Sydney Erskine , LMFT

Sydney Erskine is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with 24 years of experience. She helps people facing anxiety, depression, addiction concerns, relationship stress, and self-esteem struggles. She also supports those coping with grief, trauma, career changes, and issues related to identity and intimacy. Sydney focuses on practical steps and steady progress to make life feel more manageable.

Sydney draws on a range of approaches to match what each person needs. She uses client-centered work to listen closely and build a respectful, empathic space. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people identify and shift patterns in close relationships. Mindfulness and somatic methods bring attention to body sensations and present-moment awareness.

Her background includes work in addiction treatment centers, dual-diagnosis programs, and private practice in the Bay Area. She earned a Master’s in Psychology in 1994 and became licensed as an LMFT in California in January 2000. That history informs a whole-life view that considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors.

In sessions she begins by clarifying the problems that led someone to reach out. Then she and the client set measurable, realistic goals and pick tools that fit day-to-day life. Therapy often includes skill practice, check-ins on progress, and steps to redirect patterns that no longer serve the client.

Sydney aims to help people move toward authenticity and meaningful change. She emphasizes collaboration, respect, and concrete strategies so clients leave with both insight and action they can use between sessions.

How Sydney’s approaches translate to online care

Sydney uses client-centered work to create a respectful, listening-focused space where a person’s concerns guide the session. That approach helps when someone needs validation, clearer goals, and a steady plan for change.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy is used to notice and change patterns in close relationships. Online sessions can support conversations that uncover feelings and help people shift how they show up with partners or close others. Mindfulness therapy brings attention to breathing, body sensations, and present-moment awareness to reduce stress and improve focus during everyday moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Sydney will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and comfort with different techniques. She checks progress and adjusts the plan as issues change over time.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face interaction for relational work, while phone calls can fit into a busy day or require less bandwidth. Live chat and text are useful for brief check-ins, short skill practice, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to schedule care around life commitments and different energy levels.