Chad Sykes
AMFT #163992, APCC #22932
I’m here to walk alongside you.
Therapy is a unique space where you can be fully and authentically yourself, lowering the masks required to get through daily life and share what you are genuinely experiencing.
My journey with therapy began when seeking relief from the significant anxiety and dissatisfaction that emerged in my first career. Therapy helped me first gain awareness of my own confusion between suffering and growth, and how the first step toward joy can be the hardest to take. I learned that rather than just “trying harder”, healing often comes through relationships and having someone witness and respond to my experience with research and objective reflections.
Within a therapeutic environment that is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and positive regard, we will work together to build resiliency for the challenges of life. You will know the work is complete when you arrive at the session excited to share how the tools and awareness we developed together helped navigate an obstacle, and we get to smile and celebrate your achievement together.
Together, we can create space for change and understanding.
Request Appointment Now
Under clinical supervision of
Certified Gottman Therapist, Anna McDonald LCSW#100937
Gottman Level 2 Trained
I can empathize with what you are going through
As a Partner: Pre-marital couples counseling was incredibly beneficial for my wife and I; we thought we already knew each other deeply after dating for three years, but couples counseling allowed us to take a more nuanced look at our values, stressors, and expectations. Now a decade into our marriage (plus five homes, four degrees, two kids, and one dog), and being well-versed in Gottman strategies, I have lived the benefits of hard work, necessary communication skills and healthy practices to nurture a marriage and friendship.
As a Dad: After having two young children of my own, I can personally attest to the mental toll, unexpected dilemmas, and identity crises that can occur during early parenthood. Having children can be one of the greatest joys and most demanding responsibilities of life, which make it an ideal time to receive support. In working with parents, I get to support them through one of life’s most major transitions. Learning how to negotiate your individual and family needs and dreams, implementing healthy communication, and receiving parenting support allows you to make this transition feeling connected and attuned.
With Anxiety: My personal journey with therapy began with being unable to fall asleep at night for fear of the anxiety that would follow the next morning. Anxiety can often go unnoticed, creating a silent suffering that shrinks a person’s life to their fears, avoidances, and worried thoughts. I’ve worked to implement the concrete tools necessary for transforming the anxious experience, as well as incorporating the deeper relational and emotional healing required to build a full, joyful life.
because I have been there.
Gottman Couples Counseling
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Anxiety, OCD & Panic
Chad's Specialities
A research-supported and goal-oriented structure that supports both managing conflict and building friendship by personalizing interventions that meet the needs of your relationship.
An empathetic approach to parenthood that reflects back the real challenges of birthing and raising children while equipping you to engage with this life stage with meaningfulness and supportive structures.
An individualized approach that uses evidenced-based interventions to help you create an awareness of your symptoms and experience, feel supported and understood, and move toward empowerment, resiliency, and fullness in life.
Chad's Experience & Education
- AMFT #163992
- APCC #22932
- Gottman Level 2 Trained, 2026
- California Clear Teaching Credential, 2020
- Pacifica Graduate Institute, MA in Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in Depth Psychology, 2026
- Vanguard University, MA in Education with Emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction, 2021
- Vanguard University California Preliminary Secondary Teaching Credential, Foundational Mathematics with English Learner Authorization, 2017.
- Westmont College, BA in Sociology with Minor in Economics & Business, 2016. Magna Cum Laude and Outstanding Senior–Sociology
- Westmont College, Counseling and Psychological Services, Clinical Trainee
- Hospice of Santa Barbara, Grief Counselor Trainee
- Middle School Math Teacher, 10 years
Pricing:
$160 per 50 minute session,
$240 per 80 minute session
Limited Reduced Fee Sessions Available
Payments Accepted:
Credit cards accepted and
superbills can be provided
Charlie's Contact Information:
Chad's Fee Schedule
chad@mindfulsolutionstherapy.info
(805) 705-6479
A little about Chad:
Ways to reconnect with myself
Favorite Moment in my day
Caffeinated beverage
of choice
Playing pickup
basketball
Playing at the beach after school
Dune’s iced coffee
Testimonials
"As a professional, Chad is vested in the success of his community , diligent, prepared, and conscientious. As a person Chad shines humor onto sharp corners, consciously makes his inner world available for us to see him, and cares for all that is in his presence.
Chad gently and consistently mirrors a sense of aliveness for his clients who may need to lean in and find their path back to vitality"
Let us help you to create a happy home, healthier relationships &
a more satisfying life
