“Starting therapy can be one of the most intimidating and vulnerable experiences a person can go through, but it also takes courage and strength to begin a journey of healing and self-discovery. Therapy can be a space to let our walls down and begin understanding our emotions, behaviors, and views of ourselves. I believe clients can grow and begin to see the strengths they already possess and make the necessary changes to live the life they wish for and see that they are stronger than they realize and are capable of achieving their goals and living a healthy and happy life.”
– Sydney chesney
Treatment Focus
- Trauma
- Children
- Neurodivergence
- Families
- Couples
About The Clinician
Sydney recently earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is excited to begin her work as an LGMFT at Washington Area Clinical Center. During her graduate training, she interned at a private practice, where she worked with children navigating trauma, behavioral challenges, neurodivergence, and family disruption, such as parental separation or divorce. Using the TraumaPlay therapy model, Sydney provided resources, attachment work, and parent training to foster healing and connection within families.
Sydney’s clinical experience includes work at a private practice specializing in childhood trauma and a non-profit agency that served clients of all ages facing diverse mental health challenges. This breadth of experience has allowed Sydney to develop a versatile and empathetic approach, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Sydney works with children and individuals who have experienced trauma, neurodivergent children and adults, families seeking to enhance communication and harmony, and couples navigating relationship challenges. She has a particular passion for helping couples restore their connection after infidelity, navigate the stressors of parenting, or process grief after the loss of a child. Sydney’s practice also extends to children ages 3-15 and individuals and couples aged 22-55.
Rooted in a trauma-focused lens, Sydney views problem formation through the nervous system’s regulation and dynamics. She thoughtfully evaluates where dysregulation occurs, helping clients identify their window of tolerance. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and client autonomy, creating a partnership that empowers clients to actively participate in their healing journey.
Sydney thrives in her work with couples, children, and individuals processing trauma, as well as neurodivergent clients. She also specializes in guiding families through the challenges of separation or divorce and fostering healthier communication, discipline strategies, and boundaries. While she does not define an “ideal” client, Sydney’s expertise shines when working with children and families, young adults, and couples committed to making meaningful change.
Credentials
- B.A. in Vocal Music
- M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Approach
- EMDR
- TraumaPlay
- Child-Centered Play Therapy
- Narrative Exposure Therapy
- Gottman Method
- Narrative Therapy
Ready to get Started?
Call us at 301-701-6965 for a short chat with our Client Care Coordinator, who is available weekdays during our normal office hours. You can also fill out the New Patient Registration Form to be on your way to schedule and complete an initial assessment.