Sydney Kittrell

Therapeutic Orientation & Techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Mindfulness
Attachment Theory
Areas of Specialty
Adolescent Concerns
Self-Concept & Identity Development
Disordered Eating
Emerging Adults
Spiritual & Religious Identity
Codependency
Body Image
Professional Background
Clinical Residency, June 2022-May 2023
Supervising Clinician: Alexandra Hoerr LCPC 180.010561
Student M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Trauma Certificate, Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, IL
B.A. in Psychology with minor in Environmental Studies, Furman University, Greenville, SC
Locations: Virtual Illinois, In-Office Chicago
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Life will inevitably bring up intense emotions and feelings: shame, fear, confusion, etc.
Overwhelming pressure, life transitions, past trauma, or simply the burden of daily stressors can pile on you until it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Emotions are a normal part of the human experience but can quickly become overpowering. When overwhelmed, you may find it relatively impossible to maintain or initiate close relationships with family, friends, and significant others. This can create a vicious cycle of anxiety, isolation, and hopelessness. It can feel like you have no way out of this bleak season.
My hope is that we can work collaboratively to explore and pursue paths out of whatever difficult season you may find yourself in. When we spend time together, there will be no judgment or condemnation; instead, we will create a sacred and safe space to fully investigate any complex feelings, heavy emotions, or challenging incidents you may have experienced. We will work to develop confidence and increased self-esteem in your daily life, better understand the discrepancy between thoughts and reality and learn how to face fears as an alternative to avoidance. I won’t offer any easy answers or platitudes in the therapy room; instead, we will work hard together towards empowerment, healing, and freedom.
Throughout adolescence and adulthood, so many of my friendships and relationships were therapeutic in nature. I love spending time with people, and I’m always quick to skip the small talk and dive straight into deep questions and conversations. I grew up focused on others through various roles: committed friend, backpacking leader, and mentor for high-schoolers. While trying so hard to support others, I ignored personal emotional and identity struggles. I was able to acknowledge my own challenges by finally allowing space to explore my emotions and thoughts fully . Through accepting that one does not always have to be happy or “on” for others, I was able to find ways to independently thrive while simultaneously existing in a supportive and close-knit community. Outside of the therapy room, you’ll find me enjoying slow breakfast feasts, spending time outside rain or shine, or reading a good book at a cozy coffee shop.
Starting therapy can be terrifying. Vulnerability can be terrifying. But the process is so worth it and reaching out is the first step. Don’t delay. Let’s start working towards empowerment and health today. Please reach out and we can begin this journey together.
Articles by Sydney Kittrell
Coming Soon! Enjoy these articles from our staff:
Uncertainty of Switching Your College Major
Written by therapist Pete MarlowCollege is a time when students are told they need to determine what they want to do with the rest of their lives. The problem is, there is a big world out there with lots of opportunities, and many students aren’t quite sure yet what...
Thoughts and Choices
Written by therapist Zach SeifertThoughts can be extremely hard to control at times - not to mention the choices we make when those thoughts overtake our emotional capacity to remain consciously engaged in the present, or when making decisions. Often, we strive to...
Mental Health Stigma Among Men
Written by therapist Pete MarlowMental health statistics show a large number of men prefer to suffer with mental health issues rather than ask for help. A leading cause of death among men is depression and suicide with men dying by suicide at a rate that is over 75%,...