About Novena
Novena Riojas is a licensed clinical social worker in New York with nine years of professional experience. She focuses on helping people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low mood, or low self-esteem. Her work is also aimed at improving motivation and tackling relationship and communication problems.
She starts by listening to each person’s story and identifying strengths they already have. Sessions tend to be practical and straightforward, with goals set together.
How Novena works
Novena treats feelings like guilt and shame with patience and clear steps to move forward. Her approach supports people who want to build confidence and change unhelpful patterns. She offers coaching-style guidance when clients need motivation and direction.
For social anxiety and phobia, she helps people practice skills and try new behaviours at a manageable pace. Novena believes the client is the expert on their life, and uses that perspective to shape treatment. She will work with clients to set realistic goals and track progress over time.
The tone in sessions is encouraging and focused on small, achievable changes. Sessions are offered in English and available to international clients. People interested in starting are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a session once matched.
What Novena works with
The areas below are the ones Novena selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
Also listed
Training and background
| Register | LCSW |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 9 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | New York |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
How evidence-based techniques work online
Novena uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical steps and skill-building. One approach emphasizes skill practice and gradual exposure to reduce anxiety and social phobia by facing fears in small, manageable steps. Another approach focuses on improving communication and relationship skills through role play and clear, actionable feedback to change interaction patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist listens to the client’s goals and preferences, then suggests methods that match those needs. Clients and the therapist check progress and adapt techniques over time so the plan stays useful and realistic.
Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations and visual cues for deeper dialogue. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a quicker check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging let people send short updates, try exercises between sessions, or use therapy when scheduling is tight. These options help people fit consistent care into their routine and try the format that feels most comfortable.
Start online instead of waiting
Our partner service asks a few questions about what you are looking for and matches you with a therapist for sessions from home.
Book with NovenaWe will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.
Common questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
What is her therapeutic style?
How much experience does she have?
What credentials and location are listed?
Which languages are offered and can international clients join?
In what session formats can people meet with her?
How are costs handled?
What are the steps to begin working with her?
A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you. Entries are not assessed or endorsed by this directory.
Other entries for stress, anxiety
Supportive LCSW helping people build strength and clarity
Practical, trauma-aware therapy for everyday life
Practical, relational therapy for life transitions