Karen Murphree, LCSW, LSCSW
About me
Do you feel like you "don't fit in?" Perhaps it feels awkward because you always feel at a loss for what to say, or maybe everyone else seems enamored by topics to discuss that you don't find interesting. Maybe you do great with most people but still have that one relative that triggers you into dysregulation every time you talk to them? Even the guru Ram Dass said, "If you think you're enlightened, go spend a week with your family." Families can be tough!!
Maybe you aren't sure what you would say in therapy because you don't really have words for your experiences, or feel some shame about your circumstances.
If this sounds like you, try not to be discouraged! Look at any map and note that there are often multiple roads leading to the same place. Just because you are not on "their" road does not necessarily mean you are on the "wrong" road. Albert Einstein said, "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that do not work. We could explore new ways that hopefully DO work better for you!
I have thirty-five years experience using a very eclectic approach that draws from multiple modalities. I have a background in traditional psychotherapy, but prefer to come from a "whole person" strength-based approach rather than the traditional illness-based approach. I was an LPN years ago and have taken additional graduate level courses in natural and alternative healing as well as a health coaching course because I am passionate about the food/mood/lifestyle connection between physical and mental health and in natural health and healing.
I work with adult clients and incorporate techniques such as use of visual imagery, music, art, guided meditations, movement, rituals, aromatherapy, spirituality, "energy," food, sleep, etc., alongside evidence-based practices like DBT, CBT, polyvagal theory, epigenetics, attachment theory, compassionate inquiry, motivational interviewing, a hybrid of a combination of IFS/Brainspotting/EMDR/FLASH incorporated into a strength-based perspective to provide a more holistic approach to healing mind/body/spirit. I frequently give good educational resource links to provide additional opportunities to follow up on issues brought into the sessions. This combination of techniques can help you access your creative expression and intuition to assist you in your ability to identify limiting beliefs and behaviors in your life and move toward your own natural ability to heal in a safe environment with a therapist that will honor your unique contribution to this life's journey.
I am LGBTQIA2S+, neurodivergent, polyamory, KINK, and other expansive identity friendly, and can seek to connect people who have lost faith in church religion to consider and find their own unique sense of spirituality, however they might define that.
I myself am a spiritual animist, a reiki master, lover of animals, plants, books, music, and gardening. I enjoy making my own personal care products using herbs and essential oils, and in tweaking delicious recipes into a "healthier" version of delicious.
My soul is most at home in the mountains and around clear water. I am an INFJ/Guardian, genderfluid, pansexual, and choose not to embrace any particular pronouns. I continue to learn new things almost every day. Ram Dass also said, "We are all just walking each other home. " Kindness, compassion, and respect for one another can go such a long way. I have no desire to compete with you because I want you to win, too. I believe a win/win beats a win/lose every time!
Thank you for looking at my information. If you think we might work well together, please get in touch. If you don't feel a connection to me, there are many other very qualified persons on this site. Don't give up! Keep looking till you find someone that you think you would work well with! Someone is out there in the other profiles that would be a good match for you! I wish you the best, and applaud your courage in being willing to take a look at other options for your life if you are feeling troubled.
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Visually impaired, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Internal Family Systems
License information
OR LCSW L14851
MO LCSW 2022026451
MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-62799
KS LSCSW LSCSW 1496
WA LICSW LW00004122
ID LCSW LCSW-44088
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Karen Murphree. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I've been seeing Karen for a year now. My life is difficult with a lot of moving parts. Karen is a voice of reason and wisdom and compassion. I'm so grateful to have her help in navigating the challenges that face me.
Written on Jul 02, 2025 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and compassion fatigue
I have been working with my Karen since 2023, and I couldn't be more grateful for the support and guidance I've received. From the very beginning, She has been incredibly understanding and empathetic, creating a safe and comfortable environment for me to share my thoughts and feelings. Karen’s professional approach, combined with genuine care, has significantly helped me navigate through some challenging times. I highly recommend karen’s services to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective therapy.
Written on Jan 24, 2025 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and adhd
I have been working with Karen for over a year, and she is absolutely incredible. From the very beginning, she has been kind, understanding, and genuinely invested in helping me work through my challenges. Her support and guidance have been life-changing—I’ve made so much progress with her help and feel stronger, more confident, and more equipped to handle life’s obstacles.
Karen is incredibly responsive and always makes me feel heard and valued. She creates a safe and welcoming space where I can be completely honest without fear of judgment. Her compassion and insight are unmatched, and she has a remarkable way of understanding my needs and helping me find clarity and solutions.
I cannot recommend Karen enough. If you’re looking for someone who is supportive, professional, and truly exceptional at what they do, Karen is the therapist for you. She has made a profound difference in my life, and I am so grateful for her.
Written on Jan 17, 2025 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I especially appreciate how much she listens and compares my experience or observations to either clarify my view or outline my contradictions or challenges. Karen has done this with an incredible voice of compassion.
Written on Jul 16, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Such and amazing experience from day 1!
Written on Jun 18, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
10/10. One of the best therapists out there.
Written on May 23, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion