EP 99 – Cultivating Safe Spaces in Therapy with Dr. Essence Rivers

To watch the video of this podcast, please go to: https://youtu.be/CoV79gFOCZE?si=sQvRinrTWwTljAQw

How does intersectionality impact mental health, and why is it crucial in therapeutic practices?

What are the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals?

How can therapists create a safe space for clients who hold multiple marginalized identities?

In this episode of Kaleidoscope of Possibilities: Alternative Perspectives on Mental Health, Dr. Adriana Popescu speaks with Dr. Essence Rivers, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of psychological services at Customized Behavioral Healthcare. Dr. Rivers, who specializes in systemic trauma-informed and identity-centered therapy, shares about her work with marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ and BIPOC individuals with ADHD.

Together, they explore Dr. Rivers’ journey as a queer, chronically ill, neurodivergent woman of color and how her experiences have shaped her approach to therapy. She discusses the importance of intersectionality in mental health, the challenges of working with neurodivergent individuals, and the need for cultural competence in therapeutic practices.

In this episode:

• The role of cultural competence in therapy and intersectionality in mental health

• Challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly those within marginalized communities

• Strategies for building trust with clients who have experienced systemic trauma

• How therapists can create inclusive and supportive environments for all clients

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Essence’s Website: http://customizedbehavioralhealthcare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressencerivers

Therapy Portal: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/customized43119/ 

Customized Behavioral Healthcare: https://customizedbehavioralhealthcare.com/links

About Dr. Essence:

Dr. Essence Rivers is a Psychologist and the Director of Psychological Services at Customized Behavioral Healthcare. Dr. Essence specializes in providing systemic, trauma-informed, and identity-centered therapy. As a queer, chronically ill, neurodivergent woman of color, she is committed to challenging shame, stigma, and inequality for people who have been marginalized. Dr. Rivers empowers LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals, especially those with ADHD, offering virtual services through PSYPACT across the US. She is a “systems disruptor,” passionate about promoting mental health and wellbeing through therapy, coaching, consultation, training, and public speaking. By sharing knowledge, encouraging connection, and providing new skills, Dr. Rivers facilitates healing and resilience, making clients feel seen, safe, and understood.

“The challenge is creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and validated for all parts of their identity.” – Dr. Essence Rivers

Would you like to continue this conversation and connect with other people who are interested in exploring these topics? Please join us on our Facebook group! (https://www.facebook.com/groups/kaleidoscopeofpossibilitiespodcast/)

About your host:

Dr. Adriana Popescu is a clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, author, speaker and empowerment coach who is based in San Francisco, California and practices worldwide. She is the author of the book, What If You're Not As F***d Up As You Think You Are? and the forthcoming EFT for Addiction.

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