Caretia Silva, LCSW, LICSW , SEP

My approach to mental health therapy

Somatic Experiencing®

Why Work with a Somatic Experiencing® Therapist?

If you're here, you may be looking for relief—from anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, or a sense of feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. You may have tried talk therapy or other healing modalities and still feel like something deeper in your body is holding on. That’s where Somatic Experiencing® can be life-changing.

Somatic Experiencing® is a body-centered therapeutic approach designed to help you gently release the effects of stress and trauma stored in your nervous system. Rather than focusing only on thoughts or memories, SE works by guiding you back into connection with the innate wisdom of your body—where real, sustainable healing can begin.

Trauma isn't just what happens to us—it's also what happens inside us in response to overwhelming experiences. Often, our bodies carry this residue long after the mind has moved on. Through the compassionate, mindful practice of Somatic Experiencing® , we can help your nervous system restore balance, increase your sense of safety, and unlock greater resilience, vitality, and emotional freedom.

Read more about Somatic Experiencing® here.

Person First

In therapy, person-first means seeing you as a whole person, not just defined by a diagnosis, condition, or challenge. It’s about recognizing your humanity first—your strengths, your potential, and everything that makes you you. For example, instead of labeling someone as “anxiety-ridden” or “depressed,” we focus on the person who experiences anxiety or depression, emphasizing that those experiences are just one part of your unique story.

By putting you first, person-first therapy creates a space where you are valued beyond your struggles. This approach allows us to address challenges while honoring your inherent worth, resilience, and individuality. It fosters a deeper connection, builds trust, and empowers you to feel seen, heard, and respected as we work together toward your growth and healing. You are more than your circumstances, and therapy is a place where you can rediscover your full potential.

Trauma Informed

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care means understanding and recognizing that trauma affects the mind, body, and spirit—and that healing is possible. It’s a compassionate, client-centered approach that prioritizes your safety, empowerment, and comfort throughout therapy. Instead of focusing on what’s "wrong" with you, trauma-informed care asks, “What happened to you?” and works to create a space where you can feel heard, validated, and supported as you heal at your own pace.

By acknowledging the impact of past experiences, we can gently work together to explore your challenges, re-establish a sense of control, and build the resilience needed to move forward. The goal is not just to relieve symptoms, but to help you reconnect with your inner strength and find lasting emotional well-being. Healing is possible—and with trauma-informed care, you’re never alone on this journey.

Theoretical Orientations and modalities

Holistic, Compassionate, and Trauma-Informed

I bring a range of therapeutic tools to support your healing, including:

Psychodynamic Therapy – To explore how past experiences shape your present behavior and emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – To challenge and reframe negative thought patterns.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) – To explore and heal internal parts of yourself that may be in conflict.
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) – To find solutions to problems by working together, especially in neurodivergence and family dynamics.
Whole Brain Child – For integrating developmental and brain-based approaches when working with children and families.
Motivational Interviewing – To guide and support you in making meaningful changes.
Somatic Experiencing - To work with the nervous system to heal deep-seated effects of stress, trauma, and emotional overwhelm by connecting you to the wisdom of your body

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or navigating life’s challenges, my goal is to help you reconnect to your body, build healthy boundaries, and discover new tools for emotional and physical well-being. In the process, we’ll focus on developing your voice, embracing growth outside of your comfort zone, and empowering you to make lasting changes in your life.

I believe healing is not just possible—it’s inevitable when you’re given the space to grow, understand yourself, and practice self-compassion. I work with each client individually, creating a therapeutic relationship based on humility, integrity, and respect.

Therapy is a collaborative process, and I encourage open feedback to ensure we’re moving in a direction that feels right for you. With a flexible schedule and the option for both virtual and in-person sessions in Portland, Oregon, I am here to support you, whether you're new to therapy or have been on your healing path for some time.

You might be wondering how working with a Somatic Experiencing® therapist can make a difference in your life. In our busy, fast-paced world, we often disconnect from our bodies or try to think our way out of our problems. But healing isn’t just mental—it’s somatic. Our bodies carry the echoes of past experiences, and trauma often shows up not just in our thoughts, but in how we feel physically, emotionally, and mentally.

As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), my approach is grounded in listening to and understanding the messages your body holds. Rather than simply talking about your issues, we work together to process and release the stress and trauma stored in your nervous system, helping you feel more grounded, regulated, and empowered.