I strive to take the stigma, fear, and jargon out of addressing your mental health needs. Helping others is my passion and I am grateful you have the courage to reach out for help. My goal is to empower you to process your emotions, view your thoughts and actions in a more productive manner, and have fulfilling relationships. Let's focus on your strengths not your problems/concerns. Finding a therapist you trust and “click with” is critical, not all therapists are right for you. Take your time and ask questions. Therapy must be tailored to you!
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor with 12 years of experience as a hospital-based outpatient counselor (rehabilitation, mental health, substance use). I have a broader strengths-focused perspective on chronic disability and related systems/processes.
I have helped individuals adapt to new disability (i.e. serious mental health, multiple sclerosis), adjust to many life struggles and circumstances (i.e. anxiety, divorce), cope with serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia), maintain substance use recovery, and generally work toward optimal life functioning (i.e. improved relationships and school/work accomplishment).
I use client-centered and top-down Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy with motivational enhancement and positive psychology/mindfulness techniques. I'm trained in Gottman Method for marriage relationship counseling. I am training to become more experienced in bottom-up techniques to better support clients with trauma (such as somatic experiencing)
I am married with a blended family with 4 children, one child on the autism spectrum. I am a 24 year Veteran of the U.S. Army and well versed in military/veterans culture and VA healthcare.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Adoption and foster care, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, Infidelity, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Pregnancy and childbirth, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCPC 180.014313
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Russell Silver. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Russell Silver has been an incredible therapist through the BetterHelp app, and I’m so grateful for the positive impact had on my life. Right from our first session, I felt comfortable and understood, I’ve learned practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety, and I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself along the way. His commitment to my wellbeing is evident in every session. He creates a safe and non-judgmental space where I can openly share my thoughts and feeling without fear. I highly recommend Russell to anyone considering therapy on the BetterHelp app. He is a skilled and compassionate therapist who has made a real difference in my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with him.
Written on Apr 29, 2024 after therapy with Russell for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
There need to be more therapists like russell silver. It’s hard to find therapists that can be so flexible and that’s so important in therapy
Written on Aug 15, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd