Sperry Mullins, LSWAIC

Each individual has unique challenges and experiences associated with their history and identities. Social, political, and family systems influence our development throughout our lifespan. Tragedy and trauma visit each of us
over time. This is part of being a human. Oftentimes it is strong feelings such as anger, depression, or anxiety that push or pull us towards seeking help from a psychotherapist. If we are open to looking underneath those emotions we can often find repeating patterns in how we relate to ourselves or others that are causing suffering and keeping us stuck. Psychotherapy is a tool that can help us understand these patterns and begin to make changes and assert control over our ongoing development. Just like adversity is a natural part of being a person, so is the capacity for growth and recovery.

My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in a psychodynamic framework, meaning emphasis is placed on the therapeutic relationship. This is because those patterns mentioned previously have a tendency to show up, often unconsciously, during the process of psychotherapy. It is my job to create a safe space to notice and work with these patterns. Much of my work has focused on trauma recovery and healing. Because of the wide range of trauma that we experience being humans, I draw from many different forms of psychotherapy practice including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and am currently undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training. I know all these different titles and acronyms can be daunting and confusing, so I take my time with each client to collaborate on which approach might best fit your recovery.

I come from a working class background and spent years doing difficult and dangerous manual labor. There was a time when I thought asking for help made me weak and that nobody would care to know about what I was going through, let alone want to help me. Through my own recovery I have come to understand the strength and empowerment that come with vulnerability and the courage it takes to change generational patterns. While this is personal work, it also has the power to influence those around us and create ripples through our relationships. I am endlessly grateful that I get to help my community through this process. I approach psychotherapy with great care and respect and also make lots of room for play, laughter, and creativity. If you are ready to start making changes or are curious to learn more about what psychotherapy with me would be like, please reach out.