West Falls Psychotherapy Group

Welcome to my website, where I, Carolyn Murphy, Ph. D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, offer professional counseling services to individuals, adolescents, and families. I am a seasoned practitioner with over thirty years of experience in the field of psychology. My office is located at 405 N. Washington Street, Suite 103, Falls Church, VA 22046.

Professional Background

I earned my doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland in 1988 and have been licensed as a psychologist since 1990. Throughout my career, I have worked with a wide range of clients, including children, adolescents, and adults, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and stress related to work, school, or family. I have also specialized experience working with victims of sexual abuse and trauma, families going through divorce, and women experiencing fertility problems.

Psychotherapy Services

I offer individual psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children. My approach to therapy is interactive and supportive, aiming to increase self-awareness to promote change. I believe that past experiences, particularly within the family, significantly influence an individual's current strengths and areas of concern. Therefore, we may explore relevant areas from the past to gain insight into patterns affecting an individual's present life. However, the main focus is kept on current concerns, and more directive interventions may be integrated into our work as well.

Adult Psychotherapy

In adult psychotherapy, I work with clients to identify their goals and develop strategies to achieve them. We might explore relevant areas from the past to gain insight into patterns affecting an individual's present life, and more directive interventions may be integrated into our work as well. Many clients experience significant improvements within a few to several sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy to comprehensively address their issues.

Adolescent Psychotherapy

Adolescent psychotherapy focuses on helping teens understand themselves to facilitate healthy development and decision-making. I conduct an initial assessment by meeting with the adolescent and, separately, with parents to gather background information. The assessment may also involve a meeting with the parents and the teen together. I provide feedback about my initial clinical impressions and suggestions for treatment, and we discuss issues of confidentiality.

Child Psychotherapy

In child psychotherapy, I work with children kindergarten-age or older. I start the counseling process by conducting an initial assessment that involves two or three sessions. The therapeutic playroom allows children to feel comfortable and provide ways of communicating in addition to talking. After these few meetings, I provide feedback to parents about my initial clinical impressions and suggestions for treatment. Ongoing sessions involve a combination of talk therapy and therapeutic play to work on problem areas directly while supporting strengths and a positive self-esteem.

Conclusion

As a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of experience, I am committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy services to individuals, adolescents, and families. I believe that a collaborative relationship between therapist and client is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting change. If you are seeking help for personal or family issues, I invite you to contact me to schedule an appointment.