Join us in welcoming Sydnie to the IOME Team!
We have a fantastic new counselor joining our team!! Please join us in welcoming Sydnie to our IOME Community! She has made an awesome addition to our growing team and is excited about supporting our members. She answered a few questions below to help us to better get to know her, check it out!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii and moved to Northern Colorado in 2009 to start my bachelor’s degree. Of my nuclear family, I’m the only one living in Colorado. I love it here! I have one sibling, a brother, and he’s my very best friend. I currently live in the NoCo area with my partner and our sweet fur babies. I am definitely a cat person!
Why did you become a mental health therapist?
My first career was in long-term care social work, and I found I wasn’t able to help folks like I wanted to. Becoming a counselor equipped me with the tools and knowledge needed to actually help people solve their problems. Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing my clients have their “aha” moments!
Why did you decide to work for IOME?
Being a new grad means you’re entering the job market, which makes for an overwhelming experience. Brand new counselors might leave interviews feeling confused or unsure of their values and how they align with a company. That wasn’t the case for IOME. I knew right away that IOME stood for something I believed in. Being able to work in a space that practices what it preaches makes for a happy counselor, which means happy clients! I’m very happy to be part of the IOME team.
Why do you believe self care is nonnegotiable?
Working full-time (and then some) while also attending school full-time (in a pandemic, no less) had shown me just what burnout looks and feels like. I didn’t see the warning signs until it was too late, and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way! Making sure we are prioritizing ourselves when we can really does go a long way. Small steps eventually cover long distances!
How do you incorporate guilt free self care into your daily routine?
Running is my #1 form of self-care. It’s MY time, I can unplug and unwind while also doing something good for my body! Now that I’m out of school, I’m finding myself with far more free time, which means time for me to explore new hobbies, resurrect old ones, and ensure that I’m making the most of my day. I’m also a big foodie and making delicious dinners is one of my favorite things to do. The kitchen is one of my happy places, and hey, we all gotta eat, right? It’s a win-win!
Who is your ideal client? Who do you love working with the most?
My “sweet spot” is the 65+ community. The majority of my professional experience comes from helping adults navigate grief and loss, chronic and terminal illnesses, and aging. I enjoy helping folks work through big changes in their life (like the death of a loved one or a life-changing diagnosis) and offer them either solutions or support (or both!) depending on their needs. Not 65+? No problem! I have worked with adults aged 18-98 on a variety of issues.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting therapy?
Look, I get it. Therapy can be scary. “You mean I have to sit in a room with a stranger and talk about my feelings??” It’s a big step to take! My hope is that within our first session, even our first consultation, that you’ll feel right away that I’m a safe and easy person to share with. Remember, therapists are here to ensure you’re the best YOU that you can be! In sharing with me, you might be surprised to learn something new about you! Mom says I’ve got big ears, so that must mean I’m good at listening. I would love to listen to your story.