Meet Meghan Murphy!
Meghan is an associate Marriage and Family Therapist, RDI© certified consultant who has been a part of the Family Guidance and Therapy team for one and a half years. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults with autism and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. She has a particular interest in working with couples or individuals who are impacted by a diagnosis. At the Family Guidance and Therapy Center, each team member works from a set of personal values that drive client care. In the interview below, learn why Meghan decided to become a clinician, the values that she brings to the FGTC team, and what challenges her on a personal level.
I firmly believe in the importance of collaborating with my client and am constantly learning and growing from each experience a client shares with me. I ensure that I view each client as an individual and support them to find the right level of challenge necessary to experience growth.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have been living in sunny San Diego for 10 years, moving from the unpredictable weather in New England. In those 10 years, I have gotten my masters degree, have been working toward a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, met and married my husband, Greg, and adopted a crazy dog named Benny. In the last year and a half of working at FGTC, I have learned not only new clinical skills, but have deepened my understanding of myself as a person and a clinician.
What inspired you to work as a therapist?
Growing up with an uncle with a variety of special needs and witnessing the compassion, dedication and kindness of my grandparents has been my inspiration. Although my career has taken many turns, what remains constant is the perseverance, will and empathy I have learned from my grandparents, and I strive to always incorporate those values into my work.
Explain your personal value words and why they are important to you.
Family. Growing up in a large, Irish Catholic family in New England, I was immersed in the message that a strong family unit is invaluable. This prominent message undoubtedly led to me becoming a clinician who strives to strengthen the entire family unit.
Generosity. I am a firm believer in being generous with our time and resources. Again, this was instilled in me as a young child, and I have continued to try and demonstrate this as I have grown in my personal life and my career. If I am ever experiencing challenging times in my life, I know that if I can return to family and generosity, it will put me back on the right track.
What is unique about your work with clients?
On paper, I "work with families impacted by autism" however, I believe my work is so much more. I firmly believe that my work goes beyond autism and I strive to support each family member in their own personal journey's, whatever that may look like.
What’s the most challenging and rewarding part of your work?
The most challenging part of my work is not taking it home with me. As a therapist who seeks to create a safe space for clients to share their most vulnerable stories, it is only human for me to experience a variety of feelings WITH my clients. Remembering my personal values and engaging in self-care is an important part of my life and allows me to remain present with each client I see. On the contrary, I am honored that people share their most intimate stories with me. It is such a privilege to sit with a client who allows me to support and guide them on their various journeys. Hearing clients share about their progress and successes, knowing that I had a small part in that is absolutely the most rewarding part of my work.
After a long work week, how do you de-stress or unwind?
The beach, specifically Coronado Dog Beach with my pup, and a good bottle of wine are a lovely way to end a long work week.
Tell us a funny story about yourself!
I was a competitive Irish Step dancer for 12 years!
