Meet Silvana
Silvana Forlini is a Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, weight loss, women’s wellbeing, phobias, chronic pain, and relationship counseling.
Born in Argentina, Silvana migrated to Australia in 1997 and worked in Education & Training with migrant and refugee communities for 15 years. She later pursued a Master's in Counseling & Psychotherapy, and has trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy and EMDR Therapy.
Her upbringing in South America and professional experiences in rural Australia have instilled in her a deep empathy for those facing life's challenges. Silvana believes that emotions are the driving force for change and that everyone possesses the skills and resources necessary to propel personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of a sense of belonging for maintaining physical and mental health, as strong social ties provide resilience, support, and meaning in life. Reflecting her philosophical and therapeutic approach to resilience, Silvana often quotes Viktor Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
Silvana combines her personal experiences and therapeutic training to help clients shift their emotional states and lead fulfilling lives. Her practice includes a friendly and safe approach that encourages exploring personal values and setting realistic goals. She uses various counseling techniques, educates clients on treatment options, incorporates hypnosis, and utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address traumatic memories, chronic pain, and fears.
In addition to her clinical work, Silvana volunteers with the Latin American Society of South Australia (LASSA) as a community connector for the Multicultural Men Mental Health Community Connections program. This project, supported by MCCSA, helps men from diverse backgrounds understand mental health complexities and develop strategies to reduce isolation and enhance resilience and wellbeing. She also delivers workshops and lectures to health and government-funded organizations.
In her free time, she enjoys paddleboarding, trekking, and cooking.
Memberships:
Australian Hypnotherapists Association
Australian Counselling Association
EMDR Association Australia
The South Australian Society of Hypnosis