Sydney Cople Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Throughout my life and academic career, I have always focused on the importance of mental health and wellness. Early on, I decided that a career in counseling could allow me to support the wellbeing of others in a meaningful way. In my journey to become a counselor, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the role of mental health in all areas of life, including child development, parenting, and family relationships. My aim as a clinician is to provide a supportive relationship and environment for individuals of all ages to process their experiences and find their own path to well-being.
My Background
My path to becoming a psychologist began with obtaining my bachelor’s degree in psychology. Afterward, I started working toward a master’s degree in psychology from New York University, with a specialization in understanding mental health concerns. While my studies focused on research, I was able to gain a deep understanding of the impact of mental health on wellbeing and a passion for providing support for those who experience mental health concerns.
I then went on to obtain a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, in which I was able to receive comprehensive training in providing treatment for a wide variety of mental health concerns. By becoming a therapist—and with my background in research—I’ve been able to bring evidence-based approaches straight to those who can benefit from them.
After completing my master’s degree and additional supervised training, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor. While I was already qualified and licensed to work as a therapist in the state of Colorado, I continued to gain knowledge and expertise in counseling by obtaining a Ph.D. in the APA-accredited Counseling Psychology program at the University of Northern Colorado. In pursuit of this degree, I also completed a year-long APA-accredited doctoral residency in child and family therapy at Denver Health. Before becoming licensed as a psychologist, I also completed a year-long postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at Denver Health. I am currently a fully licensed psychologist in the state of Colorado.
My clients are able to benefit from my up-to-date mental health knowledge and diverse counseling experiences. In the past, I have had training and direct experiences working with crisis intervention, adolescents and adults involved in the court system, conducting group and family therapy, and providing trauma-informed treatments. During my doctoral program, I also worked in a community counseling center with adults, children, and college students, as well as in the inpatient unit of the Adams County Jail. Further, I have worked in an integrated pediatric care clinic, in pediatric medical inpatient units, and in a pediatric emergency department working with children and families struggling with acute and chronic health conditions. All of this has given me a broad range of experience with mental health concerns including trauma, grief, stress/anxiety, depression, suicidality, and self-harm.
I also have completed extensive training and practice in administering and interpreting psychological evaluations with children and adults. My approach for the testing process is to utilize clinical therapy skills to make all individuals feel heard, understood, and that the testing process is transparent and meets their goals. I strive to design assessments that are tailored to you and not only fulfill practical needs, but also help you to learn more about your learning style and you as a person.
Who I Work With
I specialize in working with teens and adolescents (primarily ages 6-22 years old), along with adults, struggling with a wide range of concerns. I currently only provide psychological assessment services and consultation services at this time. Assessment types include: learning disorder evaluations, cognitive ability and IQ testing, basic neuropsychological assessments for executive functioning concerns and ADHD, and diagnostic and personality testing. See my Psychological Assessments page for more information about testing approaches and services offered.
My Approach
It’s essential to me that I create a comfortable space for my clients. Initially, I aim to work at a pace that suits each person’s needs and comfort level, while also challenging individuals in ways that support growth and change. I believe it’s critical to gain an understanding of each individual’s experiences and needs before jumping in with solutions.
I view my work through a humanistic lens—I believe that everyone has the potential and desire to grow and to have positive emotional experiences. Sometimes, life circumstances or a mismatch between their strengths and environment get in the way of a person’s ability to accomplish their goals, which isn’t their fault. At the same time, each person has the ability to make positive changes that allow for growth. As a humanistic clinician, I aim to help people feel more capable and make the most of challenging circumstances.
While I enjoy working with people at all stages of their lives, I especially believe in the positive impact of providing services to adolescents, and teens. As a parent, I understand the importance of early developmental years to a person’s lifelong well-being and success. This understanding has been echoed in my clinical experience in which I have been able to see the natural resilience of children and the benefit and impact of interventions at an early age. I also believe in the natural capacity and adaptability of children and am honored to be in a position to help identify and amplify their strengths so that all adults in their lives can recognize them. This greatly informs my work with parents and families and allows me to focus testing and intervention on approaches that will support the growth of the individual and positive connections between family members.
Finally, my personal and professional experiences allow me to hold compassion for all parents and the struggle and uncertainty inherent to raising children. Parenting is not an easy job, and I believe asking for help and support shows great strength. As such, my approach in supporting parents aims to be non-judgmental and encouraging, with the belief that parents seeking help are wanting the best for their child.
Sydney Cople has a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is a Licensed Psychologist (LP) in the state of Colorado.