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 am 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 Counseling Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. In pursuit of this degree, I also completed a year-long doctoral residency in child and family therapy at Denver Health followed by a year-long postdoctoral fellowship in child, family, and pediatric psychology at Denver Health.
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 integrative 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.
Who I Work With
I specialize in working with teens and adolescents (primarily ages 8-22 years old) struggling with depression and anxiety, particularly those experiencing thoughts of suicide. I also have many years of experience working with teens struggling with school attendance, legal concerns, substance use, and LGBTQIA+ identity development. A large part of my practice involves providing mental health support to children with serious medical concerns and those who have recently experienced physical traumas and injuries. I am also highly experienced in working with neurodiverse adolescents and teens, including those attention struggles, sensory processing concerns, and autism spectrum disorders. Despite specializing in working with adolescents and teens, I also have worked for many years with adults struggling with a wide range of concerns and I deeply enjoy providing support to adults of all ages as both individuals and from a parenting perspective.
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. That’s why I spend time getting to know each person first before providing gentle guidance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective to help them identify solutions to their problems that align with their goals and values.
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, social systems and other life circumstances 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 healing and growth. As a humanistic therapist, I help people take control of their lives and make the most of challenging circumstances.
Over the years, I have had training and conducted research related to the role of culture in mental wellness and how individuals experience the world around them. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I recognize the important role of culture in how we relate to others and our experiences with different systems. Throughout my clinical work, I aim to maintain awareness of my privileged and subjugated identities and hold a space for each person to explore their own identities, cultures, and experiences and the ways in which different systems have interacted with them.
I take a person-centered approach to therapy, which recognizes the uniqueness of an individual’s needs and values and emphasizes their role in directing their own goals and treatment path. Other approaches that inform my work include interpersonal process theory (IPT) and attachment theory. As an attachment-focused therapist, I help people explore how interpersonal, systemic, and cultural influences affect their mental health and the relationships they form. I also have extensive training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can be extremely useful for helping people to bring about changes through concrete interventions, skills, and activities.
While I enjoy working with people at all stages of their lives, I especially believe in the positive impact of providing mental health services to adolescents, and teens. As a parent, I understand the importance of early developmental years to a person’s lifelong health and well-being. 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 mental health treatment at an early age. Parenthood has also taught me about the vital role that relationships and significant life changes can have on mental health. Providing children with a safe environment and supportive relationships can be a critical step in helping them to gain the skills and self-esteem needed to maintain their adaptability. These lessons have helped me to better understand and empathize with children who are experiencing social concerns, major life transitions, and emotional difficulties. It also greatly informs my work with parents and families in which I aim to support the growth 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.