Providing psychotherapy in the state of Texas
You might be feeling disconnected or uncertain, unsure of who you really are or what gives your life purpose. Perhaps you’re experiencing emptiness, loneliness, low self-worth, or that sense of being “stuck” and unable to move forward. You may be questioning your direction in life or struggling to make sense of a major transition — such as a divorce, a loss, or another profound change that has left you searching for clarity and meaning. I can help by walking alongside you as we explore what it truly means to be you. Together, we’ll gently look at the deeper questions of being human and what it means to live with awareness of life’s fragility and preciousness. I don’t see your struggles as problems to “fix,” but as invitations to understand yourself more deeply
Silvia Atim (LPC-A) (LCDC)
My name is Silvia Atim .I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio, an Advanced Technical Certificate in Substance Use and Addictions Counseling from Austin Community College, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Makerere University. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and the founder of Tribal Drum Recovery.
In my work, I draw from a range of counseling modalities, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. At the heart of my approach is Existential Therapy, which recognizes what Irvin Yalom calls the “givens” of human existence — death, freedom, meaninglessness, and isolation — realities we cannot escape but must eventually confront.
​
My connection to the existential approach is deeply personal. I grew up in Northern Uganda, where a civil war led by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) raged for twenty years. As a child, I was surrounded by constant reminders of death, loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning. In my village, even amidst pain and loss, we grieved together when it was time to grieve and celebrated together when it was time to rejoice. The sound of distant drumming would call us to gather — to dance, to connect, to remember that we were still alive. As I grew older, I learned to embrace life one day at a time. I began to see beauty in the ordinary and to find joy in small moments
​
In my counseling practice, I bring this same spirit into my work. I use expressive arts to help clients explore their inner experiences and give form to emotions that may feel beyond words. My intention is to support individuals in deepening their self-awareness, embracing their freedom and responsibility, and finding meaning by being fully present in the here and now.
How can I help?
As human beings, we all encounter deep fears that arise from the core realities of existence — death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. The awareness of death can stir anxiety about loss, endings, and the unknown. Freedom can feel overwhelming when we realize that every choice we make shapes our lives and that we alone are responsible for them. Isolation reminds us that no matter how connected we are, there are parts of our journey that only we can walk. And meaninglessness can leave us questioning our purpose, wondering what truly gives life value. In my counseling practice, I create a space of warmth and honesty where these fears can be safely explored. Through conversation, expressive arts, and self-reflection, I help clients confront these truths not as sources of despair but as invitations to live more fully — to find meaning, make authentic choices, embrace connection, and accept the beauty and fragility of being human.
Holistic Approach
​
I take a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit in shaping human experience. Living authentically involves engaging with each of these dimensions to foster balance, awareness, and purposeful living. In my practice, I integrate expressive arts and existential therapy to support individuals in exploring their inner world, understanding their choices, and creating a life that feels genuine and meaningful. I view this work as a process of cultivating presence and wholeness — helping clients reconnect with themselves, navigate life’s challenges with awareness, and move toward living more fully and intentionally.
Providing psychotherapy in the state of Texas
We were born in this world without a brochure or set of guidelines on how to live or what to do with our existence. Each of us is navigating life as we go, often trying to make sense of our experiences and find meaning along the way. You don’t have to face these questions alone. In our work together, I offer a space grounded in warmth, honesty, and compassion, where we can explore what feels heavy and uncover what might be possible beyond it. If you’re ready to understand yourself more deeply and begin living in a way that feels authentic and aligned with who you are, I would be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.