I have spent the past 15 years walking alongside children, teens, and adults as they navigate issues of grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. In my practice, I respect that each client has their own unique journey and I seek to listen with compassion, patience, and genuineness. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming space where clients can take the time needed to work through their feelings in order to ultimately heal and grow. I focus on validating each client’s unique experience and allow clients to share information and process emotions at their own pace. I use an integrative approach when working with clients to develop a treatment plan that fits with their needs.

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

In the initial therapy session, I will provide a safe and welcoming environment where you are given the time and space to share about yourself, what led you to therapy, and what your goals are with it. I will seek to understand your unique journey and begin to work with you to develop a plan to address your needs.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Alan Wohlfelt, renowned grief expert, said, “Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggles of other; it is not about directing those struggles.” As your therapist, I will bear witness to your struggles. I will sit, compassionately and genuinely, and allow you to share your pain, at your pace, in a way that works for you, and by doing so, you will have the space to heal and grow.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Are your feelings of grief overwhelming? Does it seem like it is difficult to focus on anything else? Do you feel like you have to mask these feelings just to get through the day? Do you find yourself withdrawing from relationships and social outings because you don’t have the energy? Do you wake up every morning feeling like it must have just been a bad dream? First and foremost, please know that your feelings are valid! Your grief journey is unique to you and only you. As your therapist, I will provide a non-judgmental space that allows you to express your feelings of grief openly. We will work together to develop coping strategies to manage these overwhelming feelings and adapt to a new normal. Grief is often seen as inherently connected with love; however, grief can also arise from complicated situations. It is not uncommon for someone to experience feelings of grief despite not having “liked’ the person when they were alive. This can bring up a mix of emotions including sadness, anger, regret, guilt, relief, and many others. The situation can leave you feeling conflicted about grieving someone who has hurt you or someone you know. As your therapist, I will create a safe space for you to begin to unlayer these complicated emotions and find a way to release the emotional burden associated with them. “I’m not good enough.” “I’m a horrible parent and never should have been one.” “I am useless at work.” “I am always screwing things up.” Does this sound like you or someone you know? As a therapist, I work with clients to identify these negative thought patterns, challenge them, and replace unhelpful thought patterns with more useful, accurate ones. Many times, we are our own worst critics but it doesn’t have to be that way! As your therapist, we can work together to begin to treat ourselves with kindness and compassion and create new self-talk that affirms your strengths and abilities. I have extensive experience helping children, teens, and adults navigate grief, anxiety, and depression. My goal for therapy is that clients feel supported and that they know they do not have to tackle these complicated emotions alone. I work with clients from preteen through adulthood. I work with clients virtually so I am able to support people from all over the state of Michigan.

About Chloe Silm