About Mick Silvers, AMFT
Embracing Vulnerability To Build Connection
“We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don’t function as we’re meant to be. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache … The absence of love and belonging will always lead to suffering.”
As humans, we each have a deep desire to experience connection, love, and belonging. It is an innate longing that resonates within all of us. Yet, there are times when we find ourselves adrift as if cast aside and entangled in the complexities of our relationships and behaviors. This is why I became a therapist—the honor of accompanying clients as they discover a sense of belonging fuels my passion. I firmly believe those who seek therapy have the power to lead the way in their journey of self-discovery and healing.
My journey to becoming a therapist has been a path of natural unfolding, rather than a deliberate choice made on a specific day. I often refer to it as a "becoming." As the son of a pastor who grew up traveling the world, I was exposed to both the light and shadows of the human experience. Although I experienced deep wounds from the church, I was also able to discover great beauty and remarkable resilience in learning how to come alongside others. Through these experiences, I witnessed pure joy's brilliance and shame's overbearing weight. These moments taught me that our human journey is necessarily filled with ups and downs and that learning how to navigate the storms of our lives is crucial to experiencing wholeness and connection. It is from these experiences with others that I was ultimately drawn to becoming a therapist.
My Counseling Philosophy
In the absence of love, connection, and belonging, we struggle emotionally and behaviorally. Without these things, we can become anxious and depressed. What lies at the heart of developing and maintaining meaningful relationships is learning how to embrace vulnerability. Being vulnerable not only strengthens emotional connection within friendships and partnerships but also makes therapy effective. When we can share our authentic selves, we build trust that can lead to deeper insights and self-awareness.
In addition to embracing vulnerability, I believe in fostering safety and support within the therapeutic space while reminding clients of their inherent worth. As an expert in the process of change and growth, I have discovered the value of empowering people to become the experts and owners of their stories. Within my practice, I value equality and authenticity, allowing clients to lead the conversation and express themselves freely from the judgments that have been placed upon them.
My Specialties
As an LGBTQ+ individual, I provide a safe space for exploration, and my work with diverse communities informs my culturally sensitive approach. I empower clients to control their mental health journey, emphasizing vulnerability to strengthen connections.
Couples work has evolved into a true passion of mine. Recognizing that we learn the most about ourselves through relationships, I understand the immense impact that broken connections can have, often causing the deepest of pains. In the intricate dance of relationships, our own unresolved wounds can be triggered, leading us to react in ways that, inadvertently hurt the ones we love. In these moments of deep pain, I strive to foster safety by providing a space for open dialogue and meaningful connection. I can help you facilitate the healing of emotional wounds and the rebuilding of trust that may have been fractured along the way.
My journey, marked by experiences with religious trauma, has allowed me to understand the isolating impact that such experiences can have. Trauma, whether it manifests as physical, psychological, or emotional symptoms, often leads to disconnection. Unresolved, it can resurface unexpectedly, making trust-building challenging and leaving us feeling alone and adrift.
In my therapeutic approach, I see a deep beauty in accompanying clients as they navigate the process of confronting and processing their trauma. Together, we co-create a safe environment at a pace you set, fostering an atmosphere where exploration of your experiences is not only welcomed but encouraged. Much of the work involves reconnecting you with yourself, gently turning back on the parts that closed off during the traumatic experience.
As a man who has experienced trauma, anxiety and has done deep work within his own identity, I have found a true beauty in connecting and working with other men who have similar experiences. I understand that the conventional notions of masculinity can make it difficult for men to explore their vulnerabilities openly. I navigate this delicate terrain, gently guiding men toward connecting with themselves while prioritizing their sense of safety within the therapeutic environment. From my perspective, therapy should be a dedicated sanctuary where you can process and understand who you are, free from constraints or expectations.
A Little More About Me
I value community integration, diversity, and personal growth. I am privileged to continue my work alongside families experiencing homelessness in Compton. I remain humbled by the warm embrace and acceptance I have received from this remarkable community. Their resilience and strength have been the bedrock and inspiration for my journey as a therapist.
Additionally, my personal experiences with anxiety and religious trauma enable me to relate deeply to my client's challenges. As a wounded healer, I consider therapy to be a space where two humans who bring different areas of expertise into the conversation work together on a level playing field for the client’s ultimate benefit. Together, we forge a tailored partnership.
Immersed in different cultures from a young age, I appreciate our world's diversity and endeavor to expand my horizons whenever possible. Realizing how much our environment can influence well-being has fueled my passion for interior design. I also consider cooking to be my therapeutic relief and have a deep appreciation for coffee, whether perfecting its preparation at home or exploring new coffee shops. And for me, Survivor isn't just a show; it's a way of life.
Mick Silvers is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) based in Sierra Madre, California. After receiving a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Intercultural Community Development from John Brown University, Mick went on to receive a Master’s Degree of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Since 2016, he has gained experience working with unhoused families within the Skid Row and Compton communities. Mick has worked in both group and private practice settings since 2021 and is certified as a Gottman Level I therapist.