About Me

Amanda Murray, LPC, NCC, CCTP

(she/they)

My goal is to establish a secure environment where you can express your true self and feel valued and respected. I understand that seeking clarity and acceptance is a natural part of life, and I am here to support you in that journey. I firmly believe that feeling accepted in your therapy sessions is a prerequisite for personal growth.

I am dedicated to providing support for individuals who have experienced trauma (acute and complex), as well as those who are apart of gender, sexual, and relationship-structure minority groups. Additionally, I am also committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals who identify as vanilla and monogamous.

I'm eager to learn how I can assist you in achieving self-acceptance and peace!

Offering:

Individual therapy
Services for Adults 18+
Telehealth

Therapeutic Modalities used:

EMDR
Trauma-informed
Psychodynamic (Adlerian)
Culturally Sensitive
Gender-affirming
Client-centered
Mindfulness
Narrative
Strength-based

Background

I am a licensed mental health therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University (2017). My professional experience includes counseling survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing overnight crisis support, and delivering trauma-focused therapy in both hybrid and private practice settings. I have worked extensively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+, non-monogamous, and other marginalized communities.

From 2021 to 2024, I practiced in a group private practice, gaining experience collaborating with colleagues and providing a range of therapeutic services. In 2024, I launched my own private practice, where I manage all aspects of client care, including assessment, treatment planning, and implementation of evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions. My career reflects a commitment to developing specialized expertise and providing high-quality mental health care across a variety of clinical settings.

My Credentials

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC012187) – 2021
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor – 2017
National Certified Counselor (957693) – 2017
Clinical Certified Complex Trauma Professional (42696211) – 2017

Education

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Argosy University – 2017

Trainings Developed

Polyamory Elements in Counseling – 2021

Specialized Trainings Attended

Borderline Personality Disorder: Best Practices – 2024
Developing Social Justice and Culturally Responsive Care – 2024
The Kinky Side: Normalizing Non-Traditional Sex – 2024
PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder: Best Practices – 2024
Understanding the Basics of Neurodivergence and the Neurodiversity Movement – 2023
Ethical Non-Monogamy and Poly Skills – 2023
EMDR Basic Training (Weekend I & II) – 2022
Introduction to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Model – 2021
Behavioral Health Treatment for Major Racial and Ethnic Groups – 2021
Counselor Competence for Treating LGBT Clients – 2020
Human Sexuality – 2020
Manipulators and Character Disorders – 2019
Grief: Beyond the 5 Stages – 2019
Suicide and Self-Harm: Stopping the Pain – 2018
Motivational Interviewing and Resistance – 2018
Telemental Health Counseling: The Basics of Technology, Structure, Ethics, and the Law – 2017
The Core Competencies and Treatment Strategies for Trauma, PTSD, & Grief and Loss – 2017

Why did I become a therapist?

As an undiagnosed neurodivergent youth growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I experienced firsthand the stigma around mental health and the frustration of having concerns minimized. Over time, hearing similar experiences from friends and loved ones made me want to create a space where people truly feel heard and supported.

I spent five years teaching high school Social Studies, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t doing enough to help people. I decided to go back to school for counseling, and from the very first class, I knew I had made the right choice. After my first lesson on trauma, I remember thinking, “How much more empowered could people feel if they had access to this information?”

Therapy has been transformative in my own life—helping me process grief, understand my sexuality, receive diagnoses for my neurodivergent traits, manage triggers, and grow as a person. Becoming a therapist allows me to offer that same opportunity to others: helping people overcome challenges, build resilience, and improve their lives. No matter the reason someone seeks support, being a therapist gives me the chance to make a meaningful difference in the world.

My Principles

Ideologic compatibility can be potentially crucial in finding a therapist that you trust. With so many mental health concerns having a systemic root, it is important that your therapist is compatible with your values to prevent possible harm.

Anti-Racist

Black and Brown Lives Matter.

And this means we should take steps towards dismantling white supremacy by acknowledging privilege, taking an active role in educating ourselves, and advocating for marginalized communities so we can all promote equity and justice.

Climate Change

Climate change is an urgent and undeniable problem that cannot be emphasized enough. Unfortunately, some have prioritized financial gain over addressing this critical issue. To ensure a sustainable future, it is crucial that we act now to prevent further harm to the world.

Accessibility

It is imperative that we recognize the fundamental right of every individual, irrespective of their abilities, to have unfettered access to public spaces and equal rights. As a society, we bear the onus of ensuring that our communities are inclusive and accommodating for all, including those with invisible illnesses.

Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent individuals should not be expected to conform to neurotypical standards and expectations just to have the same rights as everyone else. It is important to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.

LGBTQIA+ Rights

Every individual, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, deserves the same rights and opportunities. With those in the community facing a higher risk of violence based on their gender or who they love, treating everyone with basic respect and consideration should not be a challenging task.

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Alternative Communities

People in alternative relationships deserve the same legal protections as everyone else. No one should have to fear losing their job or home due to having consensual adult relationships or lifestyle choices. It is time for society to recognize and respect the diversity of human relationships and sexual expression.

Gender Affirming

Gender-affirming care is a crucial aspect of healthcare for transgender individuals, as it is essential for their physical and mental well-being. It is important for healthcare providers to acknowledge and respect these needs, as access to healthcare is a fundamental right that includes gender-affirming care.

Religious Freedom

It is crucial to recognize and honor the right of every person to practice their chosen religion (or none at all) without prejudice or mistreatment. We must appreciate and accept a variety of beliefs; not just Christianity. We should strive to build a society that embraces and celebrates religious differences, including beliefs that are non-religious as well.

Gender Equality

To create a fair and just society, it's crucial to trust and support survivors and prevent gender discrimination. We should actively listen to their stories and work towards a society that values and respects everyone equally. Patriarchy harms everyone, and we should work to dismantle it.

Inclusive Space

I am committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals to discuss sensitive topics. I am dedicated to being a sex-positive, kink-affirming, and body-neutrality practicing clinician. I welcome all bodies of every shape, size, and color to my practice to openly express themselves without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Outside of the office

The Fellowship from Lord of the Rings

Who am I beyond the therapy chair?

I'm a lifelong proud nerd who was raised on Star Wars and Xena, but later became a Tolkienite and Whovian. These passions have helped shape my empathy and understanding of people who feel like outsiders or are seeking community.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games, watching my favorite fandoms, traveling, and exploring new cultures. Traveling has broadened my perspectives and reinforced my respect for diversity, which informs how I approach therapy and connect with clients from all walks of life.

I also love cosplaying, playing bar trivia, and attending conventions. These creative outlets allow me to engage in different forms of expression, and they keep me grounded in the importance of fun and human connection.

As a queer, polyamorous, neurodivergent, and chronically ill therapist, I bring lived experience to my work with those navigating identity, marginalization, and non-normative relationships. These parts of who I am don’t define my practice—but they inform the compassion, attunement, and authenticity I bring to the therapy room.