We went to see Syd for marriage counseling and I was VERY impressed with her. She uses an approach called NVC (at least with us she did) that is incredibly helpful in dealing with communication problems - and she is very good at it! Whatever issue we came in with, she was able to break it down to a communication problem that had an answer. We didn't need to delve heavily into the past and bring up everything we ever did or said. The solution was much more about how we were talking to each other at the moment. My husband and I had tried marriage counseling twice before (for the same communication issue) and we didn't get very far. In both cases, we stopped going after a short while because the person wasn't helping us. And I resolved that I wasn't going to see another couples counselor unless he/she seemed really skilled. Otherwise, it seems like a waste of time. When we were seeing Syd, I almost always felt helped. My husband and I both felt heard by her - and not judged. She is very compassionate and a very good listener. Often she would act as an interpretor, helping us to see the other person's point of view and to communicate with him/her in a way that didn't alienate.
NVC (as I understand it) is about learning to talk and listen without judgment, to communicate feelings and needs, and to make clear requests instead of demands or complaints. Again, Syd is very good at teaching and modeling this. When my husband and I were stuck in an old dynamic, she would model a new way for us and it was usually very helpful. Brilliant, even.
I would highly recommend Syd to any couple who is stuck in a pattern of communication that they would like to change. Personally, I don't think there are a ton of skilled couples counselors out there. Syd is one of those therapists who has real solid experience and skill in dealing with couples ' issues. And if you aren't going to go to Syd, I suggest that you really look around until you find someone great because there is a HUGE difference between a mediocre couples counselor and a great one. read more