Paulina Rivera holds dual master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University, specializing in Children, Youth, and Families, as well as Primary Care Health Psychology and Integrated Care. She has extensive experience in trauma-informed care, biopsychosocial assessments, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions, which inform her coaching approach to support clients in healing and personal transformation.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Paulina has contributed to research in Muslim mental health, co-authoring a publication with Dr. Rania Awaad and contributing to the first-ever Muslim mental health book chapter on Mexican American Muslims. She is passionate about supporting converts to Islam and addressing the challenges faced by Black and Brown Muslim women in corporate and academic spaces.
Paulina also has extensive Islamic knowledge, having studied Islam for five years at the Madinah University Extension for Women in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. She also earned a Muslim Chaplaincy Certification from the Haram of Masjid An Nabawi. As a coach at Ihsan Coaching, Paulina integrates psychological expertise with Islamic principles in her holistic, faith-based coaching approach.
Top specialties:
- Individual Coaching
- Trauma-Informed Coaching
- Stress and Anxiety Management Coaching
Expertise:
- Trauma-Informed Care & Healing
- Faith-Based Healing and Spiritual Resilience
- Community-Centered Trauma Recovery (Muslim & Beyond)
- Bereavement and Loss Support
- Stress Management & Anxiety Relief
- Coping Strategies & Emotional Resilience Development
- Building Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Empowering Single Parents and Fostering Resilience
- Family Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Recovery Support After Divorce
- Addressing Infertility Challenges
- Advocacy for Victims and Vulnerable Individuals
Languages:
English and Spanish
