Living Arts Counseling Center

Ben Rivers, MFT Intern (IMF Registration # 66497)
Phone: 510.595.5500, ext. 19
Email: benrivers@livingartscenter.org
Website: www.benriverstherapy.com

I hold a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy program from the California Institute for Integral Studies and work at the Living Arts Counseling Center as a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, supervised by Armand Volkas, MFT, RDT/BCT, MFC#28789.

I bring to my practice over 10 years of combined experience as a psychotherapist, mediator, group facilitator and social worker.  I have worked in a variety of fields including child, youth and family services, prison welfare, community mental health and conflict transformation. In Australia I also worked in private practice as a Registered Mental Health Social Worker, where I provided psychological services to individuals, couples and families.

As a therapist and facilitator I provide a space where people can share their stories, express feelings, identify strengths, develop insight, transform obstacles and move towards more meaningful and empowered lives. 

My approach draws from collective narrative practice, psychodynamic, somatic and social justice traditions. I also use drama therapy, psychodrama, sociodrama, dream work and the expressive arts to bring spontaneity and creativity to the healing journey.

I have worked in Australia and USA with clients diverse in age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. I have supported adults, children, couples, families and groups who are responding to a broad range of concerns including relationship issues, depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and substance abuse/dependence.  I have also facilitated projects that use applied theatre for community dialogue and conflict transformation.