sydney benator, rd, lmsw

Theoretical Orientation

My theoretical orientation is integrative: I pull from many theories and interventions based on what is best for the client. I center Person Centered Therapy, which is rooted in an egalitarian relationship between the client and therapist. The main tenant of Person-Centered Therapy is creating a therapeutic space where you can enter and be yourself with no judgement. Person Centered Therapy is also grounded in curiosity. Therapy is a time for us to remain curious about your past, present, and future together to discover who you are, your worth, and your values. I also incorporate a narrative approach in my counseling work. This means we focus on storytelling, a powerful tool for insight and healing. We will examine the story you have learned about yourself from social, cultural, and familial history, and re-author it together. You will be able to see your challenges as separate from yourself and to find your own voice in this spaciousness. In an eating disorder context, this means distancing yourself from your eating disorder to understand your own needs, wants, and desires. The narrative approach allows you to take your power back even when you feel powerless. In addition, I apply elements of polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and adaptive information processing theory (the theoretical basis of EMDR).