- ACT and CBT
- EMDR option
- Expressive methods
About Anna
Anna Murphy is an Iowa Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with nine years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addiction, and relationship and family concerns including blended family issues.
Anna has practiced in a range of settings over the years. Her background includes psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies. That variety means she has experience with persistent mental illness, mood disorders, substance use, and clients who are learning to manage strong emotions.
She combines practical skills teaching with a client-centered way of working. In sessions she helps people learn coping strategies, problem-solving tools, and ways to handle intense feelings. She also offers expressive therapy options when a person is open to hands-on or creative methods.
Anna trained in psychology and art therapy, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Studio Arts from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from The College of New Rochelle. Her clinical approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and client-centered principles.
People who are adjusting to life changes, negotiating co-parenting or stephousehold challenges, or coping with grief often seek her help. Sessions focus on clear, practical steps and learning skills that can be used between meetings. New visitors are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling a first session.
How her approaches are used in online sessions
Anna frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people identify what matters to them and take small, values-guided steps. ACT focuses on noticing thoughts and choosing actions that align with personal goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another common tool she uses to name unhelpful thinking patterns and try concrete behavior changes that reduce anxiety and mood symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) may be offered for trauma work when appropriate; EMDR involves processing distressing memories with clinician-guided procedures to reduce their emotional charge.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will discuss options with each person and adapt methods to fit the client's goals and preferences. Decisions about techniques are collaborative and reviewed as progress is made.
Confirm session formats before booking since the profile does not list specific delivery methods. Online therapy can make it easier to fit meetings into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins between in-person visits, or remove commute time. It can also let someone use fewer visual demands by choosing phone or video options if those are offered. The focus in sessions is on usable skills, symptom management, and planning steps that fit daily life.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, addiction, relationship and family concerns including blended family issues, among other areas listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and skills-focused. She uses practical coping strategies, problem solving, and expressive therapy when appropriate.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has nine years of experience working in psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMHC licensed in Iowa and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.