Hi! My name is Jeanette Silva and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I believe that to have a successful counseling experience it is critical that you feel fully listened to and understood. I use careful listening and reflecting to join with you to address what is most important to you. As you progress, I help you gain insight into your situation, allow you to vent about your troubles, and develop better ways of coping.
My approach
It is always beneficial for clients to work with a therapist that draws from several therapeutic approaches. I come from more of a Humanistic framework and I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also incorporate solution-focused therapy and Gestalt techniques to help address what is most troubling you.
My focus
I work individually with adults ages 18+. I specialize in working with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, recovering from abuse, and chronic medical concerns. However, I also have experience assisting clients struggling with relationship difficulties, work/ life balance, low self-esteem, and general difficulties in daily life.
My communication style
I strive to create a trusting, caring environment in which you feel comfortable discussing what is most troubling you. I practice what I call ‘careful listening’ to gain a good understanding of your life, the experiences that have strongly influenced you, and your point of view. It is important to me that you feel fully supported and understood so that we may get a glimpse of the influences that have shaped your life and coping strategies you may have developed to cope with daily stressors.
My journey to mental healthcare
As an abuse survivor and someone who has experienced a great deal of grief and loss, I have had to go through my own journey to heal and move toward a better life. I have always been drawn to how our cognitions, emotions, and behaviors influence our lives and how we are shaped by life’s circumstances. Learning to develop a better understanding of my life as well as better ways of coping has been an ongoing journey for me. I became a therapist because I wanted to help others who were experiencing life’s difficulties move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life themselves.
My goals for you
I view goal setting as a mutual process. Some clients know exactly what is troubling them and how they want their lives to be better. Others may feel bogged down or overwhelmed with their lives and need clarification to develop their desired goals. As we work together, I help you gain a better understanding of your life and what would work best for you to move forward to reach a more satisfying life.
My first session with you
It is very important to me that you feel fully supported and accepted during our first session. I work to build a trusting, safe environment to enable you to share what is most troubling you without feeling judged or misunderstood. Together we can explore the issues that are troubling you, learn better coping strategies, and move toward a more fulfilling life.