You try your best every day to be the parent your child needs. Yet when they’re upset, angry, tired, clingy, you might find yourself wondering, “Am I doing this right?"

Parenting doesn’t come with a map. Many of us rely on what we learned growing up, sometimes repeating old patterns or feeling unsure how to respond differently.

What matters is your willingness to pause, watch, and observe your child’s behaviors, to understand their emotional needs and how you respond to them. It’s never too late to make changes and grow together.

Therapy offers a safe space to reflect, understand your experiences, and find new ways to connect with your child. You don’t have to navigate parenthood alone.

“The Swing”

“How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!”

— Robert Louis Stevenson

I work with parents and caregivers who are seeking support in understanding their preschool children’s emotional and relational needs through the Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) program. This 8–10-week program, grounded in attachment theory, offers a reflective space to explore your child’s emotional world and learn how to support their ability to manage feelings, build self-esteem, and develop secure, connected relationships.

In some cases, I may also provide play therapy for young children (ages 0–6) whose parents are participating in the Circle of Security program with me, offering an additional layer of support tailored to the child’s developmental needs.

I am also committed to supporting families and young children who are exploring or struggling with questions around gender identity. My approach is compassionate, and grounded in creating a safe and respectful space where children feel seen and valued, and where caregivers can gain clarity in understanding and supporting their child’s experience.

In addition to my private practice, I serve as a clinician with the Lourie Center, delivering the Circle of Security program to both early childhood educators and caregivers in Prince George’s County. This work is embedded within a larger research initiative led by the University of Maryland’s Department of Psychology, which is evaluating the implementation and outcomes of the Circle of Security in preschool settings.

Therapeutic Practice

Adriana Couto Silva

I am a licensed psychotherapist and psychoanalyst with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare professions. I am licensed to practice in Washington D.C., Maryland, and New York. My therapeutic approach centers on active, empathic listening and fostering a strong, collaborative relationship with each patient.

As a trilingual clinician, I offer therapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I work extensively with migrants and individuals navigating issues of identity, belonging, and the search for home in unfamiliar environments. My practice is grounded in cultural sensitivity, psychoanalytic insight, and a deep respect for each person’s unique life journey.

MS, MA, LCPC

Address

2604 Connecticut Ave, NW
Suite 202
Washington, DC 20008

Contacts

(301)204-1608
contact@asilvapsychotherapy.com

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