Sydney Walla, APCC

Sydney Walla APCC individual therapist for anxiety and depression

Hi, I’m Sydney Walla, an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, anxious, or disconnected from themselves or one another.

In my work with individuals, I support clients dealing with anxiety, overthinking, self-doubt, depression, burnout, emotional overwhelm, relationship concerns, identity development, and major life transitions. If you’re looking for an anxiety therapist in San Diego, I specialize in understanding anxious patterns, building healthier coping skills, and helping individuals feel more grounded in their daily life.

I also work with couples experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, relationship anxiety, and stress related to major life transitions. As a couples therapist in San Diego, I use the Gottman Method to help partners slow down difficult interactions, understand one another more clearly, and develop practical tools for improving communication, deepen emotional intimacy, and strengthen the relationship once again.

I aim to help my clients feel more understood, more confident in how they communicate, and better equipped to navigate challenges both inside and outside of therapy.

My Philosophy on the Therapeutic Experience and Change

My therapeutic style is warm, genuine, and collaborative, with directness when it supports your growth. As a therapist in San Diego, I believe the foundation of meaningful therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. I strive to create a space where you feel safe to be fully yourself and where you are met with compassion, curiosity, and authenticity.

While I bring clinical knowledge and guidance, I believe you are the expert on your own life. Healing does not come from me “fixing” you. Instead, my role is to help you reconnect with the strengths, insight, and resilience that already exist within you.

My approach to individual therapy draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices. These approaches can support greater self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and alignment with your values. Together, we will work to understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, clarify what matters most to you, and navigate obstacles with greater confidence and self-compassion.

Whether I am working with an individual or a couple, I aim to balance empathy and support with thoughtful challenges that promote insight, growth, and lasting change. In couples therapy, I bring the same collaborative and practical approach to helping partners better understand one another, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship.

Academic Background & Certifications

  • Associate Professional Clinical Counselor - APCC #14869

  • Supervised by Farnaz Safaei, LMFT #140876

  • M.A. Clinical Counseling - Point Loma Nazarene University

  • B.A. Psychology - Azusa Pacific University

  • Internal Family Systems Trauma Treatment Program

  • Intensive ACT Training: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

  • Gottman Method Level 1 & Level 2 Certified

Feel free to contact Novara Counseling, when you feel ready to connect with the strongest and most authentic version of yourself.

Offering in-person therapy located in San Diego, and virtual sessions available all throughout California!

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