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SM Portrait of Shelley Murphy

Shelley Murphy

Practical support for stress, relationships and confidence

ACA Australia

Experience
16 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Shelley

About Shelley

Shelley Murphy is an ACA counsellor with 16 years of experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety and life changes. She works in a straightforward way and supports people who are struggling with confidence, motivation and relationship concerns.

Background and approach

Shelley believes people bring strengths and knowledge about their own lives, and she helps them use those strengths to move forward. Shelley uses clear, practical conversation to help people spot unhelpful patterns and try small changes.

She draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients manage thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Shelley also uses Attachment-Based ideas and the Gottman Method when relationship patterns are part of the concern.

Sessions focus on simple skills and real-life steps. People might learn ways to calm anxiety, set clearer boundaries, or improve communication.

Shelley aims to make therapy approachable and doable in day-to-day life. Her background includes many years working with people who face grief, trauma, addictions, parenting stress and career transitions.

She also supports those dealing with body image, codependency and family of origin issues. Shelley listens without judgement and helps clients plan small, achievable goals.

Her style is collaborative and practical. She encourages honest conversation and helps people try tools between sessions.

The aim is steady progress so clients feel more capable managing whatever comes next.

How Shelley adapts therapeutic approaches for online work

Shelley uses a few clear methods to help clients in online sessions. The Gottman Method focuses on relationship interactions and communication skills, helping people notice patterns and practise new ways of relating. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings, choose what matters most to them, then take small committed steps toward those values. Attachment‑Based Therapy looks at how early relational patterns shape current reactions and helps people rebuild safer ways of connecting.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shelley will talk about your goals and preferences and suggest which methods might suit your situation. Together you can try different ways of working and adjust the plan if something is not helping.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text‑based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video calls allow face‑to‑face conversation and visual cues, while phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or messaging can fit brief check‑ins or people who prefer typing. These options help people fit therapy around work, family and other commitments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shelley commonly help with?
Shelley supports people with stress, anxiety, depression and relationship problems. She also helps with grief, trauma, addictions, parenting and self‑esteem issues.
What is Shelley’s therapy style like?
Her style is practical and collaborative, with clear conversation and small, actionable steps. Sessions often include skill practice and checking in on progress between meetings.
How long has Shelley worked in this field?
Shelley has 16 years of professional experience working with people on a wide range of concerns. That experience informs her practical, down‑to‑earth approach.
What credentials and location are listed for Shelley?
She is listed as an ACA counsellor practising in Australia. The profile reflects that credential and her Australian location.
Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. Shelley is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be arranged as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text‑based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with Shelley?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. You can then schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centred TherapyCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodHypnotherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

16+ years

Registered with

ACA

Languages

English