Syrrus Powell, LCSW

Vegan Therapist in California

Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you are just beginning your therapy journey, or you have been on this path for some time, it takes courage to begin or to continue this work with someone new. I’m honored that you would consider entrusting me with your story.

Healing is a combination of gaining insight, developing skills, and putting that knowledge and skill into practice to create a life that you feel excited to live. I believe that we are always doing our very best with the inner and outer resources we can access in each moment. Sometimes we have learned skills but we have trouble remembering to use them in times of intense feeling. Other times, we are at a loss as to what could possibly help us in a difficult moment.

Focused, Tailored Treatment

Together we will collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan which, depending on your needs, may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic therapies, and Interpersonal Neurobiology. While I specialize in treating adults with trauma and the resulting psychological and behavioral adaptations such as Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), my approach is also highly effective in treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, interpersonal relational issues, grief, and life transitions.

What is Therapy Like?

I have helped clients develop peace, autonomy, empowerment, self-esteem, and confidence through a deep sense of self-compassion and self-love. Sometimes we can know something in our head but have a hard time feeling the truth of it in our body and heart; for example, the knowledge that we are worthy of joy and love. When we prioritize our relationship with the self and our self-compassion, we can begin to identify our needs, assert boundaries with others, and connect more deeply to our own inner voice and sense of empowerment. Together we will work toward integrating mind, body, and spirit. If you choose to work with me in therapy, you can expect that we will work at your own pace. I will be a guide that helps you on your path to find your inner strength, happiness, and peace.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy can provide a safe and affirming space to get in touch with more authentic ways of being. Therapy can be useful for better understanding your needs while discovering creative and satisfying ways to meet them. As a therapist, I am genuine, validating, and approachable. You are the expert on your experience. My role can take the form of a guide, support, and witness, holding the therapeutic space with an attitude of curiosity and respect.

I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy at different points in our lives. Whether we’re struggling with a mental health issues, going through a change in our lives, or having an issue in a close relationship, therapy can help. Still not sure? Let’s chat about it: I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if working together can further your therapeutic goals.

I care about supporting you in reaching your goals and making sure I’m a good fit to work together. If I don’t think therapy would be helpful for you or if I’m not the right therapist for you, I’ll let you know, and I’ll be happy to refer you to other great resources in our community.

Reach Out

About

My own journey with mental health started long before I became a healthcare provider. As a teen, I struggled to make sense of the chaos that was both my inner and outer world. I didn’t have words to describe my experience and felt disconnected from my body. I had no capacity for self-compassion or self-kindness. I went to a therapist with whom I didn’t connect and began to feel hopeless.

Thankfully, I didn’t give up. I continued my search for something that could help. I discovered that not all therapists are created equal and that different therapeutic modalities speak to different people. I found healing and balance. I learned to slow down, connect with myself, connect with others, and find peace and happiness. This transformation felt like a miracle after years of suffering and my path in life became clear: to offer the tools for that same transformation to others and help alleviate their suffering.

It is truly an honor for me to walk with you in support of your journey to healing.

Services

Areas of Clinical Focus

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders
• Interpersonal Relational Issues
• Grief and Loss
• Issues around Aging
• Life Transitions
• Mood Disorders such as Depression or Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders such as Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Treatment Techniques

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Somatic therapies
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Compassionate Communication (aka, Non-Violent Communication)
• Interpersonal Neurobiology
• Attachment Theory