Relationship Issues Therapists in Portland, ME

CUSTOM COUNSELING, LLC is client centered-focused, counseling each unique individual with a personal approach, understanding and treatment. I believe that, if we don't have a 'connection', a relationship upon which to build trust and confidence in our work, we both won't succeed in our work together. Therefore, I spend as much time as needed, in order for that rapport, that connection, to be solid. Sometimes, it takes a brief time, in order to complete therapy with desired/ positive results; sometimes, it's a longer process. Our sessions don't end until we both feel confident and comfortable with our progress.

Welcome! I am interested in how a therapeutic partnership can be a laboratory and a refuge; a place for you to engage curiously with yourself and your relational capacity. I find that over time this practice of being together and being curious can catalyze our intuition and rearrange patterns of stuckness. I believe we can learn to relate more clearly, deeply, and kindly with ourselves through being witnessed and attended to with care. I find that intimacy with our own emotional landscape can be the bedrock of a grounded relationship to self and others.

Practice full at this time, thank you -I offer compassionate, experiential psychotherapy for adults, specializing in mindfulness-based and Internal Family Systems therapy for depression, anxiety and trauma. Honoring the dynamic mind-body relationship, I incorporate awareness-building, body-based practices to facilitate emotional, behavioral & cognitive expression, healing & growth, such as guided meditation, visualization & yoga-inspired breathwork and movement. I believe that bringing our full attention to our inner experiences with curiosity awakens a natural spring of self-compassion and an innate capacity for deep healing.

As a client at various times in my own life, I appreciate the challenge of engaging with a new therapist. The vulnerability of opening up to a stranger is real and palpable. Your growth in therapy is driven in part by your willingness to trust me, feel calm in the process, and confidence in my approach. My work always begins with this recognition, and has led to twenty years of creating a safe and comfortable space, while nurturing deeply meaningful relationships. Humbly and respectfully, I have had the privilege to witness amazing client strength, courage, and growth. I always learn from you, as you ideally learn from me.

Connection! It is at the heart of being human. I am an experienced therapist providing a supportive environment that is free of judgment to connect and align with your purpose and meaning. I specialize in mental health and well-being in relationship dynamics, either with yourself or with others, work-life and daily living. I was clinically trained at Columbia University. My expertise ranges from traditional psychotherapy in an office setting or telehealth, counseling business executives at Employee Assistance Program, seafarer mental health in shipping, and a mental health counselor at a summer camp.

Counseling is a process, not an end goal; and it’s a process by which challenges can be defined, addressed, and worked on. It’s a process that brings a therapist and a client into safe and confidential relationship built on trust and authenticity. The counselor encourages strength and establishes hope for real change through connection and exploration. We consider choices, challenges, and triumphs together, recognizing that while difficult, change is the vehicle we sometimes need to reach our destination or desired goal.

Monique "Nickie" Murray is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC), a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (RC-C) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC-C). She has 11 years of experience helping others grow as they explore and work through substance use, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and more. Nickie completed her Master's degree in Counseling Rehabilitation at the University of Southern Maine. Nickie worked for a disability company for 22 years which included work as a vocational consultant.

Finding your why. Coping when situations feel overwhelming. Seeking your way out of darkness. Discovering your best self through self-exploration, self-awareness and self-talk; These are what I strive to help you with as you start this journey. My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, parenting issues, stress management, trauma and transition struggles.

I have counseled a diverse population within a variety of settings over the years. I provide individual therapy to adults to help overcome life stressors. My approach in counseling is to help you gain healthy skills to navigate life’s challenges, past trauma and develop healthy relationships. I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship.

Therapy is an opportunity to get to know ourselves more deeply in a safe and supportive space. I am here to listen with empathy and curiosity to the concerns of Mainers via Telehealth. Together we will identify your values and the things that get in the way of growing in the direction of those values. We will work on sitting with emotions rather than fighting against them. And we will identify your strengths and resources to help you grow more fully into yourself. I take a warm, familiar approach to our conversations and leave space for humor and joy in the healing process.

Welcome! Are you hoping to decrease daily stressors and concerns, gain confidence and have support in setting appropriate boundaries? Through a thoughtful process we can address these concerns and improve your overall quality of life. I am specialized in treating adolescents and adults. I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults with a wide range of clinical concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, eating disorders and perinatal mental health.

Our world is full of ever changing stressors which we try to manage on our own but sometimes we may need some external help. If you find yourself struggling with an inability to cope with these stressors effectively, therapy could be a useful tool in improving various aspects of your life.

Anxiety, depression, insecurity, low self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, relationship challenges at work, school, or home, shame: these problems can be understood and often overcome through therapy. I provide Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to individuals and couples and help others gain insight into maladaptive patterns of thinking and acting through mutual inquiry and authentic engagement. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety. My style is direct and compassionate.

Is your life turning out the way you planned? Are your personal relationships succeeding? Are you finding the right career for you? Do people know the real you? Too often we lose track of how we exist each day. Depression over past mistakes or anxiety about what might happen in the future prevent us from being who we really want to be in the present. The goal of counseling is to help you develop a better relationship with your 'self' in order to improve your relationships with others. Check out my video on YouTube to learn more about my approach.

As a therapist I am genuine, compassionate, sensitive and honest. I believe that people need a safe space to be validated for their life experience wherever they are at. My passion and profession is helping people rebuild healthier foundations and having the gift of being a part of individuals healing their own life story and recreating their lives into something new. I believe it is an honor to work with my clients... The Answer for life's changes is inside you and being willing to take the journey...and its the greatest gift you can give yourself...

We all struggle at times to meet the internal and external challenges inherent in life. We move to manage and cope with problems, unhappiness and bad feelings. Sometimes we get stuck. Other times we move with skill and thoughtfulness, realizing happiness and peace of mind. I work with people to maximize skillfulness and minimize being stuck, using principles of change found in various psychotherapy models. I emphasize accurate understanding, acceptance, and change based on your values and worldview. I am honored that clients share their struggles and successes with me!

Offering telehealth and in-person sessions. I value the importance of building rapport with clients and support clients in finding a therapist that is a good fit for you and your treatment goals. I strive to create a collaborative, safe, supportive, & nonjudgmental space in the therapeutic relationship. I utilize a strengths-based & client-centered approach that supports your treatment needs and empowers clients through their journeys. You are the expert in your own life, I'm just here to hold space for you as you navigate the stages of change.

It is a privilege to work with you. I take my responsibility seriously, as you have put your trust in me. Partnering with you to establish goals and then creating objectives that help you attain those goals is our mission. Employing mindfulness, compassion, and the ability to deeply listen is crucial in establishing and maintaining our therapeutic relationship. I am invested.

Currently away on maternity leave - I am here to help reconnect you to your inner voice and remember who you are. I am a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, social-justice oriented therapist. I center collective healing and self-liberation in my work, and I operate from a non-pathological and radically inclusive framework. But before all of that - I am a human. And I know you are too! I lead with authenticity and vulnerability, so you have the space to arrive just as you are. In my practice we’ll do just that: practice relational work together to help you build capacity, experience aliveness, heal, grow, and expand.