Oriana Murphy

Most of my focus has been in the intersections of substance use and trauma. I believe my ultimate job is to encourage folks back toward community but, sometimes, the healing journey starts in the therapy space. I support those I work with through Brainspotting, EMDR, sociometric techniques, harm reduction and other substance use recovery methods, mindfulness, and psychodynamic therapy; regardless of the method, what matters is who is sitting in the space and what works for them.

I work with folks who are experiencing challenges related to substance use, mood shifts, relational difficulties, and general life transitions. My approach is to center the needs of my clients and their communities by not perceiving myself as the expert and, instead, working in collaboration. I believe that it is imperative to view folks from an anti-oppression lens, and as an LCSW, I am ethically responsible for dismantling systemic harm, both in my personal life and professional practice.

When working with folks as a collaborator in practice, I am attuned to the fact that I am but one member of their community, and I am not all-knowing. Celebrating others and being present to power dynamics that may show up in our relationship are not soundbites from a website for me. I believe that approaching care as a therapist also means taking accountability, tending to repair, and offering alternative support.