Interview with Ben Murray, Licensed Social Workers, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Ben Murray is a Licensed Social Worker specializing in addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. To learn more about Ben Murray, we have conducted an interview to gain some additional perspective.

What do you enjoy about being a counselor?

I enjoy being a counselor for many reasons.  The most important would be the relationships that I am able to build with my clients.  The therapeutic relationships I build are ones based on empathy with no judgement.

What specific issue(s) are you skilled at helping with?

I pride myself on being a well rounded therapist.  Throughout my career I have immersed myself in multiple areas of practice so as to fully understand different perspectives, such as the treatment of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  I have specific experience in the field of addictions.  Working as an Addiction Counselor in an outpatient setting allowed me to work with a wide range of people battling addiction to drugs, alcohol and even addictions such as sex and eating.  To this end, I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Illinois.  I also have experience in working with children and adolescents, specifically in play therapy with young children as well as therapy with teenagers.  

What is my role as a counselor?

My role as a counselor is not to decide what the client will do or to make decisions for the client, but to help the client achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.  Each and every client has the ability to achieve their goal, the role of a counselor is to assist the client on their journey.

What is your view on the purpose of counseling?

I think many people make counseling more intimidating than it really is.  The core of counseling is talking about issues that affect your life.  The only way to get over something is to go through it, and counseling gives you the extra support you may need.

How have your own life struggles helped you become the counselor you are today?

My purpose in entering the field of counseling was inspired by my own traumatic experience.  As a teenager, I had health problems that required extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation.  I found myself wanting someone to talk to about everything that was happening to me so that I could make sense of it.  My experiences have taught me to be a sensitive and empathic counselor.  I know that it is not easy to talk about negative feelings and thoughts but I pride myself on creating a warm, caring environment in which it is easier to do so.

What is your counseling focus?

My counseling focus is primarily “client centered”, meaning that the therapy session begins where the client is and is dictated by what the client wishes to focus on.  At the same time, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles with my clients when focusing on irrational and/or upsetting thoughts.  CBT techniques are also very helpful when working with anxiety and depression.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Ben, please call us at 888.234.7628, ext 702 or email ben@lbcounseling.com