Meet Markus Hicks | Educator and Associate Psychotherapist

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

Hi Markus, how does your business help the community?
As a mental health advocate, psychotherapist, and educator, my work supports the community and world by fostering agents of positive social change. As Bell Hooks clarifies, we live in a world, where “fear is the primary force upholding structures of domination.” The dominating force of fear permeates the air we breathe promoting separation, It is no surprise, that the cumulative and compounding effects of alienation disproportionately lead to psychiatric issues. Psychotherapy and the therapeutic alliance are “meant to counter long years of chronic strain, the shocks and transitions life is always inventing for us, and the magnitude of severe trauma, by providing constant, concerned, and deeply attentive companionship (Stephen Grosz, 2013).”

As a mental health clinician, Here are three distinguishing qualities that foster agents of social change that I have observed in the community.

Emotional intelligence: This is about the ability to sit with discomfort and pilot our own experiences. To see clearly, we need the insight to uncover the hidden, the elusive, and the contradictions that lie in plain sight. As the peculiar ways in which trauma reverberates and echoes through our lives, we must remember who we are when confronted with fear. In that we are more than our emotions, there is power, strength, and dignity in us all.

Circle of Allies: Throughout life, we meet helpers who support us. Therapy helps identify these supportive people or places, whether it’s a comforting environment, a cherished pet, or an inspiring ancestor. It teaches us to access these sources of nourishment and connection in real-time, positively affecting our nervous system.

Positive Transference: This is when we adopt a healthy image of a role model to improve our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Those with adverse childhood experiences especially understand the importance of absent role models. Positive role models who advocate for social change promote inclusivity, helping others reflect light, inspiration, and social movement.

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 specialize in providing tailored psychological and counseling services that empower individuals who struggle with sports-performance anxiety, ADHD, and trauma. However, getting here was not easy.

Growing up in South Central during the 1992 uprising exposed me to pervasive violence, chaos, and racism, deeply shaping my worldview and relationships. Seeking structure and purpose, I became a Jehovah’s Witness and served as a minister for ten years, helping others navigate life’s challenges. After being shunned from the community, I was determined to heal and create a sense of belonging for myself. I worked hard and earned a full scholarship to UCLA. There, I became a McNair Scholar, a prestigious and rigorous program focusing on research and writing. I investigated how social forces shape our thinking, perceptions, and life chances. Graduating at the top of my class, I pursued an M.A. and wrote a thesis on psychological warfare: Jehovah’s Witnesses and the African American Experience. I then furthered my studies at the University of Michigan to gain tools to help others reclaim their strength and agency.

During this journey, I had to overcome many obstacles, including constant misrecognition, losing my entire social support network from the religion, and dealing with my own trauma and anxiety. However, the greatest battle I had to face was within myself.

As a mental health clinician, I value doing the inner work, which I define as understanding one’s own internally generated psychological obstacles. In other words, we must be mindful of the biases, projections, and unexamined thoughts we carry within ourselves. As an African American, my racialized experience has taught me the value of transcendence—the conscientious practice of rising above the negative connotations of any label. This insight has enabled me to connect with my patients, validate and corroborate their experiences, and create a sense of safety and empowerment.

Key lessons I’ve learned include:
1. Mental Health: Therapy has helped me create space within myself, enabling me to support others. It has allowed me to transcend circumstances, giving me access to different parts of myself.
2. Love Ethic: Embracing a love ethic helps combat nihilism, despair, and isolation. Love sustains joy, fosters safety, and counters fear and alienation. A love ethic values loyalty and sustained bonds over material gain, transforming lives through honesty, openness, and personal integrity.
3. The Game of Life: Life is not a constant crucible, but a dance. There are real dangers in following rigid ideologies, which are designed to misrepresent the world and dominate our minds and hearts. These ideas can act as social forces, disarming us from acting in our own interest. Understanding these forces can enable us to think more tactically, using psychological strategies to provide significant advantages.

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?
Morning
Hike: Runyon Canyon
* We would start early with a hike at Runyon Canyon. Enjoy the panoramic views of Los Angeles and take in the fresh morning air.
Late Morning
Brunch: Studio City
* After the hike, drive to Studio City for a delicious brunch.
Afternoon
Drive: Mulholland Drive
* Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive. This iconic road offers breathtaking views of the city, winding through the Santa Monica Mountains and providing plenty of photo ops.
Late Afternoon
Beach: Santa Monica
* Head to Santa Monica Beach for some fun and relaxation. Rent bikes and ride along the beach path, then enjoy a tasty lobster sandwich at one of the local eateries. Finish the afternoon by watching the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Evening
Dance: High Tide
* Cap off your day with a visit to High Tide in downtown LA. Enjoy cool R&B vibes, dance to your favorite tunes, and sip on expertly crafted cocktails in this trendy spot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my family Jane Martorana, Kendrick, and Anaya: Thank you so much for the patience and life force. If it were not for your support, I am not sure how I would pull-through during challenging times. I value and appreciate your presence in my life.

Dr. Jeffrey Prager, thank you for your support during my career. I value your attentiveness, patience, and presence in my corner reminding me of my strengths in times of distress. You have taught me the value of doing the inner work the most valuable work there is. Thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself.

Leon Caplan- Thank you for creating a space of vulnerability and authenciity. When I felt unsure, your and reflection and guidance helped me through the most challenging times.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1214829

Instagram: the.ensightful.therapist

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-hicks-issac/