Laura Murray, PhD

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, live in alignment with their values, and achieve their goals. Sometimes, there is a clearly defined goal that you are working towards; sometimes, it's just a nagging sense that something needs to shift, without yet knowing what. Wherever you're starting from, I’d love to help.

My approach to therapy is evidence-based, integrative, and growth-oriented. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based techniques as a flexible toolkit that I adapt to fit you. Some sessions focus on practical skills, while others slow down to ask deeper questions, such as what a fulfilling life looks like for you, separate from what's expected of you.

More than anything, I want our work together to feel collaborative. I don't see myself as the expert on your life — you are. My role is to bring evidence-based tools and an outside perspective, while you bring the lived experience of what's actually going on. Some examples of issues that I can help address are:

-       Anxiety and depression

-       Substance use concerns

-       Athletic performance & sports injury recovery

-       Impulsivity or inattention

-       Relationship difficulties

-       Life transitions, burnout, or feeling "stuck"

Background and Research

Alongside clinical work, I'm engaged in research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), with ongoing collaborations with McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. This keeps me close to the latest science on what actually works in treating anxiety, depression, substance use, and other mental health concerns. I am committed to providing treatment that's grounded not just in clinical experience, but in current evidence.

I was also an NCAA Div. 1 athlete who competed in national and international competitions. I have decades of personal and professional experience working with athletes on issues related to high-stakes performance and chronic pain/injury recovery.