Featured Therapist for June, Danielle Silverman
Every month, Council for Relationships features one of our staff therapists. This month’s Featured Therapist is Danielle Silverman, LCSW, MEd. Learn more about her in the below interview!
What do you consider to be the goal of therapy? How do you help your clients achieve their goals?
I think the goal of therapy is to seek deeper understanding about the self or the conflicts a person or couple is experiencing. Understanding leads to growth and compassion and helps us make peace with our demons and live in the present moment. As a therapist, I provide a judgment-free space for clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I see myself as a guide in sorting through everything, shining light on dark corners, asking hard questions, and providing support and validation so my clients can reach their therapy goals.
How would your clients describe you?
I believe my clients would describe me as empathetic, good-natured, and curious. I try not to talk as much during sessions and avoid advice giving, especially in the beginning, because I want to hear how my clients tell their stories. I think we live in a world where a lot of people want to talk, and not a lot of people like to listen, so my focus as a therapist is to whole-heartedly listen to my clients when they speak. I also think my clients would say I have a good sense of humor.
What is your background? Why did you choose CFR?
My degree is in Social Work and Human Sexuality Education, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to generalist practice, I’m trained as a sex and couples’ therapist. My working experience really runs the gamut from inpatient psychiatric units to school social work, and I have worked with preschoolers to older adults. My preferred populations are adolescents, couples, and older adults. I chose CFR because some of the front-runners of sex and couples therapy started here and created this amazing legacy. I want to be part of this organization and contribute to the client community CFR serves.
Why did you decide to become a therapist?
I didn’t start out as a therapist. I started working in video production because I wanted to make meaningful movies and documentaries. While trying to make it in this cut-throat industry, I noticed that strangers and people I barely knew would talk to me about their lives and their struggles. I couldn’t use public transportation or go to the grocery store without falling into conversation with someone. I always say that social work chose me, and when I started my first class in graduate school, I knew I made the right decision. I love being a therapist. I love meeting new people and asking them questions. It is a great privilege to hold the stories and secrets of my clients and walk alongside them while they go through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Danielle Silverman, LCSW, MEd is a Staff Therapist at our Lawrenceville, NJ and Voorhees, NJ Offices; she currently sees clients via online therapy. To set-up an appointment, you can reach her at dsilverman@councilforrelationships.org or 215-382-6680 ext. 7015.