Marianne Silva, LCSW

Q&A

What inspired you to become a therapist?

Early in my career I wanted to work in public policy and urban development but after an internship working with under-resourced and unhoused adults with serious mental illness, I changed course and became passionate working in direct care. I was drawn in by how powerful the role of relationship could be as a tool for change. This started my path towards becoming a therapist specializing in the provision of PTSD care within the Department of Veterans Affairs.‍

What do you feel are your greatest strengths?

Connecting with others and providing genuine, empathic support are some of my greatest strengths. I value fostering a therapeutic relationship that is authentic, non-stuffy and transparent. Clients and I will actively collaborate and lead with curiosity, as a way to connect and work in partnership to understand the forces driving and maintaining distress, as well as the capabilities and strengths that clients already hold but may have trouble seeing.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

My focus is on helping clients feel comfortable and able to connect. It takes courage to come to therapy, especially trauma therapy! Clients can expect to come away from sessions feeling heard, validated and empowered to use the skills they've learned in therapy in their daily lives. My hope is that therapy becomes a safe place for clients to take productive risks in the service of finding meaning and purpose after trauma.

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Background

• Licensed in: Connecticut, New York
• Certifications: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
• Graduate Education: Columbia University