You don’t have to have it all figured out.
I’ll hold space for your process—with compassion, presence, and a deep belief in your strength.
I’m Samara Silvester, a therapist based in Nashville’s Green Hills, here to walk alongside you wherever you are in Tennessee.
You’re doing the best you can and still…it never feels like enough.
Whether we like it or not, life is a rollercoaster full of unexpected twists, ups and downs, and sometimes entire seasons of confusion and hurt. Whether you’re in the midst of a big change or just trying to make sense of the everyday chaos, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what’s next.
Life might look like…
Quiet battles and emotions you don’t share with others.
Wondering if you’re enough just as you are.
Dealing with the heaviness of grief, but nobody seems to notice or “get it.”
A longing for connection tangled with fear of getting hurt again.
You’re starting to question who you truly are—and what the future holds—because right now, those answers feel just out of reach.
This space was built for all the parts of you—especially the ones you’ve been told are too much, too messy, or too hard to understand.
GET TO KNOW ME BETTER
I’m the therapist who won’t let you stay stuck—I’ll help you find your way forward.
I’m deeply inspired by Carl Rogers and his person-centered approach, which means I start by fully believing in you. I hold unconditional positive regard for who you are right now—even the messy, tangled parts. That acceptance isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of everything we do together.
Therapy with me is a real partnership—a place where insight meets action, and where you walk away not just feeling heard, but ready and able to move forward on your terms.
At the same time, I know life—and therapy—aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your experiences, relationships, and struggles are yours, and I recognize and honor that. That means I tailor our tools and methods based on what fits you best. I’m here to help you make sense of what’s going on, understand the how and why, and guide you through the things that feel especially overwhelming or confusing.
This is a place where you’ll feel safe enough to be real…and brave enough to challenge yourself. We’ll get curious, go deep, and sometimes, even laugh together. There’s no script or checklist here—just honest, authentic work shaped around you.
I’m not just here for the easy days. I’m “in it with you” when things get hard, when you doubt yourself, or when you’re not sure what’s next. Together, we’ll turn those moments into breakthroughs—and create a foundation you can build upon long after therapy ends.
METHODS I USe
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Therapy with me is person-centered and integrative—I tailor our work to fit you, not the other way around. I draw from a range of evidence-based psychodynamic and experiential therapies, including methods like TF-CBT, ACT, EFIT, and EMDR. I also incorporate attachment-based, grief-informed, and culturally responsive approaches, depending on what feels most supportive. Some sessions might focus on insight and regulation; others may center on skill-building, trauma processing, or relationship dynamics.
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With extensive training and experience in couples therapy, I use the Gottman Method as my primary approach. Grounded in decades of research, this method helps you and your partner build trust, improve communication, and create lasting emotional connection.
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Preparing for a thriving relationship takes more than love—it takes insight, tools, and a strong foundation. Using the research-backed SYMBIS framework, I help couples explore key areas like personality dynamics, communication styles, roles, finances, intimacy, and potential growth edges. Couples who do this pre-marital work increase their success rate by up to 30%. It’s not about predicting problems—it’s about laying the groundwork for connection, resilience, and long-term alignment.
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When couples are unsure whether to move forward together or separately, discernment counseling provides a structured, short-term process designed to bring clarity. It’s not about convincing anyone to stay—it’s about helping each partner understand how they got here, what’s not working, and whether there’s a shared path forward. This research-based approach gives couples space to slow down, reflect honestly, and make intentional decisions—without pressure, blame, or spinning in circles.
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Sometimes we need something more than talk therapy—especially when the past keeps showing up in the present. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps you process and heal from traumatic or distressing memories by using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. It’s effective for reducing emotional pain and improving mental well-being. For many clients, EMDR brings real relief where words haven’t been enough.
My Background
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Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP), State of Tennessee, License #6384
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Master of Education (MEd) in Human Development Counseling, Vanderbilt University
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Gottman Method Level 3 Trained (Couples Therapy)
Gottman Trauma and Affairs Trained
SYMBIS Certified (Premarital Therapy)
Level 1 EMDR Trained - Trauma Focused
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American Psychological Association (APA)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Nashville Psychotherapy Institute (NPI)
Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA)
Sessions available in-person & online in Green Hills, Nashville, TN