Liz Silverman (she/her)

Many therapists have a difficult time understanding polyamorous and open relationships and the specific opportunities and challenges that the lifestyle brings. There are innumerable ways to have relationships and I am open to exploring all the ways that you can have healthy and happy relationships. I generally see individuals, not couples.

I work from a harm reduction approach. I am here to listen to your experiences with drugs and addiction, not to judge or encourage you to stop before you are ready. We can discuss ways to stay healthy while using drugs, reduce your use, or maintain other areas of your life while using. When appropriate, we can explore ways to stop using drugs, including the options of detox or rehab. If you are currently in recovery we can discuss the challenges and benefits of maintaining sobriety.

Thoughts of not wanting to be alive or wanting to be dead are valid experiences and discussing them is an important way to work towards healing. As a therapist, I am comfortable exploring these uncomfortable feelings with you.

At the core of harm reduction therapy is a respect for human rights. Working from a harm reduction approach means that I meet you where you are and on your own terms when it comes to substance use of any other behaviors deemed "harmful" by society. My question is, "what would you like your drug use or sexual behaviors to look like," and we can work from your answer to determine how you can be safe and comfortable.

I have extensive experience with clinical supervision and emotional support of social workers and psychiatrists. I've worked in mental health agencies and hospitals with a diversity of high-risk patients and I aim to support anyone who is experiencing burn-out or compassion fatigue.

I have always practiced from a trauma-informed perspective, with the understanding that unresolved or unprocessed trauma can permeate all areas of our lives, often in ways we don't see. Whether you have a clinical diagnosis of PTSD or not, I work from a place where your trauma can be validated and healed.

Depression manifests differently for all people. From fatigue and headaches, to losing interest in activities or difficulty sleeping, we can explore what depression looks like and means for you.

The gender journey can be an exciting and daunting adventure, fraught with self-doubt and stigma. Working with a therapist through that journey can ease distress and support you in reaching a state of gender euphoria.

Non-traditional relationships offer the opportunity to maximize our interpersonal connectedness. I seek to support folks in polyamorous and open relationships by embracing the difficult emotions that often arise and processing them as strengths.