- Strength-centered approach
- Actionable baby steps
- Visual metaphors
About Jonathan
Jonathan 'Riley' Murdock is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Idaho who focuses on men's wellbeing among other concerns. He aims to be clearly on a client's side and helps people make gradual changes through small, manageable steps. Riley keeps his language direct and uses concrete metaphors so ideas land and stick.
Riley centers sessions on each person's strengths and practical goals. He talks through why patterns like self-sabotage or avoidance happen, and then outlines simple, repeatable steps to change them. He describes progress like building a muscle - small increases in demand, plus time to recover, leads to lasting gains.
He blends client-centered listening with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. That means sessions mix careful listening with focused planning and skills practice. Riley often uses visual explanations and metaphors to make concepts easier to remember and apply between meetings.
Riley has four years of experience as a clinician and a longer background as a social worker. He says he still relates to days when things feel overwhelming, and that perspective shapes how he works with stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, depression, and other concerns. He also supports people navigating identity, relationship, parenting, sleep, and coping with life changes.
People who connect with his style usually want straightforward language, practical homework, and a therapist who will be fully in their corner. If that sounds like a fit, the next step is a short questionnaire and scheduling to begin working together.
How Riley uses practical approaches online
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's view. It helps people feel heard and clarifies what matters most to them, which is useful for stress, relationships, and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions link together and teaches specific skills for changing unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative way to find motivation and plan small, concrete steps forward when someone feels stuck or unsure about change.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan over time based on what actually helps.
The profile does not state which session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also supports using visual tools and shared metaphors during sessions, which fits his style of explaining things simply and practically.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
Idaho
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns might he help with?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, LGBT concerns, relationship and family difficulties, sleep problems, parenting stress, anger, self-esteem, bipolar, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His style is strength-centered and client-focused, using clear language and metaphors. Sessions combine listening with practical steps from approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
What is his professional background?
He has four years of clinical experience and additional years working as a social worker. He says that lived experience of overwhelmed days informs how he supports others.
Where is he located and what credential does he hold?
He practices in Idaho and holds the credential LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker as listed in his profile.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English and he also accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.