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Anna Murphy

Anna Murphy, LMHC

Iowa

Licensed Mental Health Counselor - anxiety and family issues

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  • CBT
  • DBT
  • EMDR

About Anna

Anna Murphy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa with nine years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, mood concerns, addiction, grief, relationship problems, and family of origin issues. She also helps people dealing with career strain, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

She has worked in psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies. Those settings gave her exposure to a wide range of concerns, including persistent mental illness, trauma, substance use, and managing strong emotions. She also has experience with issues related to adoption and foster care, abandonment, and blended family dynamics.

Anna trained in psychology and studio arts at the University of Iowa and completed a Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling at The College of New Rochelle. Her background includes clinical work across settings that serve different age groups and needs. That variety informs how she plans sessions and chooses interventions.

In sessions she uses straightforward, interactive methods. She helps people notice patterns that come from how they grew up and tries practical skills for handling emotions and relationships. She can introduce expressive therapy techniques when a person is open to them.

Her toolbox includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR among other approaches. She works collaboratively to pick strategies that fit a person’s situation and preferences.

Approaches used in online work and what they address

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions aligned with their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thought patterns and testing them with practical exercises. It often helps with depression, anxiety, and self-esteem concerns.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a method used to reduce distress tied to difficult memories by working through those memories with guided processing. It can be used when past events continue to affect daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and comfort level. That choice can shift over time as progress is reviewed.

Confirm the current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins on a work break, or avoid travel time. Some formats may be better for quieter conversations while others suit hands-on skills practice or EMDR work; check the available options and discuss preferences when you schedule.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

9+ years

Listed in

Iowa

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address related to family of origin?

She helps people notice how early family roles and expectations shape current relationships and patterns. This includes issues like communication problems, abandonment, and blended family dynamics.

What is her general therapy style?

She uses an interactive, client-centered approach that focuses on practical skills. Sessions often include talking through patterns and trying specific coping strategies.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has nine years of professional experience working in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an IA LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and paid for?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

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Anna MurphyLMHC

See online therapy options