Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasha Portillo.
Hi Sasha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Sasha Portillo, and I am the founder of Sapo Wellness in Houston, where therapy and strength training go hand-in-hand. I was born in Venezuela, raised in Texas, and grew up with the kind of childhood that builds both resilience and a lot of questions about human behavior. Those questions led me to pursue an undergrad in Psychology, and a personal battle with my own mental health made my path feel less like a choice and more like a calling.
I didn’t come from an athletic background whatsoever – I was an art and science nerd. But, discovering the barbell changed everything. In my mid-20s I started competing in powerlifting and other strength sports, and it became impossible to ignore the positives that exercise was doing for my mental health. I knew movement was a huge factor in my own growth and countless hours of research confirmed it – movement truly is medicine. Knowing this, I decided that combining movement and traditional therapy techniques would be my method as a therapeutic practitioner.
I didn’t have much support or guidance growing up, so I learned a lot of things the hard way – academics being one of those. I assumed my BA in Psychology and an MS in Exercise Science would set me up to do therapeutic work with people. However, since I had to use a coaching approach over a clinical one, the work I was trying to do wasn’t panning out how I’d hoped. So, I went back to school to obtain a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and earned the necessary licensure to move forward.
Now I work as a part-time therapist and wellness coach helping people feel less stressed, more confident, and more at home in their own bodies. My ultimate goal is to help people feel truly in control of their lives by using what we already have available to us – movement, nutrition, and rest.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been an easy road! There have been plenty of road blocks and side quests, but those were not all bad. Obtaining the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling was in itself a great challenge that stretched me quite thin, but it got done!
Currently, I work a part-time position that is completely different than my therapy work, so managing the daily tasks of building a business alongside this other job has been difficult. Additionally, the systems that are set up for therapists are not conducive to a good work-life balance, so that adds some complexity to the mix.
Personally, I had doubts born from my own experiences and found myself questioning my capabilities. However, after lots of self-reflection and working with my own personal therapist, many of those doubts have been quieted.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sapo Wellness is a private therapy practice here in Houston, TX where mind and body are one. I work with a range of clients, from young adults finding their place in the world to high-achieving individuals running their own companies. The common theme: high-functioning and incredibly successful, capable humans who are redlining burnout and unable to relax. Many of my clients come from athletic backgrounds, military, or first responder communities, but most share the desire for more flexibility in their lives.
Specialization: At the heart of it, I specialize in stress management and nervous system regulation. Simply put, you cannot sustainably grow from a dysregulated state, so regulation comes first.
What sets me apart: Most therapists don’t have a strength and conditioning background, and most coaches don’t have a therapy space. I sit at the intersection as a practitioner that understands how mind and body influence each other. That knowledge informs the homework I give, how I frame goals, and connect the dots between body systems. Our healthcare system is siloed to such a degree that we often think of body systems as separate from each other, but they’re not. They’re all connected, and I give clients the option to cover at least two of those systems in one place. As a bonus, my experience in science and art allows me to offer creative, expressive ways to process emotion that aren’t just in the weight room.
What I am most proud of, brand-wise: The honesty of it. Sapo Wellness was built from a combination of lived experience, scientific observations, and a deep curiosity – not a business plan. The brand reflects that. It’s direct and evidence-based, and operates from a strength-based lens to foster greater progress.
What do I want readers to know about Sapo Wellness? To begin, I want readers to know that it doesn’t take much for you to benefit from exercise. Just 3 times a week, 30-45mins a day is plenty for you to get some brain gains from your chosen exercise. Whether it’s walking, dancing, resistance training, or other – just moving your body helps you feel more human and less “floating head.”
My work is centered around helping people get a grip on stress, build real, felt confidence, and finally put down the proverbial weights that were placed upon them. I offer individual and dyad/couples sessions and customizable intensives (for those who prefer a big burst approach over a steady drip) for both psychotherapy and coaching services. I also host strength clinics, workshops, and group counseling throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those opportunities as well. My office is located at Believe HTX Gym in Houston, so clients can come in for a session and work out any remaining stress right after!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband deserves a ton of praise, hands down. He has been a pillar of strength and patience for me, and I would honestly not have gotten as far as I have without his unconditional support.
I have been fortunate to find some amazing friendships, too – and they have inspired me to overcome fear and doubt and move forward with my dreams, no matter how slow. They inspire me to do better and stay focused, even when my brain is retaliating. And, they’re pretty strong people, on and off the field/platform/stage, etc. It’s hard not to succeed when you’re surrounded by so much tenacity.
Finally, my counseling supervisor and personal therapist have been crucial in my success. Without their guidance and immense knowledge I would not be the therapist I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SapoWellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sapowellness
Image Credits
Brittany Mueller (IG: @brittanyjaynemariephoto)
Kevin Portillo (IG: @schrodingers.photographer_)
