Chella Sykes

Attachment-based

I use an attachment-based approach to help clients understand how early relationships and life experiences—including childhood experiences, abuse, neglect, or unhealthy romantic relationships—have shaped the way they view themselves, relate to others, and respond to stress. Together, we explore patterns such as people-pleasing, difficulty trusting others, fear of abandonment, emotional avoidance, challenges with setting healthy boundaries, or repeated involvement in unhealthy relationship dynamics. By increasing awareness of these patterns within a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship, clients can begin to heal the impact of past experiences, develop greater self-compassion, strengthen their sense of security, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My goal is to help clients feel more empowered, connected to themselves, and capable of creating relationships that are safe, authentic, and aligned with their values.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors influence one another. Rather than focusing only on changing negative thoughts, I work with clients to identify the core beliefs that have developed through life experiences and explore how those beliefs continue to shape their decisions, relationships, and sense of self. Many of these beliefs were once protective and helped clients survive difficult experiences, even if they no longer serve them today. Together, we approach these patterns with curiosity and compassion, recognizing that every part of ourselves developed for a reason. We identify which beliefs and coping strategies continue to support clients' values and goals, and which may now contribute to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck. My goal is to help clients develop more balanced, flexible beliefs while honoring the strengths and resilience that helped them navigate past challenges, allowing them to respond to life's difficulties with greater confidence, self-compassion, and authenticity.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build practical skills for navigating life's challenges with greater confidence and emotional balance. Rather than expecting clients to simply "push through" difficult emotions, I teach concrete strategies that can be used in everyday situations to manage stress, improve relationships, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Together, we develop skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness while recognizing that two things can be true at the same time—you can accept yourself as you are while also working toward meaningful change. I tailor these skills to each client's unique strengths, values, and way of thinking, making them realistic and sustainable to use outside of therapy. My goal is for clients to leave sessions with practical tools they can apply in real life, helping them feel more capable of managing overwhelming emotions, setting healthy boundaries, communicating effectively, and building a life that feels balanced and aligned with who they are.

Somatic

I incorporate somatic therapy to help clients better understand the connection between their mind and body, recognizing that stress, trauma, and overwhelming life experiences are often held not only in our thoughts but also in our nervous system. Many clients notice physical signs of distress—such as muscle tension, racing heart, shutdown, restlessness, or feeling disconnected from their bodies—before they are able to identify their emotions. Learning to recognize these cues can be a powerful step toward healing. Together, we explore your body's signals with curiosity rather than judgment and build awareness of how your nervous system responds to stress, relationships, and daily challenges. I use gentle, body-based practices to help clients increase emotional awareness, strengthen their sense of safety, and develop skills to regulate overwhelming emotions. My goal is to help clients feel more connected to themselves, better understand what their bodies are communicating, and build confidence in responding to stress with self-compassion instead of self-criticism.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to help clients identify their strengths, existing coping skills, and moments of resilience, even when life feels overwhelming or stuck. Instead of only focusing on problems, we also pay attention to what is already working—no matter how small—and build from there. This approach helps clients reconnect with their sense of capability and recognize that change is possible, even in difficult circumstances. Together, we clarify what the client wants to be different in their life and break those goals into realistic, manageable steps. I use curiosity and collaborative questioning to help clients notice exceptions to their challenges, identify patterns of success, and imagine preferred versions of their future. My goal is to help clients move forward in a way that feels achievable, empowering, and aligned with their values, while reinforcing their existing strengths and resilience throughout the process.