My Journey to Social Work and the Founding of According To Sykes

A Letter from the Founder

John Sykes, MSW, LCSW (they/them) Integrated Practitioner, Somatic Abolitionist, and Facilitator

People often ask me how I became a social worker.

Many are surprised to learn that my journey did not begin in a therapy office or social work program. It began in the late 1980s, working in human resources and organizational systems. At the time, I was building a career that revolved around people, yet I often found myself wondering how disconnected many institutions had become from the human experiences they were intended to support.

Everything changed in the early 1990s.

An Experience That Changed My Journey

While working at Heartland Alliance, I began volunteering at one of their youth residential drop-in centers. There, I met young people experiencing homelessness, many of whom had been impacted by family conflict, involvement with child welfare systems, poverty, or other forms of instability.

I remember being struck by a question that seemed impossible to ignore:

How can there be such a thing as a homeless youth?

The idea that children could be left without consistent support, safety, or belonging challenged many assumptions I held about the systems designed to protect them. What began as a volunteer commitment quickly became something much deeper.

Learning from Young People

Week after week, more young people arrived at the center. Conversations became relationships. Informal mentoring turned into community circles and spaces where young people could speak openly about their fears, frustrations, dreams, and hopes for the future. What I witnessed was not simply hardship.

I witnessed resilience.

I witnessed creativity.

I witnessed strength.

I also witnessed the profound impact that a caring, consistent adult could have simply by showing up, listening, and refusing to give up on someone. Those experiences changed the direction of my life.

Choosing a Different Path

Over time, I realized that I wanted to do more than volunteer.

I wanted to deepen my ability to support individuals, families, and communities. I wanted to better understand trauma, healing, and the ways systems can either support or harm the people they serve. Most importantly, I wanted to become part of creating spaces where people could feel seen, heard, and valued.

That decision ultimately led me to social work and therapy, a journey that has now spanned decades.

Throughout my career, I have worked alongside young people, families, and communities navigating trauma, injustice, grief, identity, resilience, and healing. While every person and every story is unique, one lesson has remained constant: meaningful change often begins through authentic human connection.

The Foundation of According To Sykes

The values that guide According To Sykes today were shaped by those early experiences.

The practice was built on the belief that healing happens in relationship. It reflects a commitment to honoring people’s stories, protecting their dignity, and creating spaces where individuals can explore challenges without judgment.

Our work extends beyond symptom reduction. We believe therapy can also be a space for reflection, empowerment, advocacy, and community-building.

Every person deserves to be treated as worthy of care, belonging, and possibility.

What Continues to Guide My Work

The young people I met all those years ago taught me lessons that continue to influence how I practice today.

They taught me that healing begins when someone feels seen.

They taught me that listening is often more powerful than having the perfect answer.

They taught me that resilience can emerge even in the most difficult circumstances.

Most of all, they taught me that every person deserves someone who believes their life has value.

For that, I remain deeply grateful.

Continuing the Conversation

At According To Sykes, we are committed to creating spaces where healing, reflection, and growth can occur.

Whether you are seeking therapy, professional consultation, community programming, or simply looking for resources to support your mental health journey, we invite you to explore our work and connect with us.

Because healing begins with connection, and no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.