Hi all! My name is Sydney; I am a graduate student in Bushnell’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with an estimated graduation date of December 2027. 

I am a white, cis-gendered woman, and as an individual with several dominant group identities, I hold myself accountable to cultural humility, curiosity, and exploring how intersectionality is showing up in my clients lived experiences. I am committed to anti-racist work and deconstructing white supremacy because as a person with multiple dominant identities, I want to use those for advocacy, allyship and honestly making a better world for all people. My hope is that together, we can create a space that is respectful and inclusive. My motto with creating a respectful and inclusive space is to see something, say something with curiosity — I am hoping that can include feedback on how I can be more inclusive or respectful. My approach is to never shame or judge someone for what they have gone through, but to provide a space that is affirming by the language I use, being feedback oriented, accountable, and self-reflective.

What drew me to the helping field was my own personal experiences as a child. Early on I knew my passion was to help others to thrive even when things are tough. I have extensive experience providing care for individuals experiencing developmental disabilities, the elderly community, and providing inpatient support to adolescents in crisis. This has led to my on-going passion to provide trauma informed treatment for teens while they are navigating one of the most pivotal parts of life. It is important to me to create trust as we work together by promoting autonomy, choice, transparency, and being non-judgmental. All these components help me show up as an authentic human in the space with you.

I often start with a solution focused, cognitive behavioral, and relational approach to the therapy process, and within that structure I strive to meet clients where they are so they can create and succeed on their own terms. As we embark on this journey together my purpose is to walk alongside you as a collaborator: you are the expert of your own story. 

 Outside of being a mental health intern I am a mother, dog/cat mom, and partner. When I have free time, I love to read fantasy books, watch documentaries, sew, and tend to my  garden.