting a doctorate during the pandemic. With a doctorate and terrible experiences in a group practice, I decided that starting my own business was a better risk than staying with the group practices that didn’t align with my values. Since December 2022 “Shady Cedar Therapy, PLLC” has been the best decision of my lifetime. I name my practice after a tall tree I would climb with my sister as a little girl. It’s aroma was sweet and it’s canopy was so big. I wanted my practice to be a sweet aroma and provide relief to people who have survived trauma.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The process of being my own boss has been so joyful. I would not say it’s been bumpy, but it has demanded I become someone worthy of this dream. That meant not procrastinating, getting out of my comfort zone to network, not waiting to ask for help, and being really humble so I could apologize to clients for mistakes in things like billing. Staying the same was not an option if I wanted more for myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Shady Cedar Therapy, PLLC is my private practice where I see individuals, couples, families and children 1o and up. I work with people who have been traumatized (have CPTSD or PTSD), have experienced grief or loss, and people who have experienced narcissistic abuse. What makes my practice different is my focus on empowerment in addition to healing. I never want our session times (55 minutes once a week or every other week) to be the only time people find relief! Launching people into the fulfilling lives they have created with me while in therapy is the long term goal. I want readers to know that there are practical solutions to relieve their suffering. If they have experience pain, it is not something they have to carry for the rest of their lives. It is possible to use hard experiences as stepping stones into a new and fulfilling life.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The body’s response to trauma is not meant to be haunting. Your brain is wired to keep you safe and alive. When flashbacks or uncomfortable feelings occur after bad experiences, your brain wants to return to those places to reconcile what happened. We don’t intuitively run towards pain because it hurts. That is exactly what your brain needs. With an expert in a safe place you can reconcile hard things. You are not fragile. Together we can make those memories something that propels you forward into your dreams. I have seen people go through really terrible things, but are so resilient! I get to see the very best of humanity. It’s a big privilege and I love it.
Pricing:
- $200/55 minutes out of pocket
- I also take Aetna and United for insurance
- $300 for emotional processing class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shadycedartherapy.com/
- Instagram: @shadycedartherapy
- Facebook: @shadycedartherapy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angelica-rivera-a34017151/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/angelica-rivera-houston-tx/791031
