Syd Benedick, CSAC-S, BA
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Supervisee
- Masters in Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Counseling Intern
- Williamsburg
- Online
- Ext: 754
Who am I?
My counselor identity and personal identity are practically indistinguishable. I show up as my authentic self in the counseling room. And outside the counseling room, I am a helper and advocate by nature. In both roles, I value authenticity, honesty, openness, and most importantly, human connection.
Because of these values, my approach to counseling is person-centered, or humanistic. I offer a level, non-judging playing field by treating ‘clients’ as humans, just like I, and not diagnoses. As a prospective person-centered therapist, I express empathy, support, and acceptance to people regardless of what they say or do. I choose to walk alongside others on their path toward wellness, recovery, healing, growth, or wherever they intend to go.
In addition to being a student and a counselor, I am a friend, a daughter, a partner, a sister, a systems thinker, a ‘neat freak,’ a soccer lover, and a person who never wants to lose hope.
I love working with:
I love working with people. I strive to make people of all identities and backgrounds feel safe with me. I value and amplify the voices of others, especially those most frequently silenced. I hope to be a listening ear when it’s needed most.
As both a counselor and a human being, I strive to combat stigma and discrimination on an individual and systemic level.
My clinical experience has predominantly been with people with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Too often, those with “invisible” or “silent” conditions are dismissed and unsupported. It is my passion to support people with addictions and other stigmatized chronic health conditions.
Some of my favorite approaches include:
I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques to adapt to the wants and needs of the person sitting in front of me. Most frequently I implement Dialectical Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions. Generally speaking, my personal counseling style often incorporates components of mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion.