Sydney McKnight

Registered Social Worker

Helping Youth and Young Adults Navigate Life With Confidence

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by school, relationships, anxiety, depression, or simply trying to figure out who you are, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Growing up comes with challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming space where you can slow down, be yourself, and develop the confidence and skills to move forward with greater clarity and resilience.

Meet Sydney

Hello and welcome to my page!

I am passionate about supporting and empowering youth, teens, and young adults to live their lives to the fullest while helping them navigate the more challenging seasons of life.

Since 2018, I’ve worked as a School Social Worker in both elementary and secondary schools, as well as within community organizations supporting youth and young adults from many different backgrounds.

Every day I have the privilege of helping young people navigate academic stress, friendships, family relationships, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, emotional regulation, and life’s many transitions.

You deserve a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported exactly as you are.

My Approach

Working in schools has given me a deep appreciation for the unique pressures today’s youth and young adults face. Whether you’re preparing for post-secondary education, adjusting to college or university, questioning your identity, or simply trying to balance the expectations placed upon you, therapy can provide a safe place to pause, reflect, and grow.

My practice is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in evidence-based care. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Strengths-Based Therapy
  • Brief Therapy

Every person is different, so every therapy journey should be too. Together, we’ll discover what works best for you.

I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist.

Why This Work Matters to Me

Young people deserve the same respect, compassion, and validation as anyone else.

My hope is that you’ll feel genuinely heard, respected, and accepted from the moment we meet. I see every client as the expert of their own life, and I work collaboratively to help uncover strengths, develop practical coping skills, and build confidence for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, school stress, relationships, family conflict, emotional regulation, or exploring your gender or sexual identity, you deserve a space where your experiences are taken seriously.

If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s okay.

“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.”
— Sophia Bush

Areas of Focus

I work with youth, teens, post-secondary students, and young adults experiencing:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression
  • Academic and school-related challenges
  • Family conflict
  • Peer relationships
  • Emotion regulation
  • Distress tolerance
  • LGBTQ+ identity exploration
  • Self-esteem and confidence
  • Life transitions

Every person’s story is different.

Together we’ll build on your strengths while developing practical tools that help you feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.

Education and Professional Training

Education

  • Bachelor of Social Work — Western University
  • Master of Social Work — University of Windsor

Advanced Specialized Training

  • Trauma Certification – Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Brief Intervention for School Clinicians (BRISC)

Professional Memberships

  • Registered Social Worker, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me spending time with my dog, Archie, reading a great book, planning my next adventure, or making memories with family and friends.

I especially treasure time with my two nephews and two nieces, who constantly remind me of the joy, curiosity, and resilience that children naturally bring to the world.

I also love to travel and am always looking forward to my next trip. And if you have a great book recommendation, I’d genuinely love to hear it!

Let’s Connect

​If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the challenges facing today’s youth and young adults, I’d be honoured to support you.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking for someone to help you navigate life’s next chapter, therapy can provide the space to grow with confidence and self-compassion.

60-minute therapy sessions: $140

Available for in-person therapy in North Bay and secure virtual therapy throughout Ontario.

Book a complimentary Consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your journey.

Book A Consultation