Ally Silva, LCSW (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #93160
Services I offer
I provide in-office and virtual therapy in California for teens 12-17, young adults 18-26, adults. I also provide virtual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults in Vermont
Top Specialties
- Relationship Issues (Family, Partners, Friends)
- Life Transitions
- LGBTQIA+
About Me
I am a board-certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping people know their worth and increase their confidence and sense of empowerment in their relationships. I have a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and am licensed to practice therapy in California and via telehealth in Vermont.
My therapy approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. I tend to pull from cognitive behavior therapy, problem-solving therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. I am also trained in EMDR. I have an extensive history of working with teens and young adults and truly enjoy supporting young people in exploring their identity, navigating life’s challenges, and preparing for life transitions. I additionally have significant experience in working with those in the LGBTQIA+ community and providing gender affirming care. I very much enjoy working with people of all ages regarding relationship challenges, most specifically those who have experienced intimate partner violence or domestic violence. My goal is to support you to feel empowered, strong, free, and confident in your next steps toward healing.
I like to refer to myself as quirky – someone who can laugh at themselves and make silly jokes where appropriate. In the therapy space, I’ll hold space for you to process, vent, celebrate wins, and reflect, and I’ll also give you “real talk” and challenge you to step outside your comfort zone where it may be important to do so. The therapy space should be a collaborative space, where you can identify where you want to see growth in yourself, and where you and I can have healthy corrective experiences when needed.
Who I Work With
I provide therapy for:
- Teens (12–17)
- Young adults (18–26)
- Adults
I support clients in both California (in-office + virtual) and Vermont (virtual).
I have extensive experience working with:
- Teens exploring identity, self-esteem, and school or peer stress
- Young adults navigating independence, transitions, and relationship patterns
- Adults rebuilding after trauma, burnout, or major life changes
- LGBTQIA+ clients seeking affirming, validating care
- Individuals healing from domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and unhealthy relationship cycles
What It’s Like to Work With Me
I blend warmth, humor, and authenticity with steady guidance. I often describe myself as quirky—someone who’s not afraid to laugh at myself and bring lightness into the room when appropriate.
In our work together, you can expect:
- A space to process, vent, and reflect
- Celebrating your wins (big and small)
- “Real talk” when honesty supports your growth
- Collaboration rather than hierarchy
- Healthy corrective experiences when needed
- Encouragement to stretch gently outside your comfort zone
Therapy with me feels like being supported by someone who genuinely sees you and believes in your strength.
Therapeutic Approach
Professional Experience
- Therapist and Clinical Supervisor at Teen Therapy Center (2020 – 2025)
- Associate Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Bay Area Youth Center DBA Side by Side; provided clinical case management to transition aged foster youth in a transitional housing program, used trauma-informed and clinical, strength based lens. (2016-2020)
- Social Work Trainee, Support Counselor at Valley Crisis Center; provided counseling for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, in-office and at shelter site. (2015-2016)
Life Outside the Therapy Room
When I’m not working, you can find me:
- Hanging out with my husband and our Bernese Mountain Dog
- Playing volleyball
- Cheering on the 49ers and the San Jose Sharks
- Dressing up for Renaissance Faires
- Seeing Broadway shows
- Listening to emo/pop-punk or Broadway soundtracks
- Trying new restaurants and local food spots
Education and Training
- Master of Social Work (Emphasis in Mental Health); BA in Psychology
- Trained in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR
- Strengths-based, client centered approach in conducting assessments, treatment planning, and skill development
Additional Areas of Expertise
- Anxiety
- Codependency
- Boundary-setting and social skills
- Depression
- Disordered Eating
- Family Conflict
- Grief
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Life Transitions
- Mood Disorders
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Spirituality/Religion
- Substance Use
- Teen Dating Abuse/Violence
My therapeutic lens is always trauma-informed and grounded in compassion and nonjudgment.