ben rivers

Phone: 510.595.5500, ext. 19
Email: benjrivers@gmail.com
Website: benriverstherapy.com

Ben Rivers, MFT Trainee
I am a Masters Candidate in the Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy program at the California Institute for Integral Studies and work at the Living Arts Counseling Center as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, supervised by Armand Volkas, MFT, RDT/BCT, MFC#28789.

I bring to my practice ten years of combined experience as a therapist and social worker in a variety of fields including child, youth and family services, prisoner welfare and community health.

In Australia I worked as a Registered Mental Health Social Worker in private practice, where I provided psychological services to individuals, couples and families.

As a therapist I strive to be respectful, caring, curious, and wholly engaged with my clients.  I provide a space where people can express their emotions, develop insight, transform obstacles and move towards more meaningful and empowered lives.

My approach to therapy draws from psychodynamic, humanistic, and anti-oppressive theory. I incorporate mindfulness based methods and use drama therapy, dream work and the expressive arts to bring spontaneity and inspiration to the healing journey. 

I have a background in theatre for social change and continue to perform in projects that use Playback Theater and Theatre of the Oppressed for promoting social justice and community well being.  I have also trained in circus arts, Butoh, and improvisational theatre in France, Japan, England and Australia.  

Over the past decade, I’ve worked in Australia and USA with clients diverse in age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. I’ve helped adults, children, couples, families and groups work through a range of concerns including depression and anxiety, loneliness and isolation, grief and loss, low self-esteem, trauma, substance abuse/dependence, life transitions, and relationship problems and coming out/sexual orientation issues.

I am available to see clients at our Oakland office and in San Francisco.

For more information please visit: benriverstherapy.com
phone: 510.595.5500, ext. 19
email:
benjrivers@gmail.com

Supervised by Armand Volkas, MFT, RDT/BCT, MFC#28789.