Meet Sydney Johnston, BS

River North Virtual

Sydney graduated from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Health Science and a Minor in Psychology before currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at American International College. Sydney is deeply committed to supporting individuals in finding clarity, healing, and personal growth, with a special focus on providing empathetic, client-centered care.

Sydney’s approach to therapy is grounded in Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing her to tailor her practice to meet the unique needs of each client. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges, including managing stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and relationship struggles. Sydney also works extensively with individuals dealing with emotional regulation and interpersonal difficulties, utilizing DBT to provide practical skills for managing intense emotions. 

Sydney’s therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative with a touch of humor. She believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for meaningful change, empowering clients to develop greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. Sydney is passionate about helping all individuals achieve their goals and find a sense of peace and balance in their lives.

When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy the simple things that bring joy and balance to life. I’m a big fan of the Harry Potter series and love the occasional escape into reality TV. Walks in nature help me recharge, and I’m always excited to try new foods and cuisines. Music is a constant in my day, and spending time with friends and colleagues keeps me grounded. These moments outside of work help me show up with presence, warmth, and authenticity in the therapy space.

Strong attention to my needs and providing a safe space to help through my struggles.

— LOA Patient

Education:

American International College

Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Expected graduation August 2025

Gannon University

Bachelor of Health Science-Minor in Psychology

Clinical Interests:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)ADHD & Executive FunctioningAdolescent AnxietyAgoraphobiaAnger ManagementARFID & Picky EatingAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Blood Injury PhobiaBody Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)Career Anxiety & CounselingChild AnxietyChronic Illness & Chronic PainComplex GriefContamination OCDCouples CounselingDepressionDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Disordered EatingDriving AnxietyFaith-Based CounselingFamily CounselingFear of DogsFear of FlyingGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Harm OCDHealth AnxietyInsomnia & Sleep AnxietyLearning DisabilitiesLGBTQIA+ CommunityMind-Body TherapyMindfulnessMisophoniaMotivational InterviewingMulticultural CounselingObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)PANDASPanic DisorderParenting Support & CoachingPerfectionismPerformance & Public Speaking AnxietyPerinatal & Postpartum AnxietyPhobiasPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Relationship OCDSchool Anxiety & RefusalSeparation AnxietySex & AnxietySexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)Social AnxietySpiritualitySports AnxietySubstance MisuseTourette Syndrome & Tic DisorderVomit Phobia (Emetophobia)Women's Health

If you are looking for therapy, medication or combined mental health treatment, learn more about how Light On Anxiety can create a custom individual treatment plan to fit your goals.

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