Meet Sarah Murray | Personal Growth Artist, Business Owner, Psychedelic Guide, Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Murray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Navigating my relationship with risk has been crucial. I have come to realize that most business decisions feel risky but any big growth has come from taking a big risk. Whenever I find myself questioning a decision, I have to ask myself if fear is getting in my way and how much of that is simply risk aversion and trying to play it safe. I also find that I have other people in my life who tend to want to protect me from risk and failure so I’m constantly working with that, too! It usually sounds something like: “I recognize you want me to succeed, and while I appreciate your concern I am asking for your support right now!” I truly believe there is no real sense in the idea of ‘failure’ from a business sense, it’s more just learning and growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I operate a small private therapy practice in Olde Town Arvada, Colorado. Within our small team, we can support nearly any emotional or mental health challenge for individuals 15+. We offer inclusive services to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. In my own practice, I facilitate expansive experiences in the psychedelic therapy space, to support individuals in flourishing in their lives.

I pursued the study of Psychology and my Master’s Degree in Social Work shortly after losing my mother to breast cancer at the age of 17 years old. I had also witnessed a close friend struggling with her mental health in a big way. I didn’t realize why at the time, but I wanted to learn more about the brain and human behavior. Now I know it was because those life experiences were wildly confusing and impossible for a young adult to understand.

I’ve always wanted to live a life with purpose, and my calling was to understand people and support optimum life for each individual I meet with. I have always believed that every human deserves access to good health, emotional support, stability, and connection. This meant that I worked with underprivileged folks with limited resources for a long time (over a decade) as a mental health provider. It wasn’t easy. I loved the people I met but I felt a wall between us. The “wall” was often the unseen barrier of humans being unable to have access to basic necessities and therefore unable to focus on emotional/mental health and personal growth.

I now see the therapeutic space I work in as a privilege. I know what it takes for someone to be able to arrive in that space ready for the deeply emotional, embodied, and spiritual work I offer. A big part of this shift has been realizing that I can’t help every person I meet. This realization has come with a lot of grief. It has also opened up pathways for my business to grow. I have come to understand that the client fit is more important than the breadth of clients I am able to work with. Again, depth is where it’s at in the space I work from and where the real growth and expansion takes place.

It can feel like a risk to turn down potential clients that aren’t a great fit. But it’s truly a win-win. The client often finds someone who is a better fit for their needs and gets more effective support. Meanwhile I have the space and energy for the next person who matches up with my work well.

I want the world to know if you feel ready to expand in ways you may not yet comprehend, our doors are open for you! If you feel something resonating in this story or want to learn more, we want to connect with you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Mountains: Steamboat Springs for snow sports, hiking, hot springs, tasty restaurants (Yampa Valley kitchen for brunch, or The Laundry, Taco Cabo casual all amazing)!

Denver Eat/Drink: Tavernetta, Safta, Tokyo Premium Bakery, Williams & Graham

Museum: MCA, Museum of Contemporary Art

Listen: 89.3 KUVO Jazz for local happenings and jazz concerts

A Must: Red Rocks for a concert!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a shoutout to anyone I have crossed paths with in the world who has lifted me up and offered resources and encouragement. Thanks to those who have steered me away from self doubt or scarcity mindset. This includes therapist colleagues, business colleagues, and friends. Now I know the types of people I like to surround myself with, as these are the folks who didn’t try to squeeze me into a box of any sort!

Website: Www.heartwildtherapy.com

Instagram: @heartwildtherapy