Lorena Silva, MA
Associate Mental Health Counselor
Accepting New Clients
Young adults | Adults
Introduction
I'm Lorena Silva, an Associate Mental Health Counselor at Essential Insights Counseling Center. I work with young adults and adults who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or struggling with a change in their lives. Together, we'll work to better understand what's contributing to how you're feeling, strengthen your ability to cope with life's challenges, and help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
What I Can Help With
I work with clients facing a wide range of challenges. Some of the concerns I work with most often include:
Anxiety and stress
Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Life transitions and adjustments
Depression and low mood
Communication skills
Mindfulness and self-compassion
Coping skills and stress management
Women’s issues
My Therapy Style
My therapy style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I balance listening with guiding, giving you space to talk openly about what you're experiencing while also asking questions, offering new perspectives, and helping you think about what might help. I meet you with compassion while also helping you move toward meaningful change.
Some sessions may involve more open conversation and reflection, while others may be more focused on a particular challenge, skill, or next step. We'll adjust our work based on what you need, rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan. We work together to create a plan that feels realistic, supportive, and aligned with what matters to you.
Above all, I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself. I prioritize building a strong, trusting relationship where you can be honest, feel understood without judgment, and know that we're working together toward the changes you want to make.
"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness”
―Brené Brown
Therapy Approaches I Use
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches and tailor our work to your needs, goals, and what feels most helpful to you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)— Helps you recognize unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and develop more effective ways of responding.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)— Builds practical skills for managing emotions, handling stress, improving relationships, and responding more intentionally.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)— Helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while taking steps toward what matters most to you.
Culturally Responsive Therapy— Recognizes how your culture, identity, values, and lived experiences can shape your mental health and your experience of therapy.
Solution-Focused Therapy— Focuses on your strengths, what's already working, and practical steps toward the changes you want to make.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)— Helps you explore mixed feelings about change and strengthen your own motivation and confidence for moving forward.
Trauma-Informed Care— Approaches therapy with an understanding of how trauma can affect you while prioritizing safety, choice, trust, and your pace.
Communities I Serve
These are some of the communities I have experience supporting, but you don’t need to identify with one of them to work with me. I welcome clients from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
People experiencing cultural identity or belonging— A culturally responsive space to explore how your background, identity, values, relationships and experiences shape how you see yourself and your place in the world.
Young adults navigating independence— Support as you find your footing amid new responsibilities, relationships, expectations, and decisions.
Graduate students and early-career professionals — Care for the stress, pressure, burnout, and uncertainty that can come with school, work, and building a career.
People experiencing social isolation or lack of community support— A supportive space to feel less alone, strengthen connections, and explore ways to build a greater sense of belonging.
Education & Training
Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Assumption College (2026)
Lorena has completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology and is now working at Essential Insights Counseling Center as part of her supervised clinical work experience. When she completes her 2 years of required supervised work experience and passes a national licensing exam, Lorena will be eligible to apply for independent licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Lorena is being supervised by Dr. Jennifer Warkentin, a Licensed Psychologist and Health Services Provider in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (License PSY #9122).
A Bit About Me
I find it deeply rewarding to be alongside people as they heal, grow, and discover their strengths. Compassion, empathy, and authenticity are values that are important to me, and I appreciate that being a therapist allows me to bring them into my work every day.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time in nature—whether I'm hiking, walking, running, or simply being outdoors. Time with family and friends is also an important part of how I stay grounded and connected.
Rates & Scheduling
Insurances accepted: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Mass General Brigham Health Plan (HMO and PPO plans only), Optum, and United Healthcare. Please visit our Insurance & Rates page for more information.
Rates: $165 per intake session; $150 per 55-minute therapy session
Schedule: Lorena offers in-person and telehealth sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with telehealth-only appointments on Wednesdays. Evening appointments are available Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Getting Started
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or ready for something to change, I may be a good fit for you. You can begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation with our intake coordinator, Jennifer, through our online scheduler. During that call, she’ll learn a little about what’s bringing you to therapy, answer your questions, and help determine whether I—or another therapist on our team—is the right fit.