Digna Rivera Woolum

My name is Digna Rivera Woolum. I am a bilingual (Spanish)Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with clients throughout Southern California via telehealth. I specialize in helping adults and older adults who are experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety by implementing various therapeutic techniques. Mi nombre es Digna Rivera Woolum. Soy psicoterapeuta y trabajo con clientes in California virtualmente. Me especializo en ayudar a adultos mayores que manifiestan síntomas de depresión y ansiedad.

My approach

I base my therapeutic approach on the needs of each client. I have experienced success in helping clients improve the quality of their lives with the use of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused therapies among others. Grief counseling is also widely used in my practice since loss is an ongoing theme.

My focus

I have dedicated my career to serving adults and have developed a focus on older adults who are struggling with life transitions that are common for their age group including retirement, bereavement, relocation, and health concerns. Such transitions may lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. I work with clients in developing coping strategies that help manage the symptoms and changes they are experiencing in order to improve their quality of life.

My communication style

I pride myself in my ability to readily connect with clients because of my serene, empathetic, compassionate, inquisitive, and non-judgmental demeanor. My goal when communicating with clients is that they feel respected, heard, and supported. I welcome client feedback and want clients to feel they can trust me and that the space we create during our session is safe and comfortable. I am comfortable with providing therapy in both English and Spanish.

My journey to mental healthcare

Beginning volunteer work in childhood and being extremely close to the older adults in my life both forged the path to my becoming a therapist. Through these experiences, I developed empathy and the ability to really listen. I learned that I enjoyed helping others which opened me up to many experiences, both personal and professional, that honed the natural skills required to become a therapist. When it came time to choose a career path, joining the “helping profession” was the obvious choice.

My goals for you

I respect that clients are experts on themselves and, therefore, can set goals based on what is best for them. My role is to support clients in meeting these goals as they are set and evolve by helping clients identify motives and stay focused during the goal meeting process. Since clients tend to grow and change during the therapeutic process, I also help them reassess their goals along the way, so they remain confident that these continue to be relevant.

My first session with you

During an initial visit, I begin to build rapport and trust with a client. I ask many questions about client history, symptoms, and the reason/s they are seeking therapy. This helps me understand how I can best support the client. I provide psychoeducation on the therapeutic process and answer all the client’s questions. By the end of the first session, I want the client to feel validated in their decision to seek therapy.