Noel Villarivera
MA, LMHC
Noel Villarivera, MA, LMHC
Office: 612 113th St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
Phone: 253-301-8140
Email: nvillarivera@nwfamilylife.org
About Me:
As your counselor, I will serve as your confidant, mirror, coach, and encourager. As your confidant, I will be someone with whom you can share personal and intimate things without fear that such information will later be disclosed to anyone else. As your mirror, I will seek to help you see yourself and your situation more clearly. As your coach, I will help you clarify your vision, collaboratively design a plan, offer growth opportunities, and provide both challenges and affirmations along the way. As your encourager, I offer continual respect, understanding, and hope.
My Goal as Counselor
My goals as your counselor are to:
- focus on your needs
- foster your strengths
- collaboratively set short-term and long-term goals
- facilitate the next step of growth
I will help you identify your needs and find practical and effective ways to meet those needs. In my opinion, the counseling process is much like the discipleship process. I will walk with you as you journey toward health and wholeness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
What I Offer in Counseling
You may have specific needs or problems that lead you to pursue counseling, but you also have God-given strengths, abilities, and a capacity to heal that will move you toward the life you desire. I offer a safe, judgement-free space where you can be heard and understood, and where you can explore and discover the tools you need to overcome difficult circumstances and experience true freedom and lasting joy.
Qualifications & Experience
I’ve been counseling both informally and professionally for over twenty years. In 2009, my wife and I planted a church in Tacoma, Washington, where I continue to serve as a senior pastor.
In the past, I spent 15 years working as a Child Protective Services Social Worker (8 years in Los Angeles County and 7 years in Washington State). I also served in the United States Navy for 4 years.
I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University in La Jolla, CA. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology.
My Call to Counseling
Through interactions with people who were in crisis, I discovered that I enjoy the challenges and benefits in helping individuals through difficult times. I have been told that I’m a good listener and someone who others feel comfortable talking to, so I decided to use those skills in a field that I find enriching.
More About Me/On a Personal Note
My wife Dinah and I have been married for more than twenty years. My wife is a Nurse in Long Term Care. We have two boys, ages 20 and 7.
SERVICES & SPECIALTIES:
Three experiences have prepared me to become a good counselor. First, as a Personnel Assistant in the United States Navy where I counseled enlisted personnel plan their advancement in their navy career. I also explained their benefit options while they are stationed in shore duty or deployed in ship or overseas.
Second, as a Youth Pastor for a church in Los Angeles where I counseled youth who struggles with identity issues and relationships with their parents. I also learned to help them with their struggles in getting rid of bad habits, focus in school, and dismiss from gang affiliation.
Third, I have worked as social worker in Child Protective Services in Los Angeles County for 8 years and Washington State for 7 years. I have learned to help children who are traumatized because of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. I also learned to help these children adjust to life in foster care.