A cozy therapy office with a book and candle, a brown knitted blanket, sitting in a modern white chair.

Trauma Therapy in Aiken SC
to help you heal what’s
beneath the surface.

THERAPY FOR ADULTS IN AIKEN, SC

I help clients motivated to finally heal from anxiety, depression, and trauma by guiding them to explore old patterns, process difficult experiences, and reconnect with themselves.

GET STARTED

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A place to make sense of the past and find yourself. you’re in the right place.

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Sydney Strother, LPCA, trauma therapist and counselor in Aiken, SC, sitting on a wooden stool and smiling, wearing a brown sweater and black pants, representing a welcoming environment for therapy and counseling.

Welcome.

I’m Sydney Strother, LPCA, a trauma therapist in Aiken SC, Writer, and Founder of Shadow Work Psychotherapy.

My own journey and personal growth has led me to help make clients’ lives more fulfilling and empowered.

I help clients process what’s beneath the surface, release old patterns, and feel more in control, balanced, and like themselves.

ABOUT ME

FEATURED IN

Blue and silver badge celebrating Sydney Strother, LPCA, as South Carolina's regional winner of the Best of South Carolina 2025.

simple practice therapy finder therapists in sc aiken

I specialize in helping clients ready for change process the past and move forward.

LEARN ABOUT INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Two women sitting across from each other having a conversation in a therapy office. One woman is on a brown armchair, holding a cup, and the other is on a gray sofa with a laptop and notebooks in front of her. There is a plant in the background.

Life can feel overwhelming, even when everything seems “fine.”

You may feel stuck, anxious, or exhausted—and it can get better. Therapy can help you untangle old patterns, process past experiences, and find calm and clarity.

You may be feeling:

Burned out, overthinking, or perfectionistic
Stuck in old patterns or memories
Disconnected or lonely despite your busy life
Overwhelmed or anxious even when “everything is fine”

With the right support, you can start untangling old patterns, process difficult experiences, and feel more in control of your life.

Specialties

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Trauma & Attachment

Helping clients reconnect with a sense of safety, stability, and trust. Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to process past experiences.

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Depression & Anxiety

Understand the root cause of symptoms, develop tools to cope, and explore personal values and goals to deep dive into self-reflection and personal growth.

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Relationship Patterns

Get rid of people-pleasing tendencies, learn to set and maintain boundaries for your own peace, and process family-of-origin dysfunction.

How do I know if we’re a good fit?

Finding the right therapist isn’t just about credentials—it’s about connection. Therapy works best when you feel seen, understood, and supported by someone whose approach aligns with your needs. This short checklist can help you get a sense of whether my style and focus might be a good fit for you.

☐ You’re ready to go deeper than surface level.
☐ You want to uncover the impact of your past.
☐ You want therapy that’s not “one-size-fits-all.”
☐ You’re want healthier boundaries with others.
☐ You’re curious about EMDR.
☐ You value meaningful insight over just coping.
☐ You’re willing to do deep work for lasting change.

Current Availability

I am currently accepting new clients both in-person in Aiken, SC and virtually if you are located in South Carolina.

I am currently able to accommodate new clients within 1-2 weeks.

FAQs

I provide individual therapy that focuses on helping you process past experiences, untangle old patterns, and build lasting clarity and balance. My approach is collaborative, insight-driven, and tailored to your needs. I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for those looking to process trauma and emotionally charged memories more effectively.
My ideal clients are self-aware, motivated, and ready to do deep, reflective work. If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, burned out, or carrying unresolved patterns from the past, therapy here can help you feel more grounded and in control.
My session rate is $150 for ongoing individual therapy and $175 for the initial intake. For full diagnostic assessments, reference the Rates & Insurance page for more details.
I’m an out-of-network provider, and I partner with Thrizer to reduce the cost of sessions. I’m happy to help you check your benefits and estimate your costs before starting therapy, just click here.
Most sessions are 50 minutes. The frequency depends on your goals and availability, but many clients start weekly and adjust over time as progress is made.
Yes, I offer clinical assessments for a variety of concerns. These can help you better understand yourself, clarify potential diagnoses, provide documentation for another doctor or provider, or even determine if an emotional support animal might be appropriate. Assessments are designed to give insight and guidance for your next steps in care.
Your first session is a chance to get to know each other, discuss your goals, and start exploring the patterns or challenges that brought you to therapy. It’s collaborative and judgment-free — my goal is for you to feel seen and understood from the start.
The best way to reach me to get started is to complete the New Client Form. You can also reach out by email or phone. From there, we’ll discuss your needs, explain the process, and find a plan that works for you.

I focus on why things happen, not just what happens.

Take the first step and download my free resource, 
The Root Cause Reflection Guide.