Meet Angela L. Mull | Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela L. Mull and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela L., how does your business help the community?
Creating Beautiful Minds Family Therapy Inc. has made a profound social impact both locally and globally, particularly through our efforts during the Coronavirus Pandemic and our ongoing work. Our primary mission is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially in underrepresented and underserved communities of color. We are dedicated to providing therapy and support through clinicians of color.
Our work is a collaborative effort, and we actively pursue partnerships with organizations both locally and nationwide. These partnerships help encourage more people to seek help and openly discuss mental health. Additionally, we have been invited by religious institutions—places where many in communities of color seek refuge—to initiate conversations and provide resources to their congregations.
Throughout the uncertain periods of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, Creating Beautiful Minds has remained committed to offering vital support to individuals and families grappling with mental health challenges, such as anxiety, grief, depression, and relationship issues. Our support extends to crisis intervention, helping individuals and communities recover by addressing fears of reintegration, rebuilding social skills, and fostering resilience.

We organize seminars and workshops to address these needs. For example, “Hope and Healing,” a six-to-eight-week grief group held from November through January, provides support during the holidays—a time when many people face intensified grief and loss. Our Summer Engagement Series caters to youth ages 12-18, guiding them through transitions from elementary to middle school, middle to high school and preparing for college. Topics include academic stress, peer support, conflict resolution, developing healthy boundaries and relationships.

Additionally, our “Transitions” group, designed for adults 21 and older, focuses on significant life changes such as career shifts, relocation, marriage, divorce, empty nest syndrome, retirement, and caregiving for aging parents. With our motto, “Life is always in session,” we aim to equip participants with essential tools for navigating these transitions effectively.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I frequently say, “Life is always in session,” to remind myself and others that life is a continual journey of transitions and learning. Every moment offers a chance for reflection, healing, and growth. Creating Beautiful Minds Family Therapy Inc. embodies this philosophy by providing a safe space where individuals, families, and couples can openly share their experiences and truly feel heard.

What distinguishes me from many other clinicians is that becoming a therapist was not initially my goal. After years of enduring childhood trauma in silence, I sought to study psychology to better understand my own issues and family dynamics. However, I soon realized that this path was my calling, and I couldn’t keep this gift to myself. I am particularly proud of my work in helping individuals and families end inter-generational cycles of trauma, something deeply connected to my own experiences. It brings me immense joy to see people reclaim their lives and thrive.

Becoming a licensed therapist was just one part of the journey; learning the business side was another challenge not covered in the curriculum. I am grateful for the guidance of my former professors and clinical supervisors, who taught me invaluable lessons: to always consult, research, and sometimes to just act despite fear. With their support, I was able to launch my private practice.

The journey was neither simple nor immediate. Along the way, I balanced a full-time job, healed from a divorce, fulfilled my 3,000-hour internship requirement for licensure, prepared for state examinations, readied my teenage son for college, and intermittently supported my daughter who was already attending school. I overcame these obstacles by doing “small things consistently” and learned to forgo the expectation of immediate perfection. Becoming a business owner involves navigating numerous regulations and systems. I’ve come to understand that these systems can be complex and occasionally illogical; however, I’ve learned not to take it personally—it’s simply the nature of systems. I also learned the importance of resilience, the necessity of self-compassion, and the recognition that I, too, would encounter personal and professional challenges, grief, and unforeseen emergencies.
In dealing with life’s challenges, I sought therapy, mastered breathing techniques, and practiced self-talk, affirming daily, “I stand firm on Your word, God.” My therapist recommended using my personal time off (PTO) for self-care, a time I had previously reserved for my children and other obligations. My faith, family, and a network of supportive friends were pivotal to my success.
At Creating Beautiful Minds, you will encounter a therapist who truly cares about your well-being. This is evident in the commitment and effort I invest in myself before opting to assist others. Keep in mind, no one possesses all the answers, yet therapy with Angela provides you with essential tools to tackle life’s hurdles. Her supportive voice will frequently guide you through difficult choices, aiding in finding your path.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend is arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which places us right in the Westchester/Inglewood area. What better way to start her vacation than by enjoying dinner and drinks? We have some fantastic options nearby, such as Seven Nineteen, Cork & Batter, The Nile Bar, and The Wood. Any of these spots would satisfy her cravings with lively atmospheres, top-notch DJs, and occasional live music performances.
Of course, we’ll want to hit up the iconic spots that visitors flock to, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica, and Venice Beaches. After we’ve covered these classics, I’ll take her to some of my favorite California gems. We’ll enjoy a summer evening at the Hollywood Bowl with live music under the stars, drive up the Malibu Coast to relax at the beach, and maybe stop by the Comedy Store for some laughs on the way back.

Shopping in downtown L.A.’s jewelry and fashion districts is a must; it’s perfect for picking up trendy pieces and souvenirs for the family. For a memorable Sunday, we’ll indulge in a rooftop brunch at Perch, where they serve the best French toast, I’ve ever had. After brunch, we’ll visit the Broad Museum. Since we’re both art enthusiasts, I’ll also try to fit in some additional museum visits, like the California African American Museum and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Her passion for sports means she must visit the statues outside the Crypto.com Arena and attend a WNBA Sparks game before leaving Los Angeles. We plan to visit Inglewood for a glimpse of SoFi Stadium and enjoy a last meal before she departs from LAX. With an abundance of sights and activities in the City of Angels, fitting everything into one week is an impossible feat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout goes to my beloved children, Jasmine and Jason, who have been my guiding lights from the very beginning of this journey. As I pursued further education while raising them, their unwavering encouragement was a constant source of motivation for me. Through nurturing them and watching them grow, they have witnessed my evolution as both a mother and a successful business owner.

Secondly, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my executive board! Everyone should have a team like this—people who hold you accountable, provide moral support, believe in you, listen when you’re tired and frustrated, and help you overcome obstacles. They won’t let you give up and ensure you give it your all.

Thank you, Dr. Najuma Smith, for being my pastor, mentor and “Purpose Pusher.” Your guidance has been invaluable. Thank you, Tyronne McClaine, my bonus brother, for always asking thought-provoking questions that challenge and expand my vision, and for your book suggestions that reignited my love of reading.

Website: https://www.angelamulltherapy.com

Instagram: @creatingbeautifulminds

Facebook: @creatingbeautifulminds

Image Credits
Photo credit @corderononfiction Alejandra Cordero