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MM Portrait of Mary Murdoch

Mary Murdoch

Compassionate counselor emphasizing strengths and growth

About Mary

Mary Murdoch brings 28 years of professional experience as an Illinois-licensed counselor, practicing with the LCPC credential.

Background and approach

She approaches therapy from the viewpoint that each person is the expert on their own life, and she aims to build on individual strengths to help people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, anger, and depression.

Her background includes work with related concerns such as communication problems, forgiveness, life purpose, panic disorder and panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and cultivating self-love. Mary frames the decision to pursue therapy as an act of courage and offers steady support as clients take steps toward meaningful change.

She emphasizes empowerment and collaboration, helping clients identify goals and practical strategies that reflect their values and experiences. Her style is grounded in respect for the client’s story and in fostering the skills needed to move toward a more satisfying and balanced life.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Access



Mary uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and healing. One common approach she employs helps people regulate intense emotions and reduce anxiety by teaching grounding techniques, breathing strategies, and step-by-step coping tools that are useful for panic attacks and general worry. Another frequently used method emphasizes processing and integrating traumatic experiences in a paced way so clients can reduce distress related to post-traumatic stress and past abuse while rebuilding a sense of safety and personal agency.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works together with each person to identify goals, assess which methods feel most comfortable, and adjust the plan over time so the work reflects changing needs and preferences. This partnership aims to align therapeutic techniques with practical life goals and values.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals from Illinois or other locations, support continuity of care when travel or busy routines are a factor, and allow clients to choose the interaction mode that best supports their progress.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
Mary focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, anger, and depression. She also works with related areas such as communication problems, forgiveness, life purpose, panic disorder and panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and self-love.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She emphasizes a collaborative, strengths-based approach that treats clients as experts in their own stories and supports them in making practical changes. The tone is empowering and goal-oriented.
What is her professional background?
Mary has 28 years of professional experience in counseling and has worked with a broad range of emotional and relational concerns over her career.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She holds an Illinois LCPC with the license number IL LCPC 180004172 and practices from that state.
Does she work with clients in other countries or languages?
Sessions are conducted in English and she is open to accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Mary offers a variety of online session formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences and needs.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Experience
28 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English