Our Team
Victoria Wingate-Rivera
Trauma/EMDR Psychotherapist
Licensed in MD and DC (telehealth and in person), VA (telehealth)
My name is Victoria Wingate-Rivera (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker throughout the DMV. I specialize in trauma-informed care for individuals navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss. With over a decade of experience working with children, youth, and families, I have supported a diverse range of clients through some of life's most difficult moments.
Growing up as a second generation Latina, I understand the significance of providing culturally responsive care. I am particularly passionate about working with multicultural, Latine and BIPOC communities, striving to honor each person's unique cultural identity as a meaningful part of their healing journey.
In my free time, I love to enjoy hobbies like gaming, gardening, and spending time with my husband, baby girl, and our pets!
Approach
Whether I am working with children, adolescents, or adults, at the heart of my work is a belief that healing is holistic. I draw on both cognitive and somatic approaches. This looks like supporting the nervous system through mindfulness, visualization, and EMDR-informed techniques, while exploring beliefs that may hold you back. Many of my clients share the common experience of knowing something is true in their mind, yet struggling to fully feel it in their body. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward aligning what your mind knows with what your body holds.
With children and teenagers, my approach is playful and creative. Using both directive and non-directive activities, I aim to make the therapy space one where young people feel safe enough to explore and express emotions that might be difficult to access otherwise. With adults, my style shifts to a more conversational, insight-oriented approach. My hope is the same with all ages: to help individuals feel empowered in their lives.
Education
Trained in EMDR through the Institute of Creative Mindfulness
Masters in Social Work from Widener University
Trauma Recovery Certificate from Widener University
Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Areas of Focus
Trauma and Complex Trauma, inlcuding Intergenerational Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Grief and Loss
Anxiety
Depression
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Autism and Neurodiverse Populations (ADHD)