
Christen Murphy
MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I opened Hope for the Journey Therapeutic Services in January 2020, following years of clinical work in community mental health and group practice. My goal was to provide much needed mental healthcare to my hometown in rural NC.
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My specialty treatment areas involve navigating life's transitions (separation, divorce, entering/exiting college, etc), relationship concerns, issues with anxiety and perfectionism, and women's issues. I am also well versed in depression and suicidality management, grief and bereavement, parent/child relationship problems, and conflict resolution. I thoroughly enjoy working with young adults and couples, though my practice is open to adults across the lifespan.
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My style of therapy is informal and collaborative, implementing solution focused and strengths based techniques. I strongly believe that YOU are the expert on your life and your life's experiences, and because of this, believe that each client has the capacity within them to enact change. I work alongside my clients to assist with recognizing harmful patterns and thought processes that contribute to negative interactions and experiences. Together we will collaborate on how to create excitement and fulfilment in each day. My work incorporates attachment, humanistic, and systems theories.
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​I am a NC native living at the beach with my husband and our baby girl. I thrive in life with a little help from DIY projects, travel, thrift shopping, and watching true crime documentaries.
Experience & Credentials
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NC Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License # 1990
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SC Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, License # 7970
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Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Appalachian State University
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Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Minor in Social Work from Western Carolina University
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EMDR Trained Therapist
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Trained in Gottman Couples Therapy, Levels 1 and 2
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Trained Clinician in TF-CBT (trauma-focused counseling) through NC Child Treatment Program
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Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator for Premarital and Marital Counseling
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10+ years experience in the field including inpatient, group practice, and private practice settings
