Title: Director of Clinical Training/Lecturer
Office: Coffey Hall 339

Phone Number: 773-508-3014
Email: bsawyer4@luc.edu

Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of Louisville

Clinical Internship: Stony Brook University

B.S., Psychology, Eastern Connecticut State University

 

PSYC 239 Bias and Inclusivity

PSYC 560 Human Diversity

 

While I do serve as an informal mentor to all students in our program, I do not formally take on research mentees through our admission process.

 

My focus as director of clinical training is to ensure an effective, emotionally safe training environment, with the aim of training ethical, value-aligned, culturally competent, highly creative scientist-practitioners. My interests, professional activities, and perspectives are diverse by nature, synthesizing a range of philosophies, theoretical perspectives, and life experiences. Regarding my clinical orientation, I have an eclectic theoretical background (e.g., CBT, relational psychodynamic, mindfulness, liberation psychology, attachment, compassion, narrative, ACT, Buddhist psychology, etc.).

 

To learn more about the range of my professional activities (e.g., writing, speaking, media, community engagement, etc.), I encourage you to explore my selected works below.

 

My interests center on teaching mental health professionals, community change-agents, and service professionals broadly, to limit the rate of psychological projection, otherwise known as “countertransference”, occurring within their helping activities. Core to this process is increasing self-awareness via mindful attention practices and decreasing experiential avoidance (emotional repression) via self-compassion practices.

 

While we all like to think that our helping activities are without ego, without an active practice in mindful attention and self-compassion, our ego may operate unconsciously, actively harming those we intend to serve, or greatly limiting our capacity for high performance in helping endeavors. Unfortunately, helping professionals can cause harm by relying on unconscious, environmentally driven biases (e.g., racism, sexism, cultural imprinting, etc.), or even personal unprocessed lifetime distress (e.g., unprocessed trauma, repressed emotion, savior/guilt complexes, internalized oppression, etc.).

 

Ultimately, I view service professionals as “high-level compassion athletes”, meaning that the execution of emotionally attuned, culturally competent clinical, community, and academic helping is only possible by increasing our own “emotional athleticism” with personal practice. In an emotionally avoidant, repressed Western society, if those helping to alleviate social ills also act out those same ills, they risk maintaining the status quo- necessitating inward practices which move against social conditioning.

 

On a personal note, I have a decade-long, Vajrayana Buddhist practice, and formerly played college basketball. Along with my racial background, these identities are core to my philosophical and practical approaches to helping, developing self-awareness, finding self-love, and building relevant skillsets related to sustainable high performance.

Utilizing a framework of Liberation Psychology, I seek to decondition helping professionals from the distorted, Western individualistic view that human behavior is caused by purely individualistic sources, but instead, from environmental/systemic operant conditioning. That is, our environment rewards and punishes us for embodying particular attitudes throughout our developmental processes, which then interact with our attempts at helping. Metaphorically speaking, no individual tree has independence, but rather, its environment causes certain conditions within the tree.

 

Once viewing human behavior from the lens of interconnection, helping professionals are then empowered to actively participate in curating a nourishing, emotionally sustainable environment via mindful attention and self-compassion practices. Specifically, these competencies combine to assist helping professionals in identifying the moment-as-it-is, soothing personal pain, identifying growth edges without self-critical narratives, and decreasing compassion fatigue via self-intimacy and attunement with personal needs.

 

Shapiro, S., Carlson, L., Sawyer, B. A., & Kabat-Zinn, J. (2024). The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Integrating Mindfulness into Psychology and the Helping Professions, Vol. 3., Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/art-science-mindfulness-third-edition?tab=1

 

Sawyer, B. A. (2024). Liberated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-L): Liberating CBT from the cognitive distortions of white western European culture. The Behavior Therapist, 46(8), 320-327. https://services.abct.org/i4a/doclibrary/getfile.cfm?doc_id=182

 

Anderson, R. E., Metzger, I., Applewhite, K., Sawyer, B. A., Jackson, W., Flores, S., McKenny, M., & Carter, R. (2020). Hands up, now what?: Black families' reactions to racial socialization interventions. Journal of Youth Development: Bridging Research and Practice, 15(5), 93. doi: 10.5195/jyd.2020.755

 

Jones, S., Anderson, R. E., Gaskin-Wasson, A., Sawyer, B., Applewhite, K., & Metzger, I. (2020). From "crib to coffin": The navigation of healing from racial trauma throughout the lifespan of Black Americans. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 90(2), 267. doi: 10.1037/ort0000430

 

Sawyer, B. A. (2019). Emotion regulation and the experience of racial microaggressions. Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3189. https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/3189

 

 Sawyer, B. A., Debreaux, M., & Williams, M. T. (2017). Discrimination’s impact on children. Heinemann Digital Campus Reference Library. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318984063_Discrimination's_impact_on_children

 

Williams, M. T., Sawyer, B. A., Ellsworth, M., Singh, S., & Tellawi, G. (2017). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in ethnoracial minorities: Attitudes, stigma, & barriers to treatment. In J. Abromowitz, D. McKay, & E. Storch (Eds.), Handbook of Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders, Vol. 1. Wiley.

 

Hall-Clark, B., Sawyer, B. A., Golik, A., Asnaani, A. (2016). Racial/Ethnic differences in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Current Psychiatry Review, 12, 124-138. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573400512666160505150257

 

Sawyer, B. A., DeLapp, R. C. T., & Williams, M. T. (2016). Community violence exposure and racial discrimination as barriers to treatment: Implications for African American males in counseling. In W. Ross (ed.), The African American Male Series: Counseling in African American Males: Effective Therapeutic Interventions and Approaches. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305469902_Community_violence_exposure_racial_discrimination_and_barriers_to_treatment_Implications_for_African_American_males_in_counseling

 

Sawyer, B. A., Williams, M. T., DeLapp, R. C. T., Davis, D. M. (2016). Posttraumatic stress disorder, Chapter 14. In A. Breland-Noble, C. S. Al-Mateen, & N. N. Singh (Eds.), Handbook of Mental Health in African American Youth (pp. 237-247). Springer. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-319-25501-9.pdf

 

Sawyer, B. A., Salters-Pedneault, K., & Roemer, L. (2015). Cognitive flexibility, chronic worry, and generalized anxiety disorder: Preliminary results and comparison across ethnic groups. In A. M. Columbus (Ed.), Advances in Psychology Research, 105. Nova Publishers.

 

Williams, T. M., Wetterneck, C.T., & Sawyer, B. A. (2015). Assessment of OCD in African Americans, Chapter 10. In L. Benuto & B. Leany (Eds.), Guide to Psychological Assessment with African Americans (pp. 145-161). New York, NY: Springer.

 

Sawyer, B. A., Williams, M. T., Chasson, G., Davis, D. M., & Chapman, L. K. (2015). The impact of childhood family functioning on anxious, depressive, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in adulthood among African Americans. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 4, 8-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2014.10.004

 

Williams, M. T., Malcoun, E., Sawyer, B. A., Davis, D. M., Bahojb-Nouri, L., Leavell, S. (2014). Cultural adaptations of prolonged exposure therapy for treatment and prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder in African Americans. Behavioral Sciences, 4, 102–124. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs4020102

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2024). CNN Guest Interview: Gen Z is less happy than the rest of us. Here is what would make a difference. Article published on CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/09/health/gen-z-happiness-gallup-wellness/index.html

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). CNN Guest Interview: Megan Thee Stallion Urges People to Check on Their Friends. Article published on CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/27/health/megan-thee-stallion-mental-health-wellness/index.html

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2022). CNN Guest Interview: Mental Health Hygiene. Article published on CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/25/health/mental-health-hygiene-wellness/index.html

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2022). CNN Guest Interview: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in the Pandemic. Article published on CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/14/health/ocd-pandemic-struggles/index.html

 

Sawyer, B. A., (2020) Verywellmind Guest Interview: Why taking a mental health day often isn’t enough. Article published on verywellmind.com. https://www.verywellmind.com/news-why-taking-a-mental-health-day-often-isn-t-enough-5081450

Sawyer, B.A. (Upcoming, 2025). Advanced Application of Liberation Psychology as a Clinician of Color: Eastern Energy Psychology, Meditative Concentration, and Relational Modeling. Immersive, virtual 8-part course conducted in collaboration with Clinicians of Color, a training agency based in New York City, NY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2024). Applied Liberation Psychology and Intersectional Cultural Competence: Training for Mental Health Professionals. 3-hour seminar conducted in collaboration with the Kentucky Psychological Association, Lexington, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2024). Healing Racial Trauma with Applied Liberation Psychology as a Clinician of Color: Mindfulness, Energy Psychology, and Compassion. Immersive, virtual 8-part course conducted in collaboration with Clinicians of Color, a training agency based in New York City, NY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2024). Self-Compassion, Self-Relationship and Clinical Application: Attachment and Attunement as Related to Countertransferential Responses. Virtual training offered to Eastern Connecticut State University Counseling Center, Willimantic, CT.

 

Sawyer, B.A., & LaFrance, A. (2024). Liberation Psychology, Community, and Treatment Development: Consultation and Reflections. Virtual panel presented in collaboration with Dr. Adele LaFrance, liberation psychology consultee and creator of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Buddhist Psychology, Embodied Social Justice, and Liberation Psychology. Virtual guest lecture provided to the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science located in New York City, NY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Liberation Psychology and Effective Psychotherapy: Mirroring, Attachment, and Identifying Western Biases in Clinical Practice and Intervention Science. Guest lecture provided to the Louisville OCD Center and Louisville Center for Eating Disorders, in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Keynote Speech: Clinical Training and Heart-Centered Justice: Applied Liberation Psychology, Self-Compassion, and the Intersection of Individual and Social Pathologies. Keynote speech delivered at the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies annual conference in Kansas City, MO.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). The Integrated Clinician: Similarities and Differences Across Theoretical Approaches. Virtual workshop presented in collaboration with the Academy of Integrative Mental Health in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A., Kniffley, S., Archer, D. (2023). No More Hiding Behind Masks: Embracing Authenticity in Black Male Mental Wellness. Virtual panel sponsored by Clinicians of Color.

 

Kyodo-Williams, A., Chang, D.F., Sawyer, B.A., Loizzo, J. (2022). Liberating Ourselves from Suffering: Justice, Spirituality, and Belonging in Your Clinical Practice. Panel discussion conducted at the annual Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Washington, DC.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2021). Emotional Attunement and Racial Trauma. Virtual lecture provided to Montefiore Medical Center Racial Trauma Task Force, New York, NY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2021). Anti-Racism Training Series: 6 Sessions. Virtual training provided to Hunterdon High School Counseling Staff, NJ.

 

Martinez, J. H., Sawyer, B. A., West, L., Roemer, L. (discussant). (2019). Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Based Approaches with Marginalized Communities. Symposium for the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Sawyer, B. A. (chair), Winer, J., Ching, T., Printz, D. (2019). Oppressed Identities and Healing: Streamlining Intervention Targets and Coping. Symposium for the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Sawyer, B. A. (2018). Neuroscience and Fear: Race-Related Trauma and the Brain. Lecture for symposium: Trauma: Contextual and Race-Related Considerations. Anxiety and Depression Association of America conference, Washington, D.C.

 

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2024). Understanding Perfectionism: Cultivating Self-Compassion in Helping Professions. Immersive, virtual 6-part course conducted in collaboration with the American Nurses Association, based in New York City, NY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (March 2024). Public Health and Outreach: Building Diverse, Inclusive, Engaged Communities. Panel conducted at Jefferson Technical and Community College, in collaboration with the Office of Belonging and Community Engagement in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Celebrate “You” Sundays: Breonna Taylor and Self-Love in Social Justice. Free monthly drop-in, liberation and self-love themed meditation circles conducted at the Breonna Taylor Portrait Exhibit at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Mental Health Hygiene: Mindfulness and the Art of Living Well. 4-part class presented at the Earth and Spirit Center, a nonprofit located in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Mental Health Lou: Community Conversations at Speed. Free monthly drop-in, liberation and self-love themed discussion circles conducted at the Breonna Taylor Portrait Exhibit at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Awakening the Warrior: Eastern Psychology and Social Justice. Workshop presented at the Transgender Wellness Summit in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Self-Compassion. Workshop presented at the Transgender Wellness Summit in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Unpacking Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”: Mental Grounding, One-Pointedness, and Sharpening Life Performance with Mindful Presence. Training presented at the Journey to Wellness Conference, hosted by Twany Beckham with Better Lifestyle Events, Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2023). Meditation 1 – Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation. 10-week class taught at the Earth and Spirit Center, a nonprofit located in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2022-2023). The Art of Sustainable Helping: Wellness for Wellness Workers. 12-part virtual training offered to Family Time, a nonprofit located in Jeffersonville, IN.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2021). Virtual Self-Compassion Retreat for Racial Stress. Free virtual retreat offered by the Racial Trauma Center at Genesee Valley Psychology, Rochester, NY.

 

Sawyer, B.A. (2021). The Healing Power of Compassion. Virtual workshop provided to Movement is Life Online Symposium Series Exploring Health Equity. 

 

Sawyer, B. A., Stevenson, H. (2020). Rewriting the Narrative: A Virtual Panel Discussion on Racial Trauma. Sparta Township Public Schools Community Talk, Sparta, NJ.

 

Sawyer, B. A. (2020). Healing Racial Trauma. A series of ongoing workshops provided to the Kentucky Black Action Coalition in Kentucky, a nonprofit serving Black community activists, located in Louisville, KY.

 

Sawyer, B. A. (2020). Healing Racial Trauma. Free workshop provided to Black Lives Matter, a nonprofit located in Louisville, KY.