PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

JM Portrait of Jonathan 'Riley' Murdock
Online therapist

Jonathan 'Riley' Murdock

Compassionate, practical support for parents

Book with Jonathan
Credentials
LCSW
Experience
4 years
Licensed in
Idaho
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Jonathan

Jonathan 'Riley' Murdock greets worried parents with a steady, practical style. He focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, LGBT concerns, relationships, family issues, sleeping and parenting challenges. Riley is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - who aims to be fully in a client's corner and to remove judgment so families can begin to breathe again.

He uses simple, small steps when change feels overwhelming. He compares progress to building a muscle - apply a little stress, then allow recovery.

Background and approach

That idea guides day-to-day goals so parents can manage big demands without burning out. Riley combines clear conversation with visual metaphors. He often lays out ideas so they are easy to picture and remember.

He also draws on motivational interviewing to help people choose what to try and follow through. His background includes focused work on trauma and approaches that target shame, guilt, nightmares, and painful memories. He emphasizes techniques that reduce harmful side effects when trauma work brings up difficult material.

He aims for practical shifts that fit family life and routines. Riley has four years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker in Idaho. He speaks English and accepts international clients.

Sessions are offered in several online formats to fit busy family schedules.

How Riley’s Approaches Translate to Online Work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, reflecting, and following the client’s priorities. Online sessions let Riley ask what matters most to a parent and then shape each meeting around those goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts, behaviors, and small experiments to change patterns. In video or text sessions he breaks tasks into doable steps that fit family routines.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Riley works with each person to test methods and adjust based on what actually helps. Together they choose between talk-based strategies, structured CBT tasks, or motivational techniques to support follow-through and consistent progress.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy households. Video calls let families connect face to face when schedules allow. Phone, live chat, and text-based messaging give options for shorter check-ins or for people who prefer writing. These formats make it easier to practice skills between meetings and to fit therapy into a crowded routine.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Riley work with?
He addresses stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, LGBT concerns, relationship and family issues, sleeping and parenting problems, anger, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
What is his approach in sessions?
Sessions emphasize strength-focused, client-centered work with practical steps. He uses visual metaphors and small actionable goals to make change manageable.
What training and experience does he have?
He has four years of experience and holds the LCSW credential. His practice includes trauma work and motivational interviewing techniques.
Where is the therapist licensed and based?
He is licensed in Idaho with the LCSW credential listed as ID LCSW - 44539.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
4 years
Licensed
Idaho
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Jonathan

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Jonathan