Steven Murray, LMSW

Steven Murray is a Michigan-based therapist with five decades of clinical experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma, depression, addictions, and a wide range of life challenges. He combines practical, evidence-informed techniques with a supportive coaching style to help clients make steady progress in the areas they choose to address.

He trained in multiple settings - hospitals, clinics, group homes, and schools - and has worked with clients of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, including people managing chronic mental health conditions and forensic matters. He earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit and is licensed in Michigan. He also holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker. His current practice is grounded in cognitive behavioral ideas while integrating other perspectives when helpful. He sees his role as coach and encourager, offering new ways to view problems, practical tools, and occasional direction without judgment.

Outside of clinical work he values humor, music, nature walks, and reading. He holds an undergraduate degree in instrumental music from Central Michigan University and promotes music for enjoyment and well-being. He is blind and embraces technology as a key to independence, enjoying computers and smartphones as tools that support daily life and connection.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Steven Murray draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and attachment-based ideas to guide online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and replacing them with practical strategies to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and sleep concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages acceptance of difficult internal experiences while clarifying values and committed action, which can help with stress, avoidance, and coping with life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns of relating and connection formed early in life and helps people build healthier relationships and intimacy.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Steven will work with each person to tailor methods to their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, mixing techniques as needed to create an individualized plan. The aim is practical progress supported by respect and encouragement.

Online therapy offers flexible options - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - that make it easier to fit care into busy schedules and to connect from home or elsewhere in Michigan. These formats support continuity of care, allow for varied communication styles, and make it possible to try different session types to see what works best for each person.