Meet Bryn Murphy, MA, MFT | Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryn Murphy, MA, MFT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryn, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up, my parents raised my sister and me to be curious; curious about observing our surroundings, our education, and our relationships with people. My childhood was a combination of art and exploration, and finding ways to express myself through creative outlets and genuine connections–traits that I believe are important in any therapeutic practice. I grew up in a magical home built in the thirties in the Colorado mountains, full of antiques, historical books and artifacts, and a love for music and the performing arts. My backyard often doubled as a venue for outdoor concerts where my friends and I performed, or adventures deep into the woods in search for pirate ships and lost treasure. My family, although eccentric, was comprised of an artistic and innovative father, a licensed clinical social worker for a mother, and a talented dancer for a sister. Throughout my entire childhood (and adulthood), an ongoing family value was to play. I was encouraged to nourish my imagination, play on stage, play with camera lenses, and engage in thoughtful/thought-provoking conversations. It is because of the importance of play that I become a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist. I believe play is an important piece to the therapieteuc process, and can look a variety of ways ranging from puppets, story-telling, movement, sports, to having a tea party with unresolved emotions. It is a natural form of communication that all ages, including adults, can use to connect with themselves and others. And I have my parents to thank for that! While my upbringing had many tumultuous obstacles (many of which were filled with anxiety, grief, and messy relationships), it shaped my ability to forever access the power of play to strengthen connections, heal, and evolve.

What should our readers know about your business?
I opened my private practice, BlueRaven Family Counseling, in June 2022 for individual children, adolescents, and families birth-25 years old in Lakewood, CO; I also provide intensive outpatient programs with my co-therapist Michelle Strandberg, MA, MFT for families (eight and up), individuals, and partners. To be honest, I am most proud of my clients! Being a child/family therapist is an incredible gift because I have the privilege of witnessing client’s resiliency and integration. I also think I have the coolest job because I have the freedom of processing trauma hanging out on the floor one session, using puppets and toys the next, to sitting in chairs and talking.

Starting any business is not easy! Frankly, it is expensive and scary… and, it is also a great adventure. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over a decade in community agencies ranging from domestic violence shelters, in-home, door-to-door crisis work, and Telehealth. It is because of my experience with community work that I felt ready to take the leap and launch BlueRaven. I am proud of my practice and the created space for families to overcome current issues.

The name of my practice is very intentional. BlueRaven prides itself on remaining open to universal meanings and symbols, and stems from the belief of two personal animal messengers: a Blue Heron and a Raven. Together, these two animals represent my mission to provide a space for clients who are searching for healing, connection, and freedom from old ways of functioning.

I’d like the world to know that BlueRaven was founded with the hopes of becoming a safe and comfortable space for people of all genders and identities to process challenging situations and disruptive patterns. I strongly believe in the power of play, and combine attachment, interpersonal neurobiology, EMDR, and other therapeutic models to form genuine relationships. I’d also like the world to know that, just like my clients, I am a client myself and respect the therapist-client relationship. Coming to therapy can be nerve-wracking! It can also be so amazing and powerful, because together, we can address issues through culturally responsive ways and welcome the parts that don’t often have a space to talk.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a tricky question because it changes for each person and their likes/dislikes and interests. In general, if someone is visiting Colorado, we’d carve out time for hikes or snowshoeing, mountain drives, catching live shows, seeing performances, and trying new food spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a child, I used to visit my mom when she worked as a therapist at an elementary school. She had an amazing office full of toys and books. I remember the puppets and the sandtray most vividly; my favorite puppet was a kangaroo that moved its arms like a boxer. When I wasn’t playing with puppets, I was telling stories with the hundreds of figurines collected for sandtray work. I felt comfortable in her office, partially because I had played many of the games displayed on the shelves, but also because it was a room clearly designed for cathartic expression. I used to imagine spending time with kids, playing and connecting with them. Even then, it was clear to me that I was meant to follow my mother’s footsteps and become a therapist. Like her, I find joy in working with children, adolescents, and families. Kids have a certain energy about them, and I love the fact that not only can I counsel them, I can dabble in imaginative worlds, humor, and creative outlets. I am happy to say that 20 years later, the same toys, puppets, books and figurines are used in my playroom, where children continue to tell stories with the punching kangaroo, problem solve in the sand, express their feelings through art, and find their voice. So, rightfully so, the first shoutout goes to my mom! My greatest role model, friend, and toy supplier. Another shoutout is to my dad who died in 2011 who cultivated my love for creative expression and learning. I am a forever learner because of him. Other shoutouts go to my friends and colleagues who we’ve laughed, cried, learned, and grown together.

Website: https://www.blueravenfamilycounseling.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueravenfamilycounseling/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueRavenFamilyCounseling

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bryn-murphy-lakewood-co/989590

Image Credits
All photos were taken by Bryn Murphy, MA, MFT.