Stacy Murphy Psychotherapy, LCSW

I have always enjoyed helping other people and assumed that role at a young age. I pursued the helping profession early in my college career and went on to earn postgraduate degrees specializing in children and adolescents with a clinical focus. In addition to my clinical degrees, I hold a sixth-year degree in educational leadership and have experience working in a school setting. I specialize in school-related areas, including special education, truancy and school avoidance, social-emotional learning, peer-related issues, adolescent development, behavior modification, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. I consider myself a life-long learner and enjoy learning about my clients and the different ways to help improve their lives.

I like to gather important information about the client during the intake process, including family history of mental health, history of trauma, and any current life transitions. I want to hear about the presenting problem and reason for seeking treatment. I also like to establish realistic and specific treatment goals early on so progress can be continuously monitored throughout treatment. I focus on skill-building interventions and strategies and will often assign a task or a short-term goal (homework), as I believe that much of the work should occur outside of the therapy session in order for treatment to be effective. I value client feedback and I will periodically ask the client for feedback regarding how they view their treatment and progress.

Core beliefs are the most deeply held assumptions about ourselves, the world, and others. They are firmly embedded in our thinking and significantly shape our reality and behaviors, which is why they are so critical to treatment and the way I approach therapy. Exploring a client’s core values is an important part of the therapeutic process.