August Clinician Spotlight: Christa Mullins, LMSW (she/her)

Introducing, Christa! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi there! I'm Christa, a Black queer therapist dedicated to helping you discover your authentic self and embrace liberation. I believe that joy and healing are powerful acts of resistance. In my practice, I create a safe space for you to explore your identities, experiences, and agency, utilizing frameworks that challenge dominant societal narratives. Outside of the office, you'll often find me immersed in a good book, enjoying anime, or capturing the world through my camera lens. A pair of noise-cancelling headphones and a journal are usually close by, ready for moments of quiet reflection.

When did you first know that you wanted to pursue this career path/how have your interests and passions developed over time?

For as long as I can remember - friends, family, and even strangers would confide in me. I was simply honored by their trust and vulnerability, always believing that kindness could make a difference in someone's day. However, my own therapeutic journey truly solidified my calling. In 2014, I experienced the profound loss of both my parents within a few weeks of each other. Therapy became a vital space for me to embrace my grief and rediscover myself; it truly saved my life.

A pivotal moment arrived a couple of years later when I took a "Black Women, Religion, and Spirituality" class. This class introduced me to Black feminism and womanism, two frameworks that deeply inform my therapeutic work today. Attending a graduate school fair, where I learned about social work, further cemented my decision. I knew then that this was where I was meant to be.

The mental health field is overwhelmingly white and often adheres to rigid, colonized approaches to "helping." This leaves many marginalized individuals, whose lives fall outside these prescribed norms, underserved and unheard. My hope is to challenge this status quo, ensuring that everyone feels seen, valued, and deserving of peace and dignity.

Do you have any creative outlets or interests? Tell us about them!

One of my favorite hobbies is photography. Pictures capture precious memories, allowing us to revisit moments and connect with loved ones, even those who have passed on. Flowers are a frequent subject of my photographs; they remind me of my mother, who is with my ancestors. I'm a devoted bookworm, and my Kindle is always within reach. Currently, I'm reading "Fish Tales" by Nettie Jones, "Anita de Monte Laughs Last" by Xóchitl González, and "Cased Closed, Vol. 68” by Gosho Aoyama. I'm also fascinated by astrology and tarot. My "Big 3" are Aries sun, Aries moon, and Cancer rising.

Which of GWB’s values do you feel connected to? Why?

While I resonate with all of Grounded Wellbeing’s values, "reclaiming" and "anti-oppressive" hold particular significance for me. As a Black queer woman, my very existence is an act of reclamation. I choose to listen to my own inner wisdom and the wisdom of my ancestors, rather than societal narratives that don't reflect my experience. I see therapy as a powerful site for marginalized individuals to reclaim their narratives and power.

The world we live in, and the systems we navigate, are inherently oppressive and discriminatory, and this extends to the mental health profession. I am deeply committed to approaching therapy from an anti-oppressive lens, ensuring that the needs and experiences of those living outside the margins are always prioritized.

What is your go-to coffee or tea order?

My go-to hot tea order is honey lavender. When I'm in the mood for something iced, I love mango tea with mango popping boba.