Forging Inner Strength: Turning Trauma to Triumph

Innovative Counseling for Greater Growth

Therapy Should Actually Help

We don't think the goal of therapy is to become really good at going to therapy

The goal is to make your life better

Our therapists work with you to figure out what's actually keeping you stuck and start changing it.

We're a small team of therapists who genuinely care about the people we work with. We're experienced, we specialize in trauma, and we believe therapy should lead somewhere.


We tend to see meaningful progress pretty quickly.

In fact, one of our business problems is that people often get better and stop needing us as much.

Terrible business model.

Pretty good therapy model.


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This will work for you- Or it’s free

You are a fighter and it’s my mission to help you see it again.

Since 2007 I’ve been building the skills to help you break your barriers

I’m focused on helping you find thekey changes you need, to find your strength.

I’m 100% in your corner.

I’m confident that this will work for you.

If it doesn’t talk to me within the first 3 weeks and I’ll refund everything.

Because my goal is your transformation

If it’s not life-changing, Then no offense, but I don’t want your money

Which is, admittedly, another questionable business decision.

  • Enough about what we think. Here’s what the people who actually paid us think.

  • "I feel at ease and relaxed. I feel like a weight has been released off of my whole body like everything was lifted off of my whole body. This was very helpful."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • “I would always beat myself up. I would tell myself that I lost the best part of me and the best part of my life. When I did trauma therapy with Riley. He gave me strength, I thought I had lost those strengths, but I still have them.”

    — Privately Disclosed, August 2022

  • “I feel lighter- I feel like I was able to put it behind me. I can learn from the bad. I think I'm learning to address my own feelings- and learn how to say "no" but in stronger and different ways. I’m done with this. I think I can say hey, leave me alone. Open Chair therapy is a great tool. I think it works really well

    — Privately Disclosed May 2024

  • I feel better, I feel like (trauma therapy) is getting rid of the bad and kicking it out. It's a 'good bye kind of thing.' Yesterday I had a conversation about a book that was about a rape and I had no problem talking about the subject material. I would never have been able to do that before. Oh yeah, I feel like this is making progress. I feel so relieved and it's not my fault and that life will be good."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Kudos to you (Riley) If you hadn't told me to start complaining, to start treating myself like I would one of my kids- then I never would have made an appointment with my cardiologist against my physician's advice, I wouldn't have done that without your advice, I wouldn't have found out how much trouble I'm in. So thank you, you saved my life.”

    — Privately Disclosed, December, 2023

  • "I do have you to talk to and that is enormous for me."

    — Privately Disclosed, May 2024

  • I’ve only found two counselors that I click with , that are able to keep me grounded, that keep me from cutting and the suicide lane. I’ve only had a couple therapists who have been able to keep me out of that lane- and you’re one of them. I really appreciate the fact that I’ve been blessed enough to find you."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Honestly I felt a lot better. I feel like my son is proud of me. I felt like he was looking at me and he wouldn't want me to feel the way I felt. I'm glad that you're my therapist".

    — Privately Disclosed, March 2024

  • “Riley gave me something I never had before. Hope.”

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Bro passed the vibe check right off the bat." (gave 5 star rating)

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Amazing progress thankful for all the insight."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Listens well and gives great feedback. It’s been awesome to work with Riley."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "I just started meeting with Jonathan (Riley)and I feel he has helped me with a different look at things already. I do feel better that he has a male view on things. I am a woman but I needed a different view for help with myself and marriage"

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "I have really enjoyed our sessions. It feels like a ton of bricks is lifted off my back when I have my session. Riley is really good at getting me to internalize what we’re talking about, and not letting it bug me. And he does a great job at reaching out. He also has had great resources for me to check out."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Riley has been very good about not only helping me with sources and seeing a different perspective in my difficult situations but he is also good at helping me see where I am in need of change within myself. He has been able to aid me in strengthening my relationship with my kids, myself, and God. Lastly, he is helping me continue this journey and not just requesting I come to him for everything but he has also lead me to the extra support that (Agency) provides. Thank you for all you do Riley."

    — Privately Disclosed to Better Help, 2024

  • "Jonathan (Riley) really took the time to let me talk about my situation and the things that were going on even when i might have be reiterating ideas just with different words, he was always very patient with me. He always seems very interested everytime we talk, and has giving me more then advice and honestly for the first time in my life some mental clarity."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • " (Couples) We did the OARS and what we talked about last week, We spent less time in calls, but more focused when we're there, and our conversations have been the best they've ever been this week. This week was so amazing. She told me that this was the first time she felt heard this week."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "Riley is very attentive and quick. I like to have conversations with open minded people and he provides that for me and with some jokes to make it light but also focusing on the business at hand."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "I don’t know how he does it. Riley is an incredible therapist. I am beyond grateful for the conversations we’ve had. I recommend Riley because he’s real with you and for me at least I felt extremely understood. I looked forward to all of our sessions."

    — Privately Disclosed to Better Help 2024

  • "He was very supportive and insightful. A great listener and attentive. Thank you very much for matching me with him."

    — Privately Disclosed

  • "I can’t say enough good things about Riley. From the very first session, he created a safe, welcoming environment where I felt genuinely heard and understood. Riley has a way of asking the right questions and offering thoughtful insight without ever making me feel judged or rushed. What I appreciate most is how Riley balances compassion with practical guidance. He has helped me work through challenges, build healthier habits, and see situations from new perspectives. I’ve noticed real growth in myself since starting therapy, and I truly feel more confident and grounded. If you’re looking for someone who is professional, empathetic, and truly invested in your well-being, I highly recommend Riley"

    Google review https://maps.app.goo.gl/vTJ49VwHUjrAPHZT7

  • "I was apprehensive making my first appointment with Riley. Trust was quickly established and I have no regrets. He has a unique way of helping me understand myself. He can tell me a story or draw a picture and it can turns confusion into clarity. His compassion and love for helping people is evident. I’m finding the good bits of myself again. Individually, as a group, mother/daughter, grief and trauma, Riley is helping me."

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hNvcBiSHkoyuYgyQ7

  • "Riley was great to work with and was accommodating to my schedule. He was genuinely interested with me and my situation. We made a lot of progress unfortunately my insurance didn't qualify. Riley worked with me through that and even referred me to another counselor."

    Google Review:

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/g5nPE5V7pgAjEJT16

  • "Riley has been an incredibly supportive and effective therapist during a very challenging time in my life. His approach is thoughtful, grounded, and practical. I’ve made meaningful progress and would confidently recommend both Riley and the Dawn Star Counseling."

    — Google Review:

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/BRjZ9ErKxG2Y2uJX7

  • "I have been working with Riley for more than a year now and can only say that it is a life changing experience for me. I struggle with self confidence, issues in love life and relationships in general, have childhood trauma and a lot of anxiety. Since I have started to have sessions with Riley, my life slowly but steadily started to improve: working on processing my emotions better, making different life choices, improvement in the way I see myself and feel compassion toward myself, more clarity about what to do next. It's a long process, but he is giving me hope, safe space and belief that I can get better and do better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Riley! 🙏"

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FpmfZ9qiWrW5zQ27

  • "Ryley is by far the best therapist I’ve ever had. He listens and cares while at the same time challenging you to actually GROW & progress! He doesn’t want to keep you stuck in an endless therapy loop- he wants to set you up for success in your life & gives you the tools to cope with incredibly difficult situations, people, and circumstances. I’m super grateful for his help and guidance. He’s helped me heal deep resentments, find genuine peace, & let go of the burdens that have been holding me back for far too long. If you want to grow, challenge yourself and see progress- schedule a call & apply everything that he recommends. Very grateful for the expertise and knowledge he shares"

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZMMxtyKfNiWyquyW7

  • "If you're skeptical, don't be. I really think that for a lot of guys, therapy speak and terms have been used as a club to shame us at some point or another. It's a turn off. Riley is good about framing things and giving you things to do that will help, not just validation or something talking to you. The goal here is to move on, not indulge."

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mUhyn1557mxim3c28

  • "What can I say about Riley? Well first off he went above and beyond with helping me. He made me feel heard. He took me from the lowest point of my life and helped me to a new, better and healthier one. No matter what I was going through he approached it from a non judgmental, empathetic standpoint. I will always be thankful for him and the help he provided. He has earned a client for life and I am happy to have met him."

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ABkNe1LiyQxi64qc7

  • "Riley is truly an amazing counselor. I feel like I can talk through my issues, and he always has great resources for helping get through the feelings. I have enjoyed my sessions with him, and to keep working with him in the future!"

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WQ84Nrav9VxHo7gN6

  • "Let me start by saying that I haven't been receptive to the thought of counseling in the past. I tried it once several years ago, had a terrible experience and never went back. I finally came around to accepting the idea again. When looking through a list of providers, Riley stuck out as someone who I would resonate with. and feel comfortable going to. I have been seeing Riley for 4 months now and I am so thankful I found him. He is easy to talk to, you feel safe and not judged when there and I actually look forward to the appts. I cannot put into words how much Riley has enlightened me to my own behaviors as well as methods for self-improvement and self-love. He is compassionate, knowledgeable, flexible and understanding as well as relatable. 10/10 person and counselor!"

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R9o21nQgTjYSVJpP7

  • "As a fellow counselor, I can attest that Riley is a reliable, compassionate and hardworking counselor who will go the extra mile to help his clients. You can trust that he will have your best interests in mind and will do what is necessary to make your therapeutic journey successful."

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kyk1MvFLatpEQS9p6

  • "Riley is fantastic. He has helped my partner and I navigate through the most difficult time in our relationship. Riley is a great listener. He has a very calming presence. He has guided us with tools and resources and a lot of practice to have the best communication we have ever had in our 10 year relationship. We feel very supported and grateful to have found his guidance."

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eapc28mPdwxBcbFc6

  • "Riley is a man of wisdom, who has provided serious stability to me through his wise counseling style. He blends well an incredible sense of active listening, with simple profound statements of wisdom that have grounded me in times I felt afloat. I highly recommend him as a therapist"

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BFnCsfsyoGJodUDSA

  • "Riley is a great therapist. He has helped me many times and has a wide skill range to fit anyone. He works great with kids as well as adults and can manage all levels of trauma. If you are looking for a place to start or if you're not getting the results you need with your current place, try this place."

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8WpeH21kEqLyCRGw5

  • "Incredible experience, great councilor. This has been my choice since before it had a listing. I would recommend this to anyone"

    Google Review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpmZcZeK1rMeTJ79A

Riley Murdock LCSW

Started doing Social work in 2007, with 19 years of social work and counseling under his belt.

Specialized in Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing to help others find their own courage to win their battles.

Helps to evaporate feelings of shame and regret from trauma using the IRRT modality which can start producing noticeable results one session.

Worked in the Nation’s Leading Wilderness Therapy Program: the Anasazi Foundation.

Learn more

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