Sykena Evans, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Sykena Evans

Sykena Evans

(she/her)

LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual

I chose to become a therapist after experiencing a time in my life when I struggled to find a provider I could truly relate to. I understand firsthand how intimidating or even uncomfortable it can feel to take that first step toward starting therapy. But I also know how profoundly rewarding the work you do in therapy can be—it’s a courageous and transformative journey that can lead to deeper self-awareness and lasting growth. Life’s challenges, whether they involve grief, complex relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, career or life dissatisfaction, life transitions, intimacy, or sexuality, are all valid reasons to seek support. As your therapist, I provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can explore these concerns and gain the tools to navigate them with confidence. Pursuing a deeper understanding of yourself and intentionally working toward a more fulfilling life are among the most empowering steps you can take. Together, we’ll work to help you reach your fullest potential and create a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and true to who you are.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, you can expect a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where we can begin to build a connection. This time will be all about getting to know each other better, so you’ll have the chance to share what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to work on. I’ll also take time to orient you to my practice and how I work, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed about the process. During this session, we’ll also complete an intake assessment, which is essentially a conversation where I’ll learn more about you, your background, and what’s been going on in your life. It’s an important part of understanding how I can best support you. While it’s an opportunity for me to gather information, I want to make sure you feel heard and supported throughout. Ultimately, our first session is about setting the stage for our work together, creating a safe space for you to express yourself, and helping you feel comfortable with the journey ahead.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a therapist, my approach is rooted in authenticity, respect, and compassion. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and truly heard. I believe that humor and lightness can be powerful tools in the healing process, and I bring a sense of warmth and openness to our work together. Most importantly, I offer a nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. I am deeply committed to helping you achieve the life you envision—whether that’s through shifting how you view yourself, how you navigate challenges, or cultivating a more positive and supportive mindset. Together, we’ll work on breaking through barriers that may be holding you back, and I’ll be there every step of the way as you uncover your potential. I encourage you to remember the words of Henry David Thoreau: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” My goal is to empower you to do just that—move forward with confidence, clarity, and the belief that you can create the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My ideal client is someone who is ready to take steps toward improving their life, even if they’re unsure where to start. Whether you’re navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, or simply seeking greater fulfillment, therapy is a space for growth, understanding, and healing. I believe the therapeutic relationship thrives when there’s a sense of connection and understanding between the clinician and the client. As a therapist, I work particularly well with individuals who value authenticity and are open to exploring how their experiences, culture, and personal history shape their current challenges and strengths. While I don’t have a “dream client,” I find that therapy is most effective when we can build a partnership rooted in trust, shared goals, and a mutual commitment to growth. If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward self-discovery and change, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Address

3250 W Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505, Suite 206

Appointments

Fully booked

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a supportive, goal-focused approach to talk therapy designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. It’s backed by extensive research and has been shown to be highly effective in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, and stress. CBT can also offer tools for managing issues like insomnia, life transitions, and chronic pain. In our work together using CBT, we’ll explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and actions. This process helps you uncover patterns in how you speak to yourself and how your inner voice influences your feelings and behaviors. Sometimes, we’ll also take a deeper dive into past experiences such as those foundational childhood years, incorporating techniques like shadow work, to better understand how early influences shape the way you cope with challenges today. With CBT, you can begin to unlearn unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors while building healthier, more empowering ones. Over time, you’ll develop the tools to respond to stress, pain, and difficult situations with confidence and resilience, helping you move forward in a way that feels both balanced and fulfilling.

Eclectic

Eclectic psychotherapy is a flexible and personalized approach to talk therapy that draws from various therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs. Often referred to as Integrative Psychotherapy, it blends elements from different therapeutic systems to create a treatment plan tailored just for you. One of the greatest strengths of eclectic therapy is its adaptability. No two clients are the same, and this approach allows us to adjust the methods we use as your needs evolve, ensuring that therapy meets you where you are and grows with you. In our sessions, we might combine tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, and even nature therapy, weaving together techniques that resonate with you and your goals. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, we might use mindfulness exercises inspired by nature therapy to help you feel grounded, while incorporating CBT strategies to challenge unhelpful thought patterns. If you’re working through relationship challenges, attachment-based techniques can deepen your understanding of connection and intimacy. Eclectic therapy takes a holistic view of your well-being, supporting not just your mental health but also your emotional, physical, and even spiritual needs. This approach values collaboration and partnership, meaning your voice and preferences are always a part of the process. Together, we’ll co-create a pathway toward healing and growth that’s as unique as you are. With this versatile and dynamic approach, we can address a wide range of concerns, from anxiety and depression to trauma, life transitions, and personal growth, giving you the tools to thrive in every aspect of your life.

Gottman method

Couples therapy provides a safe, supportive space for partners to navigate challenges, strengthen their bond, and build a deeper, more fulfilling relationship. In our sessions, I often draw on Gottman Method-inspired techniques, which are rooted in decades of research on what makes relationships thrive. This approach focuses on fostering open communication, rebuilding trust, and enhancing emotional connection. Together, we’ll explore the unique dynamics of your relationship to identify patterns that may be causing conflict or disconnection. Using Gottman-inspired tools, we’ll work on improving how you communicate with one another, so you can feel truly heard and understood. These techniques include learning to manage disagreements in healthier, more productive ways, building mutual respect and admiration, and creating opportunities for shared meaning and intimacy. Whether you’re working through specific challenges like infidelity or major life transitions, or you simply want to deepen your connection, our work together will provide practical strategies to help you nurture your relationship. This might involve exercises to strengthen friendship and emotional intimacy, developing rituals of connection, or focusing on repairing past hurts in a way that fosters trust and healing. No matter where you are in your journey as a couple, my goal is to help you create a partnership that feels strong, supportive, and full of possibility. With the right tools and commitment, you can build a relationship where both of you feel seen, valued, and loved.