Kerry Murphy, SWC

• Enhancing the mind-body connection 
• Building resiliency through the human-animal bond 
• Supporting youth and families through challenging experiences 
• Providing space for people to accept themselves unconditionally 
• Encouraging people of all ages to recognize their potential to heal

Hey!

My name is Kerry and I am a therapist at UpliftME Attachment-Based Therapy.

I have an array of interests including rollerblading, finger-painting, and watching anime. My ideal day would be setting up a hammock and attempting to read while getting distracted by people and animal watching.

I am a firm believer that every person has something valuable to teach and also learn from others. As a therapist, I feel an immense privilege to share space with individuals and families because each of us can grow and enhance our self-awareness.  My grandmother always said “the only thing constant in life is change,” and, while I may initially roll my eyes, it is something I continue to hold dear in my professional and personal life.

I am passionate about the mind-body connection, as well as the human-animal bond. As a yoga instructor, I have seen and experienced the power of cultivating a compassionate relationship between your mind and body. As a competitive gymnast, I learned valuable skills like discipline and facing your fears. However, I also experienced the extreme side of using your mind to control your body in an attempt to achieve the impossibility of perfection. By genuinely listening to what my body had to say, I discovered how to take care of myself in a healthy and balanced way. 

Additionally, I am an animal lover, especially dogs! While I have experience training law enforcement and search and rescue canines, I am always so much more amazed by the subtle powers of therapeutic and service dogs. My dog Casey, taught me the meaning of unconditional love and support without ever saying a word (I would be concerned if she did!). I will be working to bring a furry friend into the therapy room in the near future, to help facilitate the healing process.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science from Drexel University with a major in Criminology and Justice Studies and a minor in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver, along with my Credential to practice Human-Animal and Environment Interactions (HAEI). I know, that was a mouthful; it’s pretty much a fancy way of saying Animal-Assisted and Nature-Based Therapy. 

I specialize in enhancing the mind-body connection, facilitating breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises, and incorporating restorative movement. I tend to use somatic and body-based interventions as well as integrate multiple modalities: art therapy, play therapy, attachment-based therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma-informed care, CBT, and DBT.

I hope you find what you are looking for and I can’t wait to meet you!

• Credential in Human-Animal and Environment Interactions                                                                
• Certified to incorporate Human-Animal and Environment Interactions in practice settings                                                                                                                                              
•  Certified Yoga Instructor:  200hr Yoga Teacher Training (2020)                                                        
• Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor: 40 hr (2021)