Heather Murphy, LCSW

Heather Murphy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New Hampshire who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, career uncertainty, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, and midlife transitions. She also supports people dealing with intimacy-related issues, eating and body image concerns, parenting and caregiver stress, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Heather writes plainly and focuses on practical steps her clients can use right away.

Heather trained at Simmons College where she earned her Master of Social Work, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy from Emmanuel College. Over 13 years in mental health settings, she has worked with adolescents, adults, and people managing blended family situations, divorce and separation, fertility and cancer-related concerns, and first responder stress. Her experience includes helping people manage communication problems, control issues, guilt, shame, and feelings of emptiness.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive. She uses kindness, humor, and creativity alongside clear, goal-focused work. Sessions are rooted in a humanistic, client-centered approach and draw on techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness.

In sessions Heather helps people develop skills and tools to cope with life changes. She aims to build trust and support clients as they identify values, set practical goals, and practice small changes that add up. She invites questions and treats the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative process.

Heather emphasizes steady progress rather than quick fixes. She encourages clients to try strategies between sessions and to notice what works. The intent is to help people become more connected to their values and better able to handle everyday challenges.

How her approaches support online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients identify what matters most and take small, committed steps toward those values. It is useful for people struggling with midlife questions, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on meeting each person with respect and empathy, letting the client lead while the therapist offers reflection and support to build self-understanding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behavior patterns.

Choosing the best approach is part of the work together. Heather will collaborate with each person to match methods to their goals and preferences, and she adjusts techniques as progress unfolds. The client’s needs guide which tools are tried and how quickly the plan changes.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are listed by the therapist. Many clients find online sessions easier to fit into busy days, since they can avoid travel and schedule shorter check-ins when needed. Online work also makes it simpler to practice mindfulness or behavioral skills in real-life routines. Talk with the therapist during intake to clarify logistics and choose an approach that fits daily life.