About Laura

Growth happens through connection, not perfection

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns you can't seem to shift — you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

Laura Silvester, LMFT

Who I Am

Warm, direct, and practical therapy

I'm Laura, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in San Jose, California. I specialize in couples therapy, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues — helping individuals and couples understand their patterns, communicate more clearly, and feel more connected to themselves and to each other.

I didn't come into this work because I had it all figured out — I came into it because I deeply understand how hard it can be to feel stuck in your own mind, your relationships, or your patterns. What drew me to this work is the belief that change happens through awareness and connection, not pressure or perfection.

I care deeply about helping people feel seen in the parts of themselves they usually hide — especially the parts that feel messy, reactive, or "too much." My work is grounded in the idea that your behaviors make sense in context. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship conflict, trauma, or life transitions, we'll look at both the why behind your patterns and the how to shift them in real, practical ways.

Therapy with me isn't just about talking. It's about creating real change you can feel in your daily life. I balance depth with direction — so you leave sessions not just understood, but with something you can actually use.

Clients often come to me when they're…

  • Struggling with relationship conflict or communication breakdowns
  • Experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or burnout
  • Feeling stuck in repetitive patterns or unresolved trauma
  • Navigating life transitions or identity shifts

In our work together, you can expect…

  • Clear insight into why things are happening
  • Practical tools to help you respond differently
  • Support in building emotional regulation and communication skills
  • A space where you don't have to filter or perform

My Approach

Evidence-based, tailored to you

I use an integrative approach drawn from several evidence-based modalities — always tailored to what you actually need, not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Level 1 & 2 trained. Focused on communication, conflict resolution, and rebuilding connection between partners.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT)

Certified. Practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness in everyday life.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Exploring how early relationship patterns show up in your present — and how to shift them.

Trauma-Informed Care

All work is grounded in an understanding of how trauma shapes the nervous system and our relationships.

Credentials & Training

Qualifications

C-DBT Certified — Evergreen Certifications

Affirming Care

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy

You deserve a space where your identity is fully respected and understood — without having to educate your therapist or filter how you show up.

I offer affirming therapy for individuals and couples across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, supporting you in navigating relationships, identity, and life transitions. Available in-person in San Jose and via telehealth throughout California.

Outside the Office

A little more about me

At the core of my work is a belief that growth happens through connection, not perfection. Outside of the therapy room I'm someone who loves creativity, curiosity, and a bit of adventure.

Geocaching, cooking, traveling, and diamond art keep me grounded and playful — and I bring that same energy into my work with clients. Therapy should feel human and collaborative. Sometimes even a little lighter than you'd expect.

My Philosophy

Like a lotus rising from the mud

I believe growth doesn't happen in spite of our struggles — it happens through them. The parts of your life that feel heavy, messy, or stuck aren't signs that something is wrong with you; they're often the very places where change begins.

In our work together, we make space for those parts — gently, without judgment — so something new can emerge. Healing isn't about becoming someone different. It's about reconnecting with who you are beneath the surface, and allowing that version of you to rise.

FAQ

Common questions

Practical & Logistics

About the Process

Specific to Laura

Ready to take the first step?

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and see if we're a good fit.

(408) 813-3923  ·  Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm PT

Book a Free Consultation