Licensed to practice in California and accepts 1 insurance. Specializes in Anxiety, Life Transitions, Self Esteem and 6 more.
Dr. Tiona Sykes
(she/her)
Hi! Thank you for checking out my page. I’m Dr. Tiona Sykes, (Dr. T), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who supports women and men navigating anxiety, self‑doubt, relational stress, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, grounded, and collaborative — designed for clients who want clarity, emotional relief, and practical tools without committing to long‑term therapy. I specialize in working with high‑functioning women and men, helpers, and faith‑centered individuals who are carrying a lot internally while still showing up for everyone else. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or stuck in old patterns that no longer fit who they’re becoming. Together, we slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and create meaningful shifts that help you feel more present, confident, and aligned. My work is short‑term and intentional (6–10 sessions). You don’t need months or years of therapy to feel better — you need focused support, a clear plan, and a space where you can breathe.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is spacious and grounding. We’ll explore what’s bringing you in, what you’ve been carrying, and what you want to change. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your story, your strengths, and the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. By the end of the session, you’ll have: * a clearer understanding of what’s happening internally * a sense of internal direction * a short‑term plan (6–10 sessions) that feels manageable and aligned with your values * tools to help you feel more regulated My goal is for you to feel safe, seen, and supported from the very beginning.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach stands out because it’s both supportive and intentional. I’m not a “just talk about your week” therapist, and I’m not a rigid, overly structured therapist either. I offer a middle ground that feels human, warm, and deeply attuned — while still giving you direction, insight, and tools that create real movement. I work short‑term (6–10 sessions), which means our time together is focused, purposeful, and designed to help you feel better sooner rather than later. I blend evidence‑based methods like CBT and ERP with identity‑centered approaches like Narrative Therapy and IFS‑informed work. This allows us to explore both the practical skills you need and the deeper stories shaping your anxiety, boundaries, and relationships. Clients choose my approach because it helps them understand themselves more clearly, feel more grounded, and make changes that actually stick — all without committing to months or years of therapy. It’s therapy that feels supportive, clarifying, and aligned with who you are and who you’re becoming.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal client is a high‑functioning woman or man who has been carrying a lot internally while still showing up for everyone else. You are navigating anxiety, self‑doubt, relational stress, or a major life transition — and although capable, thoughtful, and resilient, you are tired of doing it all alone. Your someone who looks “fine” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer fit who she’s becoming. Your reflective, motivated, and open to short‑term, intentional therapy. You want clarity, emotional relief, and practical tools that you can use right away. You are not looking for years of therapy — rather you want focused support, a grounded space to breathe, and a therapist who can help you make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. My ideal client is ready to explore their identity, strengthen their boundaries, and rewrite old stories that have been shaping their relationships, stress, or self‑worth. You value warmth, honesty, and a collaborative approach. You don't need to come into session perfect! Together we will create a space where you can finally put the emotional load down and reconnect with yourself.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
Other specialties
Coping Skills
Depression
Family Conflict
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Peer Relationships
School Issues
I identify as
Black / African American
Christian
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Cash - $200 per session
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
For understanding patterns, building coping skills, and creating small, sustainable shifts.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
For clients whose anxiety shows up as avoidance, fear, or “what if” spirals — we work gently and gradually.
Narrative
For exploring the stories you’ve been carrying and rewriting the ones that no longer serve you.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
For understanding your internal world with compassion — the overwhelmed parts, the protective parts, and the parts longing for change.