- Skills focused
- Trauma-informed
- Expressive options
About Anna
Anna Murphy is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Iowa with nine years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, and challenges related to self-esteem and relationships. Her tone is warm and down-to-earth, and she focuses on practical steps a person can use day to day.
Anna draws on approaches that help people manage strong emotions and move forward. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools to teach coping skills and to change unhelpful patterns. She also brings Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing when trauma work is needed.
Before practicing in private and community settings she worked in psychiatric hospitals, schools, and community mental health centers. She has supported people across the lifespan and has experience with chronic mental illness, mood disorders, substance use, grief, and life transitions. Her background also includes work related to caregiver stress, body image, and adoption or foster care issues.
In sessions she encourages people to name what matters to them and to try small, concrete changes. She may introduce skills practice, mindfulness exercises, or expressive activities when a person is open to them. Her goal is to help clients build tools that fit their daily life.
To begin she asks people to share their concerns and priorities so therapy can be tailored. She emphasizes collaboration and clear steps, helping people try new strategies while honoring their lived experience.
Anna draws on approaches that help people manage strong emotions and move forward. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy tools to teach coping skills and to change unhelpful patterns. She also brings Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing when trauma work is needed.
Before practicing in private and community settings she worked in psychiatric hospitals, schools, and community mental health centers. She has supported people across the lifespan and has experience with chronic mental illness, mood disorders, substance use, grief, and life transitions. Her background also includes work related to caregiver stress, body image, and adoption or foster care issues.
In sessions she encourages people to name what matters to them and to try small, concrete changes. She may introduce skills practice, mindfulness exercises, or expressive activities when a person is open to them. Her goal is to help clients build tools that fit their daily life.
To begin she asks people to share their concerns and priorities so therapy can be tailored. She emphasizes collaboration and clear steps, helping people try new strategies while honoring their lived experience.
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
Credentials
Iowa
Languages
English
How evidence-based approaches translate to online work
Anna commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce distress, which can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with health challenges. DBT focuses on building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills, useful for strong emotions and relationship stress.She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when values-based change is the aim. ACT helps people clarify what matters to them and take small committed steps toward those values, even when difficult feelings remain. These approaches are offered collaboratively - the therapist and client decide together what methods feel most useful based on goals and preferences.
Confirm the session formats before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also let people use skills practice in real-life routines and continue work between sessions. A therapist will help match approach and practical arrangements so therapy fits into everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Anna work with?
She helps people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, grief, and relationship or intimacy-related issues, among other challenges.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is warm and client-centered, with interactive sessions that focus on practical skills and coping strategies tailored to each person.
How much clinical experience does Anna have?
Anna has nine years of experience and has worked in psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies.
What credentials and location apply to this clinician?
She holds the LMHC credential and practices in the state of Iowa.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the available formats are not specified here.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with Anna?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.