Gretchen Murchison, LCSW - Maine Therapist at Grow Therapy

Gretchen Murchison

Gretchen Murchison

(she/her)

LCSW
25 years of experience
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Virtual

There are pivotal points in our lives when it helps to have some additional support. Working with a therapist can make life's challenges easier to navigate. I have more than 20 years of experience supporting people through a variety of life changes, managing the stress of school or career, building healthy relationship skills, working through past traumas, and coping with loss and grief (including suicide loss). Having therapy support along your journey can build confidence so you can become your most authentic self and truly enjoy your life. I typically work with individuals aged 16-50(ish) looking to: * develop healthy relationship skills * explore life and career goals * heal from trauma or grief, including suicide loss * build confidence and leadership skills or get "unstuck" * manage social and academic stress * find affirming therapy for LGBTQIA++ * consider gender-confirming surgery * better understand and support Trans/NB loved ones in their journey Choosing the right therapist is an important decision. Please book a free, 15-minute consult call so we are both sure our connection is a good fit. If my posted availability doesn't fit your schedule, visit SunriseLCSW.com and send me a message. I have a small practice and I accept new clients on a case-by-case basis.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

We'll have a quick consult call to make sure we're a good fit before scheduling our first session. In our first few sessions, we'll focus on understanding your needs, goals, and challenges. Together, we'll create a goal plan to guide your progress. I want you to feel supported and motivated to keep exploring and growing. Success looks different for everyone. Some people reach their goals quickly and feel ready to handle future challenges on their own, with the option to come back for occasional check-ins. Others find ongoing support helpful and appreciate continuous guidance and growth. Together we'll find what works best for you, whether that's short-term therapy or a longer journey of personal development.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Therapy is unique for everyone, so I tailor my methods to fit your specific needs. Drawing on 20+ years of experience, I use an eclectic mix of approaches to help you develop the practical skills you need to navigate the challenges you're facing. I have an informal style that incorporates humor and a balance of gentle challenging and genuine support. I’m a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and hold certifications in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities and Rational Living Therapy (a cognitive therapy model).

About Gretchen Murchison

Identifies as

Specializes in

DepressionGriefLGBTQVeterans

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Psychodynamic

Did you ever want to understand why you experience certain thoughts, feelings, and actions? Using psychodynamic therapy we explore past experiences and how they might be affecting you today. By talking through things in a safe and supportive environment, we uncover patterns that may be holding you back. This helps you gain insights and make positive changes in your life.

Trauma-Focused CBT

TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps people who have been through tough experiences, like traumas or difficult events. We work together to understand how these experiences affect your thoughts, feelings, and actions. You'll learn practical skills to cope with tough emotions and thoughts. We'll also talk about what happened in a safe and supportive way so you can heal. A TF-CBT framework gives you tools and a safe space to work through tough experiences so you can feel better and move forward in your life.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps us understand the way we think and behave. We work together to identify patterns of thinking that might be causing you distress or holding you back. Then, we find practical strategies to shift those patterns. You'll learn new thought patterns so you can tackle challenges with a more clear and positive mindset. We also focus on practical steps you can take in your everyday life to feel better and reach your goals.

Gender-affirming therapy

I am certified in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities and able to provide letters in support of gender-confirming surgery for my active clients. Gender Affirming Therapy is a supportive, affirming approach designed to help you explore your gender identity and live confidently and authentically. Our sessions are a safe space to address communication strategies with family and significant others regarding identity, pronouns, and other important experiences, assisting you in navigating these conversations and fostering understanding and support from your loved ones. Sessions may involve discussions about gender, sexuality, relationships, health and wellness, personal development, social transitioning, hormone therapy, and surgical options, based on your individual needs and journey. As an advocate and ally, I am committed to helping you address any systemic challenges you face, offering access to additional resources if needed.

Grief Therapy

Our sessions are a gentle space to navigate the often complex feelings that come with losing someone or something important to you. We'll talk about your memories, experiences, and any struggles you're facing and find ways to cope as you heal. I am experienced in supporting individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide, understanding the complex layers of this loss and offering specific guidance and compassion tailored to this unique grief. Together, we'll work towards finding a sense of peace and acceptance.

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