Jonathan 'Riley' Murdock, LCSW

Jonathan 'Riley' Murdock is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who aims to be fully in a client's corner. He offers a straightforward, strength-minded approach and helps people take small, manageable steps toward change. He writes in plain, direct language and uses visual metaphors to make ideas easier to remember.

Riley focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, LGBT concerns, relationships, family issues, sleep problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. He also gives attention to related concerns such as abandonment, chronic illness and pain, communication problems, codependency, and divorce and separation. His background is framed around helping people notice patterns and try small experiments to shift them.

In sessions he draws on client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and narrative practices. He emphasizes starting with tiny, achievable steps - like building a muscle with short, consistent effort and recovery. That metaphor guides how he plans change so it feels doable rather than overwhelming.

Riley describes his style as visual and metaphor-rich, which can help people who learn by seeing or picturing problems and solutions. He speaks plain English and aims to reduce shame and self-blame while creating room for honest work.

He works from Idaho and communicates in English. He has four years of formal experience holding the LCSW credential and accepts international clients through the service used to connect with him.

How Riley brings practical approaches to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding your goals without judgment. It helps people clarify what matters most and figure out next steps at their own pace.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and breaks them into small experiments. It is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and changing patterns that keep coming back.

Mindfulness Therapy builds skills to notice thoughts and bodily signals without rushing to react. It can reduce stress and help with emotional regulation when life feels overwhelming.

Choosing an approach is a team effort. The therapist will listen to your needs, try different tools, and adjust based on what feels useful. Pace and goals are set together so change happens in small, manageable steps.

Confirm the available session formats before booking, as specific options aren’t listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and reduce travel time. If you prefer a certain rhythm or length for sessions, discuss that when you match with the therapist so scheduling fits everyday life.