Marilyn M.

My name is Marilyn Murphy, and I am currently completing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Midwestern State University. I have gained more than two decades of experience supporting individuals and families through my work with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, where I developed a deep understanding of resilience, advocacy, and the importance of compassionate care.

As a counselor-in-training, I believe in creating a safe and supportive space where clients can feel heard, valued, and understood. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and client-centered, focusing on building trust and working together toward goals that matter most to you. I often draw from Solution-Focused Brief Counseling, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral strategies, which emphasize practical tools for change, identifying personal strengths, and developing new ways to approach life’s challenges.

In addition to my professional background, I bring lived experience with many of life’s difficulties, including divorce, raising children into adulthood, and caring for elderly parents. These experiences have shaped my deep empathy and strengthened my commitment to walking alongside others through their own struggles. I am especially passionate about helping clients who are working through anxiety, depression, religious trauma, deconstruction, and social justice concerns, and I honor the courage it takes to explore these sensitive and deeply personal areas.

My goal is to help you find hope, clarity, and a stronger sense of self as you move forward. Whether you are navigating stress, relationships, faith transitions, or life changes, I am here to support you with compassion, encouragement, and maybe a little humor.

- Site Supervisor: Jay Timberlake

-University Supervisor: Dr. P Dunn

Ariel D.

My name is Ariel Daudet, and I am a Graduate Student Counselor currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Midwestern State University. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston in 2019. Go Coogs!

Since 2014, I have devoted my career to working in education, supporting and advocating for students of different cultures, ages, and abilities. Through this work, I’ve gained an understanding of different cultures and a deep appreciation for the resilience, beauty, and strength that each individual and family carries. In addition to supporting students, my years in education have allowed me to walk closely alongside teachers. I deeply understand the pressures and sacrifices that educators face in public schools, balancing heavy workloads, limited resources, and the emotional toll of caring for others. Because of this, I am especially passionate about being a source of encouragement and support for teachers as they navigate the unique challenges of their profession. These experiences have shaped my belief that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges, regardless of who they are.

I am also a childhood cancer survivor, and my personal journey alongside my family has given me a unique perspective on hope, perseverance, and healing. I know firsthand the importance of having someone walk beside you in difficult times, and I carry that compassion and empathy into the counseling room.

As a counselor, my goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and supported. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, or life transitions, I will work alongside you to help uncover your strengths, set meaningful goals, and move toward lasting growth and healing. Most importantly, I want my clients to know they don’t have to go through their struggles alone. Together, we can work towards hope, resilience, and thriving in life one step at a time.

- Site Supervisor: Jay Timberlake

-University Supervisor: Dr. P Dunn