Anna Murphy, LMHC - Therapist in Iowa

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
DBT skills
EMDR-informed care

About Anna

Anna Murphy is an Iowa licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with nine years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and challenges with self-esteem. She also supports those dealing with addiction, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, and life changes that feel overwhelming.

Anna has worked in hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies. That variety means she has experience with a wide range of presentations and life stages. She has worked with people who have persistent or chronic mental illness, mood disorders, and substance use concerns.

Her style is grounded in client-centered practice. Sessions focus on what the person brings and practical ways to manage emotion and behavior. She uses skills-building, talk-based work, and expressive methods when appropriate and welcomed by the client.

Educationally, Anna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Studio Arts with a Sociology minor from the University of Iowa in 2012. She completed a Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from the College of New Rochelle in 2015. Her training and work history inform a mix of approaches rather than a single method.

In session she draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), alongside client-centered and trauma-informed techniques. This lets her offer both skills practice and processing work for things like anxiety, trauma, and mood concerns.

Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions

Anna commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT sessions focus on practical exercises and step-by-step strategies that target anxiety, low mood, and coping skills.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that align with their values. ACT can support people who want to reduce avoidance and build meaningful daily routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That may mean starting with skills-based CBT, adding ACT practices, or using other techniques as needs change.

The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered. Confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, or allow brief check-ins during a workday break. Therapists and licensed professionals often adapt exercises and resources so they work well in a virtual setting.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

Addictions LGBTRelationship 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 issuesForgiveness Guilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / loneliness JealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stress Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues Workplace 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 help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, self-esteem issues, addictions, and related concerns such as relationship distress and coping with life changes.

What is her general therapy style?

The approach is client-centered and interactive. Sessions include skills practice, talking through experiences, and expressive techniques when clients choose them.

How much clinical experience does she have?

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

What credential does she hold and where is she based?

She is an Iowa LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) and practices in the state of Iowa.

Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

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

How do I begin a first session?

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