Alfonso Rivera
Marriage and Family Trainee
Watsonville Office se habla español
Life can be tough, and its stresses can take a toll on both our mental well-being and our relationships. But you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling in your relationships, or simply trying to find a better path forward, I’m here to help you overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, and navigate a path forward.
My name is Alfonso Rivera, and I bring a unique blend of academic excellence, practical training, and life experience to my work as a therapist. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, where I graduated summa cum laude, and I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. I have completed Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy to support couples in building stronger, more resilient relationships. My education also includes the St. Stephen’s Certificate in Orthodox Christian Theology, which allows me to integrate spiritual insights for those who seek it.
My journey to becoming a therapist is rooted in a midlife career change inspired by a deep passion for helping people. With years of experience working as a truck driver and in various labor and management roles, I understand the many complexities and pressures of life from many perspectives. These experiences have given me a deep understanding, a unique perspective, and an empathetic understanding of the challenges life can throw our way.
My approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from various theories, I seek to tailor each session to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your relationships, overcome personal challenges, or find a new direction in life, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way toward your growth and healing.
Request an Appointment
To Request an Appointment at Shine a Light or NPCC, please fill out this form. We respond to inquiries Monday through Friday. All inquiries we receive on the weekends or holidays will be processed the next business day. Thank you for your patience. If you need immediate services, please call 911.
New Office in San Francisco!
Shine a Light Counseling Center is please to merge with New Perspectives Center for Counseling. NPCC has been serving the San Francisco community for thirty years. Now NPCC is transitioning to become the San Francisco site for Shine a Light. NPCC will retain its name, character and history. For information about NPCC or counseling in San Francisco:
New Perspectives Center for Counseling (link)
Emergency Contact
Shine a Light does not provide crisis services. If you have a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911. Or click here for more Crisis Resources
Telephone Contact
You can call Shine a Light at 831-996-1222, but we encourage you to use the email forms to the left. If you call, please leave the following:
- Phone number
- Preferred location
- Best times to meet
- Issue you want help with
- What insurance you have (if any)
FAX us at: 831-417-0443
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your therapy sessions will cost. Your fee will be set according to a sliding scale, in collaboration with your therapist, prior to your first counseling session. Total costs depend upon the number of sessions you choose to utilize.
If you have private health insurance and we are not in-network with your plan, please be aware that your costs for therapy may be less by using an in-network provider. This will depend upon your plan's deductible amounts and co-payments. In some cases, counseling at Shine a Light is less costly than using private insurance.
If you hope to use "out of network" benefits through your private insurance, please be aware that many plans will not reimburse for services provided by trainees. Please request an Associate level therapists for out-of-network billing.
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