We recently had the chance to connect with Sara Amos LCSW and have shared our conversation below.
Sara, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
At this moment, I am expanding my therapy practice. This sounds like an obvious win because growth in business is the point; but I have put so much of myself into nurturing and healing my own small little corner of Nashville that this change brings a mix of emotions. The fear comes from the pain and loss that comes with change but there is also so much joy. There is a lot of excitement and hope at the potential to serve and support more people in our community. Hope keeps us moving, but it requires so much courage.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Owner of Sparrow Creek Counseling. I lead a dynamic team of therapists who provide mental health counseling and support to people across middle Tennessee. I opened my therapy practice (formerly called Sara Amos Counseling) in 2019 in response to a need I was seeing within the community of helping professionals. After nearly 15 years of working with other Social Workers, teachers, nurses – the literal back bones of society, I knew they needed more support than they were getting. My original mission was to “help the helpers”. Though that continues to be one of the most important parts of our mission, we have now grown in capacity and can support so many others! Everywhere you look, people are facing grief & loss, depression, traumatic experiences, and the overall complications that come with the human experience. My hope is that anyone who feels overwhelmed by their pain knows that they are not alone, that we are here. At Sparrow Creek Counseling you receive high-quality clinical mental health therapy from compassionate professionals who genuinely care for you.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was the bossy girl on the playground organizing everyone into teams for whatever game seemed like the most fun. I have always been outspoken, always acted first and thought it through afterwards, always the one to stand up to the bully. I spent many years trying to be softer, wishing I could hold my tongue once in awhile, wanting to be a little, or actually, a lot “less”. In adulthood I have come to see that boldness, that tendency to act first and evaluate later has been exactly what was needed in many situations. I have never been able to see someone hurt or left out or in need of help without stepping up in some way. This is how God wired me for the purpose of advocating for and supporting those with less of a voice.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
It took a really long time and a lot of painful missteps to realize that vulnerability is magic. I lived most of my life hiding my fears, insecurities, mistakes, judgements – anything that I thought may not be well received. I actively covered those things with bravado and a bold personality as often as I subconsciously hid them with humor and a busy lifestyle. Eventually I realized that vulnerability, especially around fear and insecurity has a healing effect. When we open up to someone about who we really are, how we really feel, what we really think – the connection can be life changing. To quote a dear friend, Rev. Ray Ortlund “We can be impressive or we can be known, but we can’t be both”. Exchanging who I wanted people to see for who I really am has been met with so much more love and light and kindness than I ever could have hoped for.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
People matter. Every. single. person. matters. No matter how far into the margin someone finds themselves, they matter. There are so many causes to take up in our current culture and society but I truly believe that seeing people as individuals of worth and value is the best first step in changing the world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that long after I am gone, future generations will continue to be impacted by the healing and growth of those I have served through therapy. Healing from trauma and recovering from mental illness is often an individual journey but it impacts everyone around us. I know that down the line, there will be kids raised by emotionally healthy parents because of the hard work so many of my clients are allowing me to be a part of right now. That is the sweetest thought to hang on to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sparrowcreekcounseling.com
- Instagram: @sparrowcreekcounseling
Image Credits
Jessica McIntosh Photography
