Today we’d like to introduce you to Mick Silvers
Hi Mick, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey to where I am today has felt like profound and organic calling. After completing my undergraduate degree in Intercultural Community Development, I undertook an internship on Skid Row. During this time, I was warmly welcomed into the community and offered a position within the organization I had been interning with. Trusting this inner calling, I made the bold decision to relocate to LA without a place to live or knowing anyone, guided solely by the conviction that I was meant to be there.
From 2017 to 2024, I dedicated myself to walking alongside the unhoused community of Skid Row in various capacities. In 2022, I played a pivotal role in opening the organization’s first transitional housing facility in Compton, specifically designed to support families experiencing homelessness. These experiences immersed me in the lives of over 70,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, teaching me invaluable lessons about the fundamental human needs for love and belonging.
Through sitting with, learning from, and being among those facing homelessness, I realized that love and belonging are holistically ingrained in us. When unmet, they can lead to profound suffering—causing individuals to feel numb, ailing, and disconnected. I observed that the absence of these needs often results in people hurting themselves and others, perpetuating cycles of pain and illness.
As I continued my work, I recognized the limitations of my undergraduate education in addressing the complexities I encountered. This realization led me to pursue graduate studies in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2020. I fell in love with the field, finding it a perfect avenue to further my calling. Graduating in 2023, I joined Ryan Forsell at Praxis: A Psychotherapy Practice as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.
In my current role, I specialize in working with men and couples. The lessons and experiences from my time on Skid Row profoundly inform my therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where love, belonging, and empathy are central. My mission is to help others find the understanding and support they deserve, continuing the work that began with my heartfelt calling to serve the most vulnerable communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not, and for that I hold a reluctant gratitude. One cannot grow where suffering is absent. My path has been marked by trials that served as initiations into deeper realms of understanding. These ordeals compelled me to face shadows that tested the very essence of my spirit. Each challenge became a teacher, guiding me to embrace both the light and the darkness within.
The hardships were not mere detours but necessary passages that shaped who I am. Through them, I’ve learned that the soul finds its voice not in comfort, but in the crucible of transformation. To be within the struggle is to witness the alchemy of the human spirit. It’s in these crucibles of challenge that the soul is forged and authentic character emerges. Struggle strips away the superficial layers, revealing the essence of who we truly are.
When we confront our struggles head-on, we tap into a universal narrative that connects us all. It teaches us empathy, compassion, and the profound interconnectedness of all beings. The beauty in struggle lies not just in overcoming it but in the process itself—where growth happens, wisdom is gained, and the heart expands.
Through my work of witnessing others journey through hardship, I am constantly reminded of our shared humanity and the resilient spirit that weaves us together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I bear witness to others in their struggles. This may sound unconventional for someone in the healing field, but it is the sacred essence of what I do, and it is profoundly beautiful. Within struggle, something greater seeks to emerge.
In my witnessing, I provide a space where a person’s deeper wisdom can rise up. In a world that fears and avoids suffering, my task is to honor it—to see the meaning within it—because sometimes healing comes not from erasing the pain, but from embracing it and understanding the story it tells. As a therapist, I specialize in guiding men and couples through these struggles, specifically helping them find strength in their vulnerability and wisdom in their wounds.
For couples, this struggle often manifests as a drift into the familiar silence of cohabitation, where intimacy feels like a distant memory and the connection that once pulsed with life now seems worn down by the trials of everyday existence. In this, I am called to create a space for the real work to begin—restoring the vitality of a relationship that still holds the potential for deep, transformative connection.
For men, the journey is often about reclaiming their true selves. In a society that frequently asks men to mask their emotions and conform to a narrow definition of strength, many find themselves lost—emotionally isolated and misunderstood. I offer a sanctuary for men to explore these struggles, to release the heavy burdens of societal expectations, and to reconnect with the parts of themselves that have been hidden or ignored for too long.
What I’m most proud of—and what truly sets me apart—is my ability to show up as my full, authentic self in the healing process. I’ve walked my own path of healing and transformation, and those experiences have shaped not just who I am as a person, but how I guide others through their own journeys. My approach to therapy is grounded in a shared humanity, where I’m not just a clinician, but a fellow traveler.
People can sense when there’s a disconnect—when someone is hiding behind a clinical mask. That’s why I’ve committed to being a bridge, using my authenticity to foster genuine connections. In this space of trust, real healing can take place. Social media has become a powerful tool in this process as well, helping to bridge the gap for those who may find therapy intimidating or uncertain. By showing up as myself on instagram, through @sitwithmick, I invite people to get to know me before they ever step into a session.
This transparency demystifies the therapeutic process and offers a sense of familiarity, allowing people to feel more comfortable and connected before we even begin working together. They come in already understanding my philosophy, my approach, and my deep commitment to authenticity. While this approach can’t replace the depth of one-on-one therapy, it serves as a powerful catalyst, helping others feel ready to take the crucial step of starting therapy. My goal is to create a space where people feel truly seen and understood, long before they sit across from me in a therapy room.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was an energetic and curious child who delighted in exploring new places and meeting new people. My parents’ work took our family across various countries and throughout the United States, immersing me in a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. This constant travel fueled my fascination with the world and nurtured my ability to connect with others easily—I had a knack for making friends quickly wherever we went.
Despite these vibrant experiences, I struggled with my personal identity. Being a sensitive kid who didn’t fit neatly into traditional masculine roles, I began to mute parts of myself. While I remained sociable and continued to enjoy travel, I presented myself in a way that was more digestible to those around me. I toned down my expressiveness and adjusted my behavior to align with expectations, which allowed me to navigate social circles without drawing unwanted attention.
I find this is often the case for many of the men I work with today. Similar to them, it wasn’t until my twenties that I started to truly understand and appreciate my personality. I began to embrace the qualities I had once suppressed, recognizing that they are integral to who I am. Now, while my interests remain the same, the volume is turned all the way up. I’m living more authentically, allowing my true self to shine, and this has brought a deeper sense of fulfillment to my life.
Pricing:
- Individual: $150.00 per session
- Couples therapy: $150.00 per session
- Family therapy: $150.00 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Itsaboutpraxis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitwithmick?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/mick-silvers-sierra-madre-ca/1369216
