Kelli Murphy-Small

Hello, I'm Kelli. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from Missouri, and I have been providing mental health services for the past 30 years. My journey began in the public school system as a school counselor, where I later became a supervisor of school counselors and concurrently taught at the university level to assist college students in becoming counselors. During my time as a school counselor, I completed the requirements for my LPC, which proved invaluable in both school settings and private practice. For the past 15 years, I have enjoyed working as a private practice and agency counselor, finding fulfillment in both environments. Helping you become a better version of yourself brings me immense joy.

My approach to counseling is rooted in Client-Centered Therapy. I believe that everyone encounters obstacles that hinder them from being their “best self.” The concept of 'self-actualization' in Client-Centered Therapy essentially means being happy with who you are and where you are in your world. While achieving this can be challenging, we can work together to reach that goal.

We will make a great team addressing the stressors that matter most to you. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages. I assist frustrated parents needing parenting support or struggling with their roles as parents, spouses, or significant others. I also work with teens navigating their paths, whether within the LGBTQ+ community, the academic community, or the general challenges of growing into happy, productive adults. For adults, I provide a sounding board, offering unbiased reflections on your emotions and identifying roadblocks to your growth. Our teamwork will help you get back on track to being your “best self.”

You've come this far in reading my profile, so take the next step and sign up. If not with me, find someone who fits you. You are looking for help, and now you can trust that you are in a safe place to find the right person for you.

A therapist using Client-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing creates a warm, respectful space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered.

With Client-Centered Therapy, the therapist offers deep empathy, acceptance, and genuine support—helping clients explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This builds trust and allows clients to connect with their inner strengths and insights.

Motivational Interviewing adds a gentle, goal-oriented focus. The therapist helps clients explore ambivalence, clarify their own reasons for change, and build motivation—without pressure or advice. Change is guided by the client’s values and autonomy.

Together, these approaches support self-awareness, confidence, and meaningful growth—at the client’s own pace.

After your first session, you should leave with a sense of safety and feeling heard—knowing you’ve been met with respect and without judgment. You’ll begin to get a feel for whether the therapist is a good fit and start building a connection. Together, you may begin identifying some initial goals and what you hope to get out of therapy. You’ll also gain a clearer understanding of how the process works and what to expect moving forward. Most importantly, you may feel a bit of relief, hope, or direction—knowing you’ve taken a meaningful first step toward change.