Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 36 ratings

Michael John Murphy

LCSW, 30 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Greetings Friends! I am a CA Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been happily supporting folks in need for over 30 years. My approach is offering Compassionate Communication and deep listening with mindfulness, while honoring our spiritual connection. Clients become self-empowered based on our shared common ground of equality, inclusiveness, mutual respect, and authenticity. I also combine transformational coaching with my counseling support which encourages a profound shift in "being" for my clients from being stuck in the old painful mental conditioning to discovering and expressing their True Self.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is a key opportunity to get to know and begin to trust one another. After introducing each other and enjoying the safety of a judgment free zone, the client is invited to share what brings them into counseling as we develop goals and action steps toward fulfilment and self-realization.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength is my own personal successful recovery from a traumatic childhood of emotional, physical, religious abuse, mental and sexual abuse. I have also recovered from alcoholism, drug misuse, attention deficit disorder and depression. My passion is to be the joy, the peace and the compassion that I want to see and be in the world. In the Spirit of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., I seek to build the beloved community one person at a time through mutual respect, equality, loving friendliness, and committed service to others. I have strongly diversified skills, experience, and training in Compassionate Communication, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Recovery, and treatment of substance misuse. My clients thrive with the joy, enthusiasm, and unconditional acceptance I bring to our journey together.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I enjoy and appreciate working with a diversity of clients. Many struggle with traumatic childhood issues, relationship challenges, lack of self-confidence, struggles with substances, divorce recovery, and transitioning from religious abuse.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Anger ManagementAnxietyDepressionGriefSelf Esteem

I identify as

ChristianMan

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers a judgment free zone for the client based on values of unconditional acceptance, mindfulness Presence, core values of inclusiveness and equality. The Commitment aspect honors the integrity, motivation and goals important to the client on their journey. Compassionate Communication is the foundation for client support and dialogue.

Compassion Focused

Compassionate Communication supports the client in feeling safely connected with the Counselor/Coach and supported with loving friendliness, understanding and together co-creating safe, sacred space.

Transpersonal

With Transformational Coaching I support the client in getting into a Power within them and still much greater than them to enhance personal potential, joyfully free living and reaching their goals.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 36 ratings

5 ratings with written reviews

July 25, 2025

MJM's self-description in the profile was unique among the therapists in his style, elements of practice, inclusion of "coaching", etc. (read it for yourself, it's quite obvious). He seems very knowledgeable in this practice, and I like the way he strings it all together for the individual. Should be quite practical, I hope.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Michael

May 8, 2025

Michael has been instrumental in my therapy journey. His calm, compassionate presence and mindfulness-based approach—including meditation and practical tools—create a space for transformative reflection and personal growth. I feel grounded, supported, and met with genuine care and respect in each session. I’m deeply grateful for his thoughtful guidance and look forward to continuing our work together.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 18 with Michael

April 29, 2025

Michael is very understanding and caring and knowledgeable very helpful

Verified client, age 55-64

Review shared after session 25 with Michael