Sydney Lyons (she/her)

Background

My name is Sydney, and I am an Intern Counsellor at Avery Therapy Centre on the traditional unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. My background has mainly centred around human movement through my Kinesiology degree, in which I majored in Exercise Science and obtained an extended minor in Psychology. The mind-body connection has always spoken loudly to me, as I can see how they interconnect and influence how we think, feel, and behave throughout our daily lives. In working with individuals to improve their physical health and recover from injury, I learned how complex and unique behaviour change truly is and that our emotional, spiritual, and psychological wellness plays a significant role in overcoming barriers. 

As someone with an affinity for connecting with others, I have worked professionally with various populations, including athletic teams, individuals of all ages, and couples, for several years. Throughout this time, I have also explored the benefits of play therapy and volunteered as a youth mentor for over two years. These experiences have fueled my passion for integrating movement with mental health practices. In my spare time, I enjoy all kinds of movement, from yoga and stretching to weightlifting and surfing. I also love cooking a new recipe to share with friends and family.

Therapeutic Approach

In my therapeutic approach, I am keen to listen and learn from a genuine, compassionate, non-judgmental and culturally curious lens. As each of us comes from unique experiences, I feel that it is important that we feel heard and can express ourselves openly and collaboratively. This person-centred approach resonates with me, along with a strength-based emphasis on supporting one through life’s changes and challenges. 

Other theories I draw from are Acceptance and Commitment Theory, Existentialism, and Gestalt perspectives. Within these theories, having a trauma-informed practice with a culturally sensitive, and social justice framework is very important to me. I plan to incorporate cognitive-behavioural, somatic, mindfulness-based and emotion-focused approaches in providing counselling interventions and remain curious to facilitate an empowering space for those to grow and express themselves.

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My online booking link can be found here.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams…”

— Paulo Coelho