Hello!
My name is Freddy Perkins, MMT, MT-BC and I specialize in creating safe, brave, and affirming spaces that seek to amplify the voices of queer folx, especially queer people of color. As a queer person of color myself, I understand the harmful effects that society can have on one’s sense of self and identity. In my role as a therapist, I strive to engage in therapy that affirms authenticity and identity. In my clinical work, I focus on the identity integration, health, and wellness of the individual. I approach therapy from a cultural and relational standpoint while also incorporating psychodynamic and narrative practices into the work.
I received my Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Appalachian State University in 2013 and my music therapist, board-certified credential (MT-BC) in 2014 (*11164). In 2021, I completed my Master of Music Therapy degree with an endorsement in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Slippery Rock University and I’m currently applying for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor. Additionally, I received a graduate certificate in the Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care from Lock Haven University in 2020. As a clinician, I have over 8 years of experience working with various communities, including adolescents and adults with trauma histories, queer youth and queer survivors of intimate partner violence, and adults with mental health diagnoses. I’m deeply committed to serving the community, utilizing music to empower minoritized individuals and communities and challenge oppressive systems.
In addition to my educational training, I am a level 2 trainee in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music and a trainee in Analytical Music Therapy.
My core values:
Accountable
We uphold the highest standards of integrity and fiscal responsibility by consistently evaluating our impact. We communicate honestly and welcome feedback from our colleagues, clients, and communities.
Affirming
We validate the autonomy and ways of being that each person brings, acknowledge their experiences, and support all expression as an authentic representation of a person’s values and needs.
Anti-Oppressive
We acknowledge the nature of our work as political, at the intersection of personal and communal well-being. We strive to maximize access to resources, subvert large-scale power imbalances, amplify marginalized voices, and develop a professional community that reflects those we support.
Collaborative
We work intentionally to build relationships grounded in cooperation and a shared purpose. By working together, we are strengthened by the different perspectives integral to our communities.
Creative
We acknowledge individuality and self-expression as catalysts for personal and systemic change. We empower clients, communities, and ourselves to engage with these forces so we can achieve our fullest potential.
Sustainable
We commit to the responsible coordination of social, environmental, and financial factors to ensure ethical and consistent community support.
Literature
Playing in the borderlands: The transformative possibilities of queering music therapy pedagogy (with V. Fansler, R. Reed, E. Bautista, A.T. Arnett, & S. Hadley). In Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. 2019.
On the outside, always looking in: A queer Black man’s search for acceptance. In S. Hadley (Ed.) The Sociocultural Identities of Music Therapists: Examples and Implications. Dallas, TX: Barcelona Publishers.
Music, identity, & authenticity: Reflecting the narratives of Black queer men through piano-based music improvisation [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Slippery Rock University
Interviews
Therapist identity and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship (In Voices of Music Therapy, audio podcast hosted by B. Locascio). January 15, 2021.
Presentations
Music therapy symposium: LGBTQIA+ identities and music therapy. Co-presented with M. Forinash, S. Hardy, M. Hearns, L. Kynvi, & A. Whitehead-Pleaux at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, February 2018.
Exploring identity: Ongoing journeys toward cultural humility. Co-presented with C. Bain, K.E. Cotter, M. Gumble, K. McSorley, & R. Reed at the American Music Therapy Association National Conference, St. Louis, MO, November 2017.
Exploring cultural humility in music therapy: Continuing courageous conversations. Co-presented with E. Bautista, J. Donley, S. Hadley, J. Lee, H. Lingafelt, K. Muir, & M. Schwantes at the American Music Therapy Association South Eastern Regional Conference, Chapel Hill, NC, March 2017.
United we stand: Group music therapy with LGBTQ youth and allies. Presented at the American Music Therapy Association South Eastern Regional Conference, Mobile, AL, March 2014.