Meet Briana Murray of Long Beach/Lakewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Murray.

Hi Briana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a therapist was definitely not typical! I initially received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science: Politics of Poverty, Ethnicity, and Gender. During my time pursuing that degree, I worked in a juvenile hall and a men’s prison with a non-profit focused on rehabilitation and decreasing recidivism. That experience taught me so much, and brought the school-to-prison pipeline to the forefront of my attention.

I decided at that point to do Teach for America, and see what possibilities existed in education to address the inequities that were so clear in my time working with people experiencing incarceration. I spent two years teaching middle school in Las Vegas, and attending UNLV for my Master’s in Education. I had not initially planned to stay teaching beyond the two year commitment TFA requires, but I truly loved the experience and decided to continue. I spent a third year in Las Vegas before moving back to Los Angeles, and teaching another three years at a middle school in Watts, CA. After 6 years in the classroom I transitioned into a new role, working with new teachers and providing support to them as they navigated the challenges of being a first year teacher.

During those years of coaching new teachers, I was privileged to continue to keep in touch with many of my old students- attending graduations, prom send-offs, and many family events. Both professionally and personally, I found myself regularly having conversations around mental health. Therapy was something I had always considered pursuing as a profession, but I let the imposter syndrome stop me in the past. Having those conversations, and wanting to be a better support to those around me, I began to revisit that dream.

Once the pandemic hit, I decided it was time to make a change. I applied to grad school, uncertain of what the outcome would be, and was thrilled to be accepted. I continued to work full time in education while attending Cal State LA full time for three years, and received my Masters in Counseling in 2025. I have been working as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with Modern Life Solutions in Long Beach/Lakewood for the past year, and have absolutely loved it! My passion is working with couples, and supporting them as they navigate communication challenges, a loss of connection, infidelity, etc. While I wouldn’t trade my 12 years in education for anything in the world, I am so happy that I took a risk and made a career change. Many of the things I learned while working in education were transferable skills, and I am forever grateful for the students and families who allowed me to be a part of their life during my time in education. My strong passion for community and liberation were born in the classroom, and have carried with me into the therapy room.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to becoming a therapist was anything but smooth! I had a very stable career in education, and in a lot of ways, it seemed silly to start over in my 30s. Going back to school was a huge financial risk. Additionally, I was one of the older people in my cohort, and one of only a few students who had to navigate a full time job while also attending school full time and doing internship hours. Two out of the three years of the program required students to complete an internship on top of their preexisting responsibilities. Unfortunately, I had to take unpaid internships in order to maintain enough flexibility to keep working full time. I found myself working an additional 15-20 hours a week for free. As an adult in their 30s with significant familial and financial responsibility that was really tough!

Those three years of grad school I was working, taking classes, and interning for 65-75 hours a week. It was hard on my mind, my body, my partner, and my friends and family, but I am so thankful to have the strong support system I do. They all encouraged me every step of the way, and reminded me that it was temporary, and would pay off in the end. I always joke that I grind this hard to get my dog Roscoe the house with a yard that he deserves! That being said- grad school needs to be more accessible to older students, students with children, working students, etc. While it was a challenge, I am so thankful I bet on myself. If you have ever considered a career change, but fear is holding you back, take this as a sign to give it some more consideration!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a therapist, I work with couples, families, and individuals as young as college aged. My clients are often navigating relationship issues, anxiety, struggling with self-esteem, and working through life stressors personally and professionally. They may be students, athletes, parents, professionals, etc. who feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed- longing for better communication, stronger boundaries, and a deeper sense of self-worth. They’re seeking a therapist who is warm, affirming, and culturally responsive- someone who can help them break patterns, strengthen relationships, and move toward lasting, meaningful change.

I specialize in working with couples, as well as in using EMDR for treating trauma. I think what sets me apart is the environment I work so intentionally to create in the therapy space, as well as the authenticity I bring. I want therapy to always feel like something you look forward to- even if it feels hard- because you know it is a place where you can feel safe and be heard and seen. With me, you can bring in your coffee, kick your feet up, and just be!

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
So many things make me happy! First and foremost, I have the best partner and dog who I love to come home to, eat a good dinner with (usually Mexican or Italian), and end the night by throwing on an old horror/thriller movie to watch curled up on the couch. My hobbies include drinking copious amounts of iced coffee with a good book, jogs around Long Beach, ceramics classes, gardening with my mom, and going to concerts. Creativity and being outdoors are both really important to my own personal mental health. Lastly, I feel very privileged to have been able to travel to so many different countries, and feel so much joy when exploring a new place with my partner. Most recently we went back to Italy, and eating a plate of pasta while sitting outdoors in Rome is nothing short of healing for the soul!

Pricing:

• Most insurances are accepted! Please inquire.
• $100 for individuals cash pay
• $150 for couples and families cash pay

Contact Info:

• Website: https://modernlifesolutionstherapy.org/contact-us/
• Instagram: @brianainsession
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/briana-murray-lakewood-ca/1552085