Joan Murphy, MA (she/her/hers)

Joan Murphy is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with an enthusiasm for working with people of all ages. Joan is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner (CCTP). In addition, Joan spent many years working in school and is a licensed school counselor (PEL).

Joan deeply values building a strong, trusting rapport as the foundation for meaningful growth. Joan believes that patients are the experts of their own life, and she strives to create a space where patients feel empowered to lead the way in their healing journey. While Joan takes a collaborative and patient-centered approach, she also believes in the power of gentle challenge. Joan encourages patients to stretch beyond their comfort zones in ways that support resilience, insight, and lasting change.

Joan’s clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based techniques. Joan utilizes various evidenced-based approaches to care, such as dialectical-behavioral (DBT), cognitive-behavioral (CBT), person-centered, mindfulness, play/expressive techniques, executive functioning coaching, trauma- informed practices, and strength-based techniques.

Joan’s clinical interests include a variety of presenting issues, such as: anxiety, PTSD and trauma, grief, bipolar disorders, depression and other mood disorders, school and academic issues, parenting, life transitions, marital and relationship difficulties, stress management, self-esteem challenges, behavioral challenges, social skills, ADHD, executive functioning, teen issues, first responders, educators, pregnancy/postpartum struggles as well as educational advocacy.

Background

Joan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Trinity International University. Joan earned her Master of Arts in Counselor Education degree from Northeastern Illinois University.

Joan has a strong background in both private practice and school-based counseling. She brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to her work, drawing on years of experience supporting diverse populations across multiple settings. Joan has worked as a school counselor in three different educational environments, where she developed and implemented individualized support plans, facilitated group counseling, and collaborated closely with families and educators to promote student well-being.

Joan is originally from Ireland and moved to the United States when she was nine years old. As a result, she has strong appreciation and understanding of how people from different cultures can often feel alone in an education system and a society that often invalidates people’s culture and beliefs.  Joan has experience working with people from many different backgrounds and values the exploration of multicultural and diversity issues.

Joan has furthered her education completing continuing education in the following areas:

·      Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner (CCTP) MA + 21 hours

·      Addressing Trauma in the College Essay Writing Process

·      College Counseling in the Age of COVID

·      Technology and Equity in the COVID Era

·      Advising NCAA Prospective Student-Athletes, Recent Gap Year Research

·      Top 10 Things Financial Aid Administrators Want You to Know.

Joan is a professional member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and American Counseling Association.

Joan is a strong ally of first responders, educators, racial justice, LGBTQIA+, sex positivity, body positivity, and neurodivergent-affirming care.

Joan is also mom; she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Pearl.

Licensed Professional Counselor: IL License #: 180.015918