Certified in CBT and DBT, as well as a STAR Behavioral Health Provider, I have specialized to work with individuals who suffer from past traumas and difficulty with emotional regulation. I use solution-focused therapy helps clients by focusing on their present and future goals rather than dwelling on past issues. We work collaboratively to identify your strengths and resources, fostering a positive and empowering environment. Through targeted questioning and dialogue, I encourage clients to envision their desired outcomes and develop actionable steps to achieve them. This approach is designed to build confidence and resilience, enabling clients to find effective solutions to their challenges and improve their overall well-being.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first appointment, you can expect an introductory session where we will get to know each other and discuss the reasons that brought you to therapy. I will ask about your background, including your personal history, current situation, and any specific issues or symptoms you are experiencing. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about my approach, the therapeutic process, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. The goal of this initial meeting is to build rapport and establish a foundation for future sessions, setting the stage for a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strength lies in the ability to create a space of psychological safety and maintain process accountability. By fostering an environment where clients feel secure, understood, and free from judgment, I enable individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions openly. This sense of safety is crucial for effective therapy, as it encourages honest communication and vulnerability. Alongside this, I ensure process accountability by setting clear goals, maintaining consistent session structures, and monitoring progress. This dual focus not only builds trust but also empowers clients to take active steps towards their personal growth and healing, knowing they have a reliable and structured support system.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Solution-focused therapy (SFT) benefits a wide range of individuals, particularly those seeking efficient and goal-oriented psychological support. It is highly effective for people looking to resolve specific issues or achieve particular goals without delving extensively into their past. This therapeutic approach is advantageous for those who prefer a structured, short-term process that emphasizes their strengths and resources. SFT is also beneficial for clients who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress, as it helps them envision and work towards a preferred future, fostering hope and motivation. As a STAR Behavioral Healt Provider, I have specialized with work with Military and Veteran individuals and family members.
About Rebecca Murray
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11225 Front St, Mokena, IL 60448, Suite CAppointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), is a therapeutic approach that concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring one's hopes for the future to find quicker resolutions of one’s problems. It was developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the late 1970s and 1980s. Here are some examples of how I have used SFT to support clients: Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: SFT shifts the focus from discussing problems to exploring solutions. Therapists help clients identify what they want to achieve rather than concentrating on the issues that brought them to therapy. Goal-Oriented: The therapy is goal-oriented and aims to help clients envision a clear picture of their preferred future. Therapists and clients work together to set specific, realistic, and achievable goals. Strength-Based: SFT emphasizes clients’ strengths and resources. Therapists encourage clients to draw upon their previous successes and inherent abilities to tackle current challenges. Brief and Time-Limited: Typically, SFT is brief and limited to a small number of sessions. The duration depends on the clients' needs but often ranges from 5 to 10 sessions. Client-Centered: The approach is highly collaborative. Clients are viewed as experts on their own lives, and therapists act as facilitators to help them uncover their solutions. Use of Scaling Questions: Therapists often use scaling questions to help clients assess their progress and to identify small steps towards their goals. For example, they might ask clients to rate their confidence in solving a problem on a scale from 0 to 10. Miracle Question: A common technique used in SFT is the "miracle question," where clients are asked to imagine what their life would be like if a miracle happened and their problem was solved overnight. This helps clients to visualize their goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
Trauma-Focused CBT
TF-CBT is evidence-based and has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues in children and adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, short-term psychological treatment specifically designed to help children, adolescents, and their families manage and overcome the effects of traumatic experiences. I use TF-CBT to integrate trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral therapy principles.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviors can lead to improvements in emotional well-being and mental health. CBT is typically structured, goal-oriented, and involves working with a therapist to develop coping strategies, challenge distorted thinking, and gradually face feared situations. I used this intervention with positive effective for a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder but is now widely used for various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In therapy sessions, clients learn specific skills in areas like distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. I use a balance of acceptance and change strategies, often incorporating role-play, worksheets, and real-life examples to help clients apply skills in everyday situations