About Roots of Healing

At Roots of Healing, I am dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and empowering space for individuals to embark on their journey toward growth and healing. I understand that life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, and seeking support is a courageous step.

My Philosophy

I believe that personal growth is like the development of a tree:

  • Roots: Your experiences and history form the foundation of who you are.

  • Branches: Your habits, patterns, and ways of connecting with others grow from those roots.

  • Leaves: The visible expressions of your growth and well-being.

When we nurture your roots, we create space for your branches to grow in new directions and for your leaves to thrive. Together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface so you can feel more grounded, authentic, and aligned with your true self.

A large, old tree with thick, sprawling roots and dense green foliage. The sun shines through the leaves, creating a starburst effect.
A therapist in Bakersfield, CA. Kristen Silva LMFT #146499

Meet Kristen Silva, LMFT

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #46499) who helps individuals navigate anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the lasting impact of trauma.

A little about me:

  • I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients go beyond surface-level coping and create lasting, meaningful healing.

  • Clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, and gently challenging—I’ll validate your experience while also helping you see the blind spots that may be holding you back.

  • My own journey of moving through perfectionism and learning self-acceptance gives me a deep sense of empathy and respect for the work my clients do in therapy.

An outstretched hand reaching upwards towards another hand that is descending from a cloudy sky, with trees visible in the distance.

My Training and Approach

I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, so we can tailor therapy to your unique needs. Some of the methods I use include:

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps you understand and heal the different parts of yourself with compassion.

  • Attachment-Based Therapy: Explores how early relationships affect your current connections, so you can build more secure and authentic bonds.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Creates a safe, supportive environment where your story is honored and respected.

FAQs

  • The first session is typically about getting to know you and understanding why you’re seeking therapy. We’ll talk about your background, current struggles, and goals. It’s a collaborative conversation where I’ll listen to your concerns and start to get a sense of how I can best support you.

  • Everyone’s journey is different. Some clients work with me for a few months to work through a specific concern, while others stay longer to explore deeper patterns and create lasting change.

  • I work with adults and teens who are navigating anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, and challenges in relationships.

  • Progress in therapy can look different for everyone. Some people feel immediate relief after talking through their challenges, while others may see more gradual shifts over time. We’ll set specific goals, and throughout therapy, we’ll regularly discuss how you're feeling and if those goals are being met.

  • I’m an out-of-network provider, but many clients receive reimbursement through their insurance. I provide super bills to make this process easier.

  • IFS is a way of understanding and working with the different ‘parts’ of you — like the anxious part, the perfectionist part, or the part that wants to avoid conflict. By listening to and caring for these parts, we can create healing and lasting change.