Guest Post
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As many of you know, I have the distinct advantage of experiencing severe social anxiety disorder for the first half of my life, and extensively studying how it impacts each of us, creating recovery options in the second half. This shared experience, combined with my academic studies and practical application, provides a distinctive perspective. Everything I have experienced in my life influences who I am today, and I wouldn’t change or forget any of it. Experts believe that the most effective analysts and facilitators of recovery from social anxiety are those who have lived in the sewer and escaped to share the path out of it into the light and freedom of emotional well-being. – Robert F. Mullen
Winding Roads: A Profile of Robert F. Mullen
by Madelyn Winger
Writing in Various Settings
San Diego State University
October 13, 2024
Revised: August 15, 2025
Diverse Paths
The thought that we only have one life to live can be daunting. There’s an idea that we are limited to only one profession and excel in it throughout a lifetime. There are some people, like Dr. Robert F. Mullen, who challenge this concept. He has navigated a diverse career path, from the entertainment industry to corporate negotiations to helping clients who suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
Mullen’s dark eyes light up behind his glasses when he talks about his work with anxiety and depression, discussing the recovery approaches he’s pioneered, which have significantly improved the lives of his clients. His experiences working with students and conducting workshops have been instrumental in shaping his understanding of SAD. One might assume from his graying hair that Mullen has been in this field for his entire adult life, but it was a relatively recent change. He concluded his Ph.D. studies in his early fifties.
Lived Experiences
Dr. Mullen has lived many lives in this one and has found a way to bring his lived experiences together, turning them into a passion for helping others. His dedication and empathy in this field are truly inspiring.
He took many different paths to get him to where he is today. He spent years working in the entertainment industry – from playwriting and directing to teaching Stanislavski, familiarizing himself with every B-list actor (his words) in Hollywood. As a performer, he earned his Equity card working with James Burrows and Bob Crane at San Diego’s Off-Broadway Theatre, and his SAG membership staring up from the cutting room floor of Report to the Commissioner.
Dr. Mullen is doing impressive work helping the world. He is the pioneer of proactive neuroplasticity, utilizing DRNI – deliberate, repetitive, neural information. – WeVoice (Madrid, Málaga)
Early Life
Much of this was during what he calls his “delinquent” era, where his stories are better kept secret, credit given to his severe social anxiety disorder. He did, however, have a few stories to share, such as living with Brenda Dickson, star of The Young and the Restless, partying with Sal Mineo, or getting underage drunk at the Insomniac in Hermosa Beach with Caesar and Cleo, later known as Sonny and Cher.
Family
He speaks fondly about this time, but it was also a decade-long period where he distanced himself from his family, leaving behind three young nephews: Brian, Kevin, and Geoff. When asked to identify what prompted his return to the fold, Mullen once stated, “I don’t think anyone knows why they do anything. It’s a whole cacophony of things.”
His return to his family marked a significant turning point in his life, reflecting his growing understanding of the importance of human connection. Now, as a humanist who believes in the inherent potential and capacity of humankind, he has revised his thinking.
Post Graduate
Dr. Mullen’s lived experiences became better understood in university when he first learned of the existence of social anxiety disorder, recognizing how it had adversely impacted his life since adolescence. Exploring his affliction, which often left him feeling isolated and misunderstood, was a significant hurdle in his personal and professional life. It also fueled his passion for understanding and helping others experiencing similar struggles.
His return to university was, admittedly, due to government support, but his growing interest in psychology, religion, and philosophy soon molded his overriding perspective. With his PhD in tow, Mullen has spent the past fifteen years researching SAD and its comorbidities, pioneering proactive neuroplasticity and other innovative approaches to recovery.
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It is one of the best investments I have made in myself, and I will
continue to improve and benefit from it for the rest of my life. – Nick P.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt to new information more quickly and effectively. The deliberate, repetitive neural input (DRNI) of information, a concept he developed, involves consciously and repeatedly exposing the brain to positive, productive thoughts and behaviors to replace the accumulated toxicity in our neural network.
Mullen’s unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry is a cornerstone of his approach. As a radical behaviorist, he considers a wide range of thoughts from philosophy and psychology to spiritual perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of those he serves.
Career
Mullen’s life is now centered around his work and his passion for helping others. He starts his mornings with writing, finding a sense of purpose and permanency in it. Currently, he is focused on finishing a book about recovery from social anxiety. In addition to writing, He loves everything about working with people, and although it can be challenging at times, he thrives on their growth and transformation.
His personal experiences, having lived through similar situations, allow him to empathize with his clients: “I have been where you are now, and I want to show you that there is a way out. I know the controlling, devious, and manipulative nature of this disorder” (Mullen).
Turning something negative into a positive and productive part of life is an incredible achievement for individuals experiencing social anxiety.
Influences
While he might not fully understand how his earlier life connects to his current one, Mullen credits many of the people he worked with, including Dr. Edith Eva Eger, who shared stories about dancing as a young girl for the angel of death, Josef Mengele, and John Cleese, a member of Monty Python. Although he is not actively working in television and film, Mullen still enjoys attending the theater and improvisational groups to watch and participate.
As someone who had to learn to value relationships, Dr. Mullen makes sure to stay in contact with his nephews, as he sees each as a personification of his own life. Brian is most like him, a family-oriented workaholic who also overcame a troubled adolescence. Kevin is the compassionate nephew with an enduring zest for life, and Geoff shares Robert’s talent for writing.
The Winding Road
Mullen’s journey is a testament to the idea that life is not a straight path but a series of winding roads, each offering unique lessons and opportunities. His ability to pivot from the entertainment industry to helping others navigate their struggles with social anxiety exemplifies the power of resilience and perseverance.
He shows us that it’s never too late to make a change. and commends those who travel diverse paths to discover their life’s niche. The legacy he leaves behind is rooted in his unwavering dedication to witnessing others find their way out of darkness, a passion for knowledge and exploration, and the belief that we can all make a difference.
Ultimately, Dr. Mullen’s career reflects the understanding that professional trajectories are rarely linear, instead comprising winding paths replete with distinct lessons and possibilities. These lessons include the importance of empathy, the value of diverse perspectives, and the power of resilience. Mullen’s legacy extends beyond individual accomplishments—it embodies his unwavering dedication to helping others, passion for continual learning, and the ability to transform personal challenges into meaningful contributions.
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Madelyn is majoring in communication at San Diego State University. She enjoys reading and rock climbing and aspires to build a career that enables her to make a positive impact on others, although she is still exploring the specific path that she may take.
Proactive Neuroplasticity YouTube Series
WHY IS YOUR SUPPORT SO NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL? ReChanneling develops and conducts programs to alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety and help individuals tap into their innate potential for extraordinary living. Our unique approach focuses on understanding personality through empathy and collaboration, integrating neuroscience and psychology. This includes proactive neuroplasticity, cognitive-behavioral modification, positive psychology, and techniques designed to reclaim and rebuild self-esteem. Every contribution, no matter the size, supports individuals striving to make a positive change in their own lives and the lives of others. All donations go towards scholarships for groups and workshops.
INDIVIDUAL RECOVERY. The symptoms of social anxiety make it challenging for some to participate in a collective workshop. Dr. Mullen works one-on-one with a select group of individuals uneasy in a group setting. ReChanneling offers scholarships to accommodate the costs. What is absent in group activities is provided in our monthly Graduate Recovery Group. In this supportive community, graduates interact with others who have completed the program. Contact ‘rmullenphd@gmail.com’.
Committing to recovery is one of the hardest things you will ever do.
It takes enormous courage and the realization that you are of value,
consequential, and deserving of happiness.