About Us: Meet Sydney Walden, LCSW

Sydney Walden, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Clinical Supervisor at DK Therapy but am often thought of as a “strengths-spotter,” confidence-builder, and problem-solver. My clients experience me as professional, open and authentic, and in tune with them, creating a comfortable and safe therapeutic environment. I pride myself on offering an accepting space and a trusting relationship where you can appreciate the strengths you already have as well as develop new ways of being yourself that fit with who you are, who you love and who loves you. 

How I Help…

No single treatment approach fits all people and all problems. Your preferences and situation will be the points of reference for how we’ll work together. I have several years of experience with evidence-based therapies like Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT and DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exposure therapy, EMDR, mindfulness-based strategies, relapse prevention, and behavioral activation as well as narrative and feminist therapy. 

In addition, to working with adults individually, I also work with couples and I am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, I work with couples in every stage of their relationship, whether they are dating, seeking pre-marital or marital counseling. I also work with couples in non-traditional relationships as well as LGBTQIA couples. Developed from John Gottman’s 40+ years of couples research, The Gottman Method provides couples with a roadmap and a set of skills that not only can help them build stronger relationships, but can also help them be a better parent, co-worker, boss, and friend.

I have completed basic training in EMDR I use EMDR with people who have undergone traumatic events (big or small). Attachment-Focused EMDR  focuses on creating safety through resourcing so you are prepared for EMDR and adapts to your needs.

What this looks like is that you and I will use strategies and techniques that fit you; maybe it’s homework that includes monitoring yourself, your relationships, and your environment and using new skills and techniques to discuss, evaluate and tweak. Maybe you prefer progress gained by perspective, insight, and empathy for yourself and your relationships. Or maybe you want to clarify what’s important and valuable in your life and devise new ways to prioritize them. Or, especially now, sometimes we just need to keep taking small steps toward retrieving what feels “normal” and caring for ourselves. If you have had traumatic events and/or a history of complex trauma, we will work together to build back your ability to tolerate distress, regulate your emotions and improve your relationships.

I work with older teens and adults who struggle with depression, panic/anxiety, chronic mental health issues (bipolar, OCD, personality disorders), grief, loss, and transitions as well as relationship issues and family caregiving.  I offer unique opportunities to help you work through your difficulties by teaching tools necessary for developing insight and putting insight into action to help you live a rich, meaningful life.

My Background…

I grew up and attended college in Iowa before serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America. I continued my education in Chicago and began working as a mental health social work clinician in a hospital setting providing intensive outpatient treatment for individual adults with addiction and mental illness. Since then I have worked with adults and teenagers as individuals, couples, and family members, stopping to be my mother’s full-time caregiver through Alzheimer’s Disease. Since 2017 I have been working with individuals facing many different stressors; from life transitions to difficult relationships to complex trauma histories.

On a more personal note…

You can find me exploring Chicago museums, neighborhoods, and libraries. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with family, friends, and pets. I’ve taken up container gardening (it’s really soothing) and also like reading fiction.