My Approach to Helping
Welcome! My name is Michaela Murphy, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing therapy for almost 5 years. I specialize in working with adolescents, families, parents, & adults who want to make a change, but need the guidance and skillset to take control of their lives.
I use an empathetic and strength-based approach to prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship with each client and navigate meeting each individualized goal. In our sessions, you will develop coping mechanisms, healing insights, skills for reframing your thinking, effective communication skills, behavior modification, increased self-compassion, and self-worth, plus more. Change starts from within, and I'm here to help you along the way!
We will most likely be a good match if you are 12 years old or above and experiencing: Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Codependency, Depression, Divorce, Family Conflict, Life Transitions, Parenting Stress, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem Issues, andor Stress.
It is my priority to make our session feel safe for you. I will meet you where you're at in that time: no judgments; only empathy, and compassion. I don't expect to automatically have your trust, I expect myself to earn it no matter what that timeframe looks like to you. Our sessions will begin at your comfort level just getting to learn about you and building a therapeutic relationship.
My anger toward broken systems is what ignited my passion for social work. My mom had been the principal of the school I went to and I would often hear about the struggles many students were going through and the lack of support that was there to help them andor their families. I had always known one of my biggest strengths is the empathy I have. After working with the homeless population and at-risk youth, I knew I wanted to obtain my clinical license and work as a therapist to be able to meet with clients on a more individual level. After graduating with my Master's Degree, I worked as a clinician contracted into my community's high school to treat students in need of mental health treatment. Those are 4 of my proudest years. The biggest skill that I will bring to this platform is my knowledge, empathy and natural ability to make sure you feel safe and heard.
My clients are the ones who set their goals. I believe it is important to define your goals and objectives to reflect on them throughout the therapeutic process.
The first session will be introductions and starting to assess what brought you to this appointment. I am genuinely excited to get to know you.