Silvia Plaza (They/She/He)
In a world that often pathologizes difference and prioritizes productivity over well-being, I offer a space where you can step away from societal expectations to reconnect with yourself.
Our work together will focus on creating a space where your full self is welcome. I believe in open, honest conversations and in fostering a relationship that feels real. My goal is to deeply understand your experiences and to walk alongside you as you explore your feelings, recognize patterns, and make sense of the challenges you face.
My style
I’m not the kind of therapist who just sits back and nods. I bring curiosity, warmth, and authenticity into the room. I work with a pluralistic approach, drawing on different methods to suit your needs. Sometimes, this looks like connecting your thoughts, feelings, and body through gentle exploration. Other times, it’s about reflecting on the big questions, your values, purpose, and identity, in a way that feels grounding and empowering.
I also believe in the power of self-disclosure where it’s helpful. As someone who is queer, AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD), and dyspraxic, I bring my own lived experiences into the room to create a space that feels relatable and safe. My work is guided by a commitment to social justice and a belief in challenging the power imbalances that so often shape our lives.
Affirming space
Rooted in transfeminist theory and intersectionality, I provide an LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming space. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals in these communities. Polyamorous, kink and sex-working communities, chronically ill or disabled people are also welcome. Therapy with me is rooted in a social justice based approach, understanding how systems like capitalism, patriarchy, racism and ableism shape our struggles and finding ways to resist and reclaim your power.
Focus and Expertise
Some of my special interests and specializations are…
Autistic individuals.
Invididuals going through autistic burnout.
Exploring gender identity or sexual orientation, navigating questions around sexuality and expression.
Chronically ill or disabled.
Late identified in life as autistic/adhd/dyspraxic/dyslexic or questioning if they are neurodivergent.
People exploring identity through a feminist and trans-affirming lens.
Clients seeking support with interpersonal or relational experiences.
Trauma-informed approaches
I am trauma-informed, which means I approach therapy understanding how experiences of trauma shape the body, mind, and relationships. Some of the approaches I use with trauma include:
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, trauma-focused) – helps you notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while living in alignment with your values.
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) – a structured way to safely process and integrate traumatic experiences into your life story.
Brainspotting (Level 1) – This is a different approach to traditionally talk therapy. It works directly with subcortical brain processes, connecting with the wisdom of the body and the primitive part of the brain. This approach allows deeply transformative, non-verbal processing. It uses the gaze (through the optic nerve) to access deep brain regions, involved in emotion and survival responses, where unprocessed trauma can be held.
I am currently undertaking CPD training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, expanding my trauma-informed approach.
Email Therapy
In addition to in-person and online sessions, I also offer email therapy. This can be especially supportive for those who find traditional talk therapy challenging or overwhelming. Email therapy allows you to reflect and express yourself in your own time, without the pressure of being seen or needing to respond immediately. Writing can create space for deeper processing, and for many, it feels easier to explore emotions and experiences this way.
It can be particularly suitable for autistic or otherwise neurodivergent clients, people with social anxiety, slower processing, or anyone who simply feels more comfortable communicating through writing. You can read more about how email therapy works here.
Qualifications
I hold a Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Gender, as well as advanced training in Counselling Psychology. I have completed a Master’s in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy, enhancing my integrative approach to therapy.
I am a General Health Psychologist, certified in Spain and fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) as a Health Psychologist (M10773). I am also a pre-accredited Psychotherapist with the IACP (M16507).
I provide therapy in English and Spanish.
Silvia offers online or in person sessions:
Online: Tuesdays 11.00-17:30 and Fridays 8.00-15:30.
In person: Wednesdays and Thursdays 8.00-15.30 in 95 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2.
Silvia’s fee per session: 85€