Dr. Bryan McNutt, Ph.D., LMFT, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY 28897), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 52348), Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who specializes in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups throughout the greater San Diego area. He maintains a private practice with other therapists and holistic health practitioners through Wellspace, LLC: http://www.wellspaces.org. 

In addition to his extensive clinical experience in hospice care and working with individuals facing the stress of chronic and terminal illnesses, trauma-related stress, and adjustment difficulties, Dr. McNutt also provides educational trainings and speaking engagements about grief, loss and bereavement, the mental health needs of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) individuals, as well as how to effectively manage emotional health in the workplace. Dr. McNutt is currently researching the impact of psychosocial stressors and emotional difficulties that LGBT individuals face as sexual and gender minorities, particularly how these negative influences affect their intimate relationships, as well as their experiences of grief and loss. 

Dr. McNutt is a published author regarding research that specifically addresses the challenges of grief encountered by bereaved lesbian and gay individuals, the difficulties of managing sexual minority stress, and the implications of counseling for such individuals. You may access the following publications below: 

- McNutt, B. & Yakushko, O. (2013). Disenfranchised grief among lesbian and gay individuals. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 7, 87-116. doi: 10.1080/15538605.2013.758345.
- McNutt, B. (2014). Disenfranchised grief and resilience among gay widowers: A phenomenological exploration (Order No. 3640286). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Full Text. (1619573389). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1619573389?accountid=35812

Education

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• M.A. in Counseling Psychology with emphasis in Depth Psychology
• Master of Divinity (M.Div) with emphasis in Family Counseling
• Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), The American Academy of Grief Counseling
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)

Membership

• Clinical Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
• Professional Member of the EAPA (Employee Assistance Professionals Association)
• Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) - Member of Division 44 (Society for the Psychological Study of LGBT Issues)
• Member of the California Psychological Association (CPA) 

Training and Experience

Dr. McNutt has received education and clinical training in a variety of therapeutic orientations, including crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family systems (Bowenian, Structural, Experiential), and motivational interviewing. His primary clinical training and education has been within the psychodynamic and humanistic-existential traditions, influenced by the theoretical schools of object relations, self psychology, interpersonal therapy, and Jungian psychology.

Dr. McNutt has previous experience working as a clinician in a variety of settings, including hospice care for terminally ill individuals, inpatient psychiatric care, partial hospitalization outpatient treatment, short-term residential psychiatric treatment, general acute hospital and rehabilitation care, substance abuse treatment, military installation support, and recovery services for transitionally homeless persons.

Although he has experienced working with a variety of client populations, the main demographics that Dr. McNutt has extensive experience working with includes persons with chronic and life-limiting illnesses, older adults, those experiencing loss and grief, traumatic stress, individuals with severe mental illness, and the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community .

Approach to therapy

Dr. McNutt's clinical approach to therapy places an emphasis upon the exploration, awareness and understanding of one’s inner life, as well as the meaningful connections with others and the world around us. Giving attention to how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact and influence our relationships is a critical piece of his therapy work with clients. Therapeutically, the focus that Dr. McNutt establishes with clients is based on building a collaborative relationship that facilitates the development of a clearer sense of self and identity for the client, enhancing his or her capacity to grow in a more genuine and meaningful relationship with oneself and others. The therapeutic approach that Dr. McNutt utilizes also places significant importance on the therapeutic relationship itself, with the belief that it is through our relational experiences with others that we discover opportunities for understanding, insight, growth and change.

Dr. McNutt's vision for his work as a psychotherapist is to provide a relational space of experience for clients that encourages a deepening of self-awareness, understanding, and possibility. In his experience as both a clinician and as a client, Dr. McNutt has witnessed the capacity of emotional healing that is possible through a therapeutic relationship that is based on trust, empathic care, authentic respect, and genuineness. In light of this, Dr. McNutt believes that the emotional and relational connection experienced between the therapist and the client embodies the most significant restorative potential in psychotherapy, which is then capable of being extended to an individual's relationships within their personal and professional lives.            

Personal Life

Dr. McNutt was born and raised in Southern California and has been a resident of San Diego since 2004, after spending several years living throughout the Los Angeles area.

Throughout his life, Dr. McNutt has experienced the significant deaths of family members and friends, which have influenced his interest in working with chronic and terminally ill patients, as well as focusing on the challenges of overcoming grief, bereavement, and traumatic loss. Dr. McNutt has invested several years of personal and professional engagement, as well as volunteer support, in working with the LGBT community. As such, he believes in the critical importance of providing support for those that experience various forms of social disenfranchisement and discrimination. In addition, for many years Dr. McNutt has held a deep interest in the spiritual dimensions of our psychological life. He has experienced the benefits of spiritual practice and ritual from within a wide range of faith traditions and spiritual communities.

In his personal time, Dr. McNutt enjoys traveling, long-distance running, reading, watching films and theatre and musical productions, while also spending time with family and friends. He currently lives with his husband in downtown San Diego.