Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Yo at
Hi, I'm Yo-at (YOE-aht) Silverman and I've been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for nearly 20 years. I've been doing therapy since I finished my MA at New College of California in 2007, and I've been licensed since 2009.
Have you been experiencing a lot of worry, stress and anxiety lately? Has something significant changed in your life and you're just trying to make heads or tails of it all? Are you having issues staying on task or maintaining focus at work or at school? Are you trying to figure out how to get along with family, friends or coworkers? Have you and your partner been having issues communicating and trusting each other? Are you motivated to create change for your own growth and benefit? I can help.
My style is supportive, solution-focused, and coping skills centered. I'll listen without judgement or criticism and I'll give you concrete ideas and suggestions that are designed to help you in improving your quality of life, your relationships and your self-care (and no, I'm not talking about manicures or haircuts).
And if you need a vent session, I'm here for that, too.
I look forward to meeting you.

"Having worked in the field for over fifteen years, and having made it my second career, I find I have a knack for connecting with clients who are undergoing change and adapting to new challenges."
Get to know Yo at
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I decided to become a counselor because I believe that we as human beings are happier, healthier and more productive when we feel connected, supported and understood. I enjoy figuring out ways to help people in those arenas.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I am a good fit for clients who are motivated, self-aware and willing to do the work to improve their mental health and relationships.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am always excited to work with young adults as they transition into adult life and explore their opportunities, as well as change of life experiences that can occur in middle age. I also love to work with couples who want to improve their interpersonal communication skills in their relationships.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
Good therapy can be awkward and uncomfortable. If you're told something you disagree with by your therapist, or asked a question you don't want to answer, it is my hope that you would share your disagreement and concerns. Therapy is for the client's benefit. I've heard of too many situations where the client says that they didn't want to hurt the clinician's feelings by correcting them. Hurt my feelings. That's OK. We're here for you, not me.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I'm here because I appreciate the freedom and autonomy that Thriveworks allows me to create my own schedule.
What inspires you?
Knowledge, curiosity, understanding and compassion inspire me.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
The first session isn't a session; it is an intake that is designed to identify who you are and if you feel that we would work well together. Good fit is so very important in effective therapy and an intake is a great opportunity to determine that.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
In the first session, post-intake, I really want to get to know you as an individual (or couple) and to get some more information about the presenting problem and how it is affecting your daily experience and relationships. And... whatever else you want to tell me, as well as give you an opportunity to ask any questions that the intake might have brought to the surface.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love to foster kittens, spend time with my husband, garden, music and cooking. Oh, and I'm an awesome baker - my neighbors love me!
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 18 years
- Graduating institute
- New College of California
- Graduating degree
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
