Em Riveles, LCSW

Therapy for perfectionism, people pleasing, boundaries, and the pressure to have it all together.

Do you feel like you're constantly trying to keep everything together? Maybe you're the person everyone relies on, while you're quietly wondering how much longer you can keep doing it.

I'm an LCSW with 9 years of experience working with college students and adults. I especially enjoy working with queer and neurodivergent clients, as well as people navigating Jewish identity, family dynamics, and community expectations. I've supported clients through anxiety, ADHD, burnout, perfectionism, chronic illness, substance use, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

I work best with people who are ready to make changes, try new things, and want support as they figure out what works for them. You might know you need better boundaries but feel guilty setting them. You might understand that perfectionism is making your life harder but have no idea how to turn it off. Maybe you're just tired of knowing exactly what you "should" be doing without being able to actually do it.

My approach is collaborative, practical, and relational. I'm trained in CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and executive functioning strategies, which will allow us to better understand and explore the experiences and relationships that have shaped how you see yourself and interact with other people. We'll work together to understand what's getting in the way of you getting where you want to be.

Therapy is meant to feel like a place where you can be a whole person. You don't have to sound polished or have the perfect explanation for what's happening. You can be honest, ask questions, laugh, swear, change your mind, and tell me when something isn't working. I'll bring warmth, curiosity, honesty, and a little silliness to the room.