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Sydney Gideon

LCSW, CCTP & Owner

“And be sure to keep your light bright and shining. You never know just how many people you may be a lighthouse for. You never know just how many people find their way home, in even the wildest storms, because you are there.”
— Cleo Wade

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, while also being direct and willing to challenge you when it can help you better understand yourself and create meaningful change.

I specialize in working with adults navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, relationship and attachment concerns, and the lasting impact of difficult or distressing life experiences. You may feel stuck in old patterns, notice that past experiences continue to affect how you respond or connect with others, or simply recognize that something from your past still feels unresolved.

I use a trauma-informed approach and tailor therapy to your individual experiences, needs, and goals. I integrate EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, attachment-based work, and other evidence-based approaches to help clients process difficult experiences, understand patterns, and reduce the ways the past impacts the present.

I believe the relationship between therapist and client is a meaningful part of the therapeutic process. I work to create a space where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself while feeling supported as we explore both where you've been and what you need now.

APPROACH

Get Started

A woman with long dark hair, glasses, and a beige sweater is smiling and sitting at a wooden desk in a modern room with a brick wall. There is a white lamp with a pleated shade on the desk, and a notepad with a pen. A clear vase of white daisies is in the foreground.

    • I am a graduate of New York’s Columbia School of Social Work where I focused on health, mental health, and disabilities.

    • I am an EMDR Certified therapist and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), with specialized training in trauma-informed treatment and EMDR. Visit our page about EMDR to learn more.

    • I conducted research exploring romantic attraction and dating experiences among young adults across dating apps and offline dating. The study was published in the Journal of Social Psychology Research in September 2022.

    • I am licensed in both Illinois and Ohio.

What I value most about being a therapist is the opportunity to genuinely connect with people and understand the experiences that have shaped who they are. I’m continually reminded of how much we can learn from one another, and I feel incredibly honored to be trusted with my clients’ stories. Being able to support people as they better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, and create meaningful change is what makes this work so important to me.

SYDNEY’S FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST

FUN FACTS ABOUT SYDNEY

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AVID READER - PREFERS BOOKS TO TV/MOVIES!

A small, fluffy black dog with gray fur on its face, wearing a cream-colored bow tie, sitting on a stone path in a garden with pink coneflowers and green foliage.

ENJOYS SPENDING TIME WITH HER MINI GOLDEN DOODLE, WILLOW

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PROUD OWNER OF THIS PRACTICE!

Sydney’s Testimonials

  • “I sought out therapy to help with my feelings of anxiety after working in a toxic professional environment. Partnering with Sydney helped me manage what I can and cannot control, especially during a global pandemic these tools have been essential. Sydney's calm demeanor makes it easy to feel vulnerable and truly dig deep.”

  • “I have been working with Sydney for the past year and a half and she helped me to work through difficulties surrounding a chronic illness. I have spoken to other therapists in the past and what stands out to me about Sydney is how much she listens and remembers what you say. I am so grateful to have had her as a help throughout my recovery and now with other aspects of my life as well.”

  • "Sydney has helped me navigate an incredibly difficult time in my life by listening intently and helping me unravel the pieces into tangible bits. She is truly compassionate and caring and makes me feel safe to allow me to be myself and openly reflect. Along my journey, she has also reminded me about the importance of the relationship I have with myself, which I’ll carry forward with me for the rest of my life. Despite all going on around me, Sydney has been a source of light that I’ll forever be grateful for!"

  • “Sydney has been a calming and caring presence as I have begun to dig deep to resolve life-long anxiety issues and unresolved family trauma. She has a magical way of balancing tough love and challenging conversations with self-care and a gentleness that really make you feel safe. The tools I have learned from Sydney are tools that I will use for the rest of my life."

  • "I had worked with a therapist for almost a year and a half in my old city and made little to no progress. When I moved to Chicago, I still felt that my past traumas were unresolved…Sydney made this transition for me so much easier and really helped guide me during such a difficult time in my life. Words cannot express my gratitude to Sydney for helping me to take control of my mental health and allowing me to live freely, without feeling restrained by debilitating anxiety."