Alicia Murphy, LPC
Psychotherapist (she/her)
SPECIALTIES
Depression | Anxiety | Loneliness | Self-Esteem Issues | Grief & Mourning | Adjustment Issues | Complicated Family Dynamics | Complex Trauma | Relationship Challenges | Identity Issues | Life Direction | LGBTQ+ | Non-Monogamy
ABOUT ALICIA
I see therapy as a space where we can explore who you are, how you feel about yourself, how you relate to others, and address anything you are struggling with. By exploring past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and wishes, we might understand patterns that keep us stuck. Once we recognize them, it opens the potential to notice a wider range of emotions, experiment with change, and live a more satisfying life. We can’t eliminate all past, present, and future pain but we can find ways to process, move through, and build resilience so the pain doesn't take over.
We possess a multitude of characteristics, feelings, thoughts, and experiences that contribute to who we are. As we navigate life, we may receive messages that some parts of ourselves are unwanted, scary, or shameful, leading us to hide from aspects of ourselves we may wish didn’t exist. As a result, we might end up becoming distanced from ourselves altogether, making it difficult to find enjoyment and connection with others.
I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem, navigating mourning and grief, or having a hard time handling pressures from school, work, relationships, or society. I have helped people dealing with complicated family dynamics, who experienced complex trauma, felt unheard or unseen throughout their childhood, and find it difficult to make or maintain meaningful relationships. I am passionate about supporting people who feel uncertain about their life direction, who feel a barrier to pursuing a passion, and who may feel disconnected and unsure about pieces of their identity. I embrace working with people who identify as LGBTQ+ and those in or exploring non-monogamous relationships.
As a therapist, I am here not to tell you how to think or feel, but to help you explore how you truly do think and feel. We will hold space to be curious about all your experiences, so you can understand and appreciate yourself as a whole person. We will take the time to learn about who you are, what shaped you into the person you are today, and what your hopes are for the future. As you get more in touch with yourself, you will feel empowered to make choices that align with an authentic and meaningful life.
My experience working in diverse settings, including college counseling and inpatient mental health, gives me an understanding of the many ways in which mental health challenges might present. I have always valued and continue to engage with the arts, which I studied alongside psychology and was part of my professional path before becoming a therapist. I welcome the opportunity to help people who feel lost or blocked in their creative process or are struggling to find their own voice.
I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO plans. If you have a different plan, we will provide you what you will need to seek reimbursement from your insurance.
Education and Training
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis: Fellowship in Psychoanalysis
Roosevelt University: Masters in Clinical Psychology (Counseling)
Augustana College: BA in Psychology, Minor in Art
Professional Affiliations
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis
American Psychoanalytic Association
American Psychological Association
American Counseling Association