A Unique Approach To Therapy And Coaching – Exclusive Interview With Dana Silverstein
Hi! My name is Dana Silverstein, LMSW. I am a therapist providing coaching and counseling services with great passion to help individuals reach their full potential. When I’m not in my chair, you can find me on the pickleball courts, enjoying the latest shows on Netflix and being as present as possible with those I love, including my family, friends, and fiancé.
Dana Silverstein, Clinical Therapist: Coaching & Counseling
What are some common challenges you help clients overcome, and how do you approach them?
Some of the most common barriers I see are anxiety, FOMO (fear of missing out) and persistent feelings of “not good enough.” The simple answer to navigating all three is gratitude, mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. The way I integrate the actions of these words can look different for each client. While these words may sound trivial and ‘therapy 101,’ these tools work if you work them!
I'm excited to share more details and specific interventions in upcoming articles!
What advice would you give to someone looking to make positive changes in their life?
Start small. Start simple. Start somewhere! Clients often get overtaken by the cognitive error commonly referred to as ‘all or nothing’ thinking. This error gives the illusion that if everything does not get addressed, then nothing will change and will push us further away from real change and goals. It’s important to remember that when it comes to change, we ourselves, are typically the ones making the rules and expectations, which means we can change them to make sure it is working for us. Start by picking one action, even if it sounds simple.
Give yourself a chance to routinize this and focus on consistency. For example, making the bed each morning or writing a sentence of gratitude each night.
Often, what happens next is a trickle-down effect. Motivation and momentum will increase, and small changes can cause a butterfly effect. Be patient with changes and trust your process.
What unique approach do you bring to your work with clients?
What I find unique is my ability to modify my approach to fit the individual needs of a client- not only clinically but personally. You have to connect in order to correct it! Additionally, my ability to know when to coach, when to counsel, and the difference between the two is imperative for effectiveness. My formula can be summed up as rapport + evidence-based practice + creatively curated tools and exercises = effective therapy.
How do you stay inspired and continue growing in your practice?
My clients keep me learning, and new generations keep me on my toes! Being open to different schools of thought, modalities, and functions of therapy plays a role in inspiration and growth. I find that the more adaptive, diverse and integrative I can be, the better! Having a front-row seat to people’s journeys, the goals people reach, and the growth people make is invaluable.
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