Sydney Hastings-Smith
Sydney Hastings-Smith, MA (any pronouns) is a relational therapist at the Bloomington Center for Connection. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Theatre from Northwestern University. Sydney blends academic rigor with creativity, offering a trauma-responsive approach grounded in both clinical training and lived experience.
BIPOC Therapist in Bloomington
Sydney believes relationships are where growth happens, and therapy can be a place to experiment, question assumptions, and build new ways of being in connection.As a queer, AuDHD woman of color and fat-affirming advocate, Sydney understands how systems of oppression shape our inner and outer worlds. Sydney brings this awareness into the therapy room, holding space for clients—especially those from BIPOC and other marginalized communities—to show up fully and find healing in authentic, affirming relationships.
Sydney is a BIPOC therapist who is deeply connected to LGBTQIA+ communities and enjoys creating therapy spaces where queer clients can show up fully and honestly. They are also a fat advocate and believe therapy should actively challenge body shame, healthism, and cultural narratives that disconnect people from their worth.
Sydney believes relationships are where growth happens, and therapy can be a place to experiment, question assumptions, and build new ways of being in connection.
Sydney’s approach is rooted in:
- Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT): Healing through mutual, growth-fostering connection
- Person-Centered Therapy: Honoring each client’s voice and autonomy
- Mindfulness and Buddhist Philosophy: Supporting presence and emotional balance
- Decolonial and Anti-Oppressive Frameworks: Naming and challenging systemic harm
Relational–Cultural Therapy & Anti-Oppressive Care
Sydney approaches therapy as a collaborative process. Using Relational–Cultural Therapy, they focus on how relationships, culture, and systems shape our experiences. Rather than trying to “fix” people, Sydney works with clients to understand patterns, challenge harmful narratives, and move toward more connected and meaningful lives.
They are especially committed to anti-oppressive work and continually reflecting on their own biases as part of creating safer and more respectful therapeutic relationships.
AuDHD & Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy
Sydney enjoys working with people exploring neurodivergence, identity, and the realities of navigating a world that wasn’t always built with their brains in mind. As someone with lived experience of AuDHD, Sydney understands the mix of creativity, intensity, exhaustion, humor, and brilliance that can come with it.
Sydney is dedicated to fostering growth-fostering relationships and empowering clients to live authentically and connected lives. She is committed to creating a more inclusive world.
Rather than forcing people into rigid systems, Sydney enjoys collaborating with clients to experiment with ways of living that honor their energy, values, and relationships. Therapy might include curiosity, laughter, honest conversations, and sometimes embracing the wonderfully messy parts of being human.
Sydney works with teens through adults.