Meet Danielle Syslo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Syslo.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had a different dream when I came to Los Angeles over ten years ago. I moved to this city to pursue an acting career, after having graduated from a prestigious theatre conservatory in Chicago. Within a few years, I got an agent and was fortunate enough to get work in commercials and television.

Over time, however, I began to realize that the lifestyle of a struggling actress was no longer working for me. I was unhappy. I still loved the craft but I struggled to pay my bills, and I often felt that I had to prioritize my dreams over my well being as it became increasingly difficult to be expected to drop everything for an audition while managing two part-time jobs. I learned that I was someone who needed more financial stability, as well as more structure to feel okay.

Therapy seemed like a natural fit. I have benefited from therapy since my early twenties and have had deeply profound experiences that have improved my life. There are key skill crossovers between being an actress and being a therapist. For example: empathy, listening, imagination, and improvisation. My interest in people also carried over: What shapes a person to become who they are? What are their obstacles? What makes them tick? What are their hopes and fears?

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have always been an artist, so creating will always be an important piece of a fulfilling life. The beginning of this new path was probably the most difficult. I found myself a full-time graduate student working part time, with an eventual traineeship and internship. It was a time where I was absorbing so much information- so much theory, instruction and feedback. Obviously, all of this was very necessary and important in my development as a therapist, at the same time however, it left me very little space (sometimes not at all) for creativity, which was challenging.

Once the training wheels began to come off and I started to get a stronger sense of who I was as a clinician, I discovered the artistry that is inherent in this work. Whether that’s how I approach the work with my clients, what interventions I use or how I run my business, my self-expression is always present.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I work with adult individuals, couples and friends. I aim to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, with attention to the emotional cycles and patterns that are keeping them stuck.

I especially enjoy working with creatives, as i’m intimately acquainted with the unique challenges that come with being a working creative. Another particular area of interest is working with friends to strengthen their bonds.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In my private practice, I am looking forward to growing my client base of friends (which can also include creative partners, siblings, roommates, etc.). Our friendships are some of the most important sources of support, and can be just as vital to our well being as our romantic or familial relationships. Yet they don’t seem to get the same kind of therapeutic attention. I want to normalize, and create more space to talk about struggles and healing in these relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daniellesyslotherapy.com
• Phone: 213.465.0086
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @daniellesyslo_mft

Image Credit:
My husband 😉

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.