- CBT
- DBT
- EMDR
About Anna
Anna Murphy is an LMHC - a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa with nine years of clinical experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression, addictions, and related concerns that come up in early adulthood and beyond.
Anna has practiced in psychiatric hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies. That variety means she has seen people at different stages of life and with a wide range of needs. She has experience with mood disorders, persistent mental illness, substance use, and problems managing strong emotions.
Her background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Studio Arts from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling from The College of New Rochelle. She uses those clinical and creative skills together in sessions when it fits the person’s goals.
In the room she talks through real strategies for coping and emotion regulation. She draws on methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and client-centered practice. She also offers expressive approaches like art-based activities when clients want to try them.
People find her approach interactive and practical. Sessions focus on building skills, clarifying values, and addressing life changes like work transitions, relationship struggles, or coping after loss. She does not work with international clients; sessions are offered in English and take place in Iowa.
How her therapeutic methods translate to online work
Anna often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thinking and test new behaviors. CBT is practical and works well for anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching specific skills to change patterns.She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication strategies. DBT skills can be practiced between sessions and are useful when strong emotions get in the way of daily life. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is another approach she uses for processing trauma; it involves guided techniques to reduce the hold of painful memories and related reactions.
Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client discuss needs, goals, and preferences, then try strategies that fit. Methods can be adjusted over time based on what helps most.
The therapist's profile does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. In general, online work can make it simpler to fit therapy into a study or work schedule, allow shorter check-in visits when helpful, and remove travel time. Talk with her about how to structure sessions so they fit into everyday life and responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and related concerns listed in her specialties.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She uses client-centered work alongside practical methods like CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR to teach coping skills and process difficult experiences.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has nine years of experience working across hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, and private agencies.
Is she licensed and where does she practice?
She is an LMHC licensed in Iowa and provides services from that state.
Can people who don’t live in the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients; sessions are conducted in English for people within her permitted practice region.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Confirm the current session options before booking.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.