Riley Murphy LPC

Hi, I’m Riley (They/Them/She/Her)! I’m a trans, neurodivergent mental health counselor in the state of Ohio. I received my master’s degree in mental health counseling at Northern Kentucky University, where I prepared to specialize in providing therapy to transgender and neurodivergent folks. I’m passionate about developing ways to navigate and push back against cisnormative and neurotypical constraints. My own lived experience as a trans, neurodivergent person fuels my passion for collaborating with others who hold similar identities. I specialize in providing therapy for people who are autistic, who identify as queer, transgender, or neurodivergent, and people who are questioning.

My approach is based in narrative therapy. Oftentimes, we view our lives through the lens of stories that are saturated with problems. Problems such as ableism, transphobia, shame, self-blame, trauma, depression, abuse, anger, anxiety, etc. Problems that would have us believe that we are abnormal, powerless, worthless, or broken. I work with people to name these problems, to figure out how they came into people’s lives, and to map their effects. More importantly, I work with people to develop stories that challenge the problem story. These are sparkling moments: the times when we act against problems, display our knowledge and abilities, or live according to our values. I have seen that by strengthening these stories, people see themselves in new, empowering ways.

During this process of editing and authoring stories, I maintain that you are the expert on your own life and, therefore, have final storytelling rights. This is especially true when it comes to your identities. My practice is firmly neurodiversity and gender affirming. My approach also aligns with social justice perspectives that recognize the very real influences of systemic oppression and injustice. I do not shy away from discussing the effects of these systemic problems and I incorporate feminist, queer, neuroqueer, and crip perspectives into my practice.

I would be honored to work with you on editing and authoring your stories. If you feel you could benefit from working with me, please reach out via email or through the Reclaimed Divergence website.