Frances Murphy, LICSW

Deciding to reach out for therapy is a big decision. Most people do need guidance at some point in their lives. We all have the ability to change, learn, and grow. We are not born with skills, throughout our life we learn many coping mechanisms, but some of those skills are born out of survival, fear or toxic family dynamics. For a lot of people, this leads to experiencing a variety of symptoms, which might include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, conflict, stress or PTSD. Life can also throw us some big curveballs that feel impossible to adjust to. Events such as loss of a loved one, divorce, needing a career change, empty nesting or just feeling as if you aren't living up to your potential. I believe with assistance anyone can process the past, heal, build coping skills and cultivate a mindset that is needed to create a life that is fulfillable. FOR COUPLES Communication struggles, frequent arguments, viewing each other as adversaries, different parenting styles, and recurring disagreements can strain even the strongest relationships. Feeling lonely, misunderstood, experiencing conflict, and dwindling intimacy may lead you to question the long-term viability of your partnership. Sometimes life changes or transitions have an impact on the connection you once had. While separation and divorce are significant considerations, together, I can assist you in evaluating if there’s something worth fighting for in your relationship or how to part ways in a peaceful and mutually beneficial way. FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Police, fire fighters, EMS, and health care workers can experience burnout, moral distress and compassion fatigue. This can make the job you loved feel like too much. I can guide you through these challenges so that you can regain your passion for what you do again or possibly explore what's next. MY APPROACH I use a solution-focused approach integrated with various modalities to provide you with the most effective services. I am trained in and use a variety of therapeutic methods. A few of these include using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). My goal is to provide you with a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your personal goals and values and gain strategies to live into them. Whether you are clear about the life that you wish to live or know this isn’t it, we can work together to uncover what is holding you back from thriving. We can work on developing your inner strength, resiliency, process negative events that have impacted you, gain skills to cope with past events, and day-to-day life in a way that you are comfortable with. You can live a life that you thrive in, and are proud of (most people do need some help with this!) INSURANCE I am a out-of-network provider. My services are private pay. However, if you wish to use your medical benefits, I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. My understanding is that this is a simple process once you have it set up. Please call your insurance carrier to obtain information on their requirements. There are many reasons why I have chosen to adopt this approach, please feel free to speak to me about this. ABOUT ME I live and work in Edmonds. I have three grown children and have been with my partner for 29 years. I have been clean and sober for almost 30 years. I have worked with people in recovery for the last 26 years and have worked with people experiencing homelessness, disabled adults, domestic violence, cancer care, palliative care, and hospice. Across these populations, I have had the opportunity to walk with and empower folks through a vast array of life’s challenges. I bring experience, compassion, integrity, and clinical skills to my practice. My services are fiercely confidential. I endeavor to be a soft place to land for all my clients. I earned my Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington in 2018, I have earned the Advanced Palliative Care and Hospice Social Worker certificate and a DBT certification, my goal is by year end to earn EMDR certification. Please feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if we are a good fit to work together. I look forward to hearing from you!