Welcome to the Start Here Blog!

By Christine Murray

Hi everyone! I'm Christine Murray, and I'm excited to welcome you to the Start Here Blog, where I'll be sharing insights, reflections, and updates on my counseling and consulting practice.

Today marks the beginning of an exciting new development as I launch the blog for the Start Here website. As I start out on this new chapter in my career, I want to take a moment to share why I've chosen to focus my counseling and consulting practice around the theme of "Start Here."

When I first started envisioning my practice, I spent a lot of time reflecting to find a name and concept that truly captured my vision. Through many brainstorming sessions, the theme of "Start Here" emerged as the perfect representation of what I hope to build.

The "Start Here" theme applies to both counseling and consulting work. One of the key reasons behind choosing this theme is its relevance to both the counseling and consulting aspects of my work. I am deeply passionate about both of these areas of work. My passion for clinical work is renewed in the midst of the pressing mental health needs in today’s world. I am eager to dive more fully into clinical work, focusing primarily on working with clients who are survivors of trauma and abuse in intimate relationships and other types of relationships and settings.

At the same time, my love for community-based work, which I’ve been fortunate to be a part of through a lot of independent consulting projects and university-based work over the past many years, remains unwavering. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to collaborate with many impactful community organizations, including government agencies, educational organizations, and nonprofits. 

Integrating my dual passions for both counseling and consulting work into my practice was very important to me. So, "Start Here" felt like a fitting and meaningful title because the idea of starting points is one that can resonate at both a personal and organizational level. 

I love being part of the start of new things! One thing I’ve learned about myself over the years, especially in work contexts, is that I love being part of the startup phase of new projects and initiatives, and this was another reason that the “Start Here” idea struck a chord with me. Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed opportunities to be a part of some really exciting and important community-based initiatives right from the beginning, and I just love the startup-phase energy. 

I get excited about all the creative energy that comes up with the start of something new, as well as the new opportunities and connections that emerge when different stakeholders come together to start building a new project, program, or initiative. I love seeing how the early seeds of a planning process come together over time! 

The "Start Here" theme reflects the new season I'm in for my career. The "Start Here" theme also holds a lot of personal significance for me, as it symbolizes the beginning of a new season in my professional career. After nearly two decades in academia, during which I’ve served as a faculty member and a research center director, I am transitioning this year into a brand new chapter of my career. While I cherish the experiences and relationships built during my time in academia, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as I head in this new direction.

In truth, my own personal season of entering into a new start phase of my career also has been a good reminder of how new starts can be a mix of joy and excitement, but also some sadness, fear, nervousness, and uncertainty. I’m walking away from the parts of academic life that I loved, especially teaching and community-engaged work and research. I’d also be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little fearful to be stepping away from the security of a tenured position into a new venture of entrepreneurship. 

"Start Here" is a reminder of the complexity of new beginnings. Because there’s usually some mixed feelings around the idea of starting a new change, the “Start Here” theme will also be an ongoing reminder to me of the complexities and uncertainties that my clients may be experiencing. Through my counseling and consulting work, I’m committed to supporting individuals and organizations navigate these transitions along the pathway toward positive changes and growth.

If you go to the main homepage of this website, you’ll see that (at least for now), I’ve got a quote at the top of the page: Every day is an opportunity to start something new. I hope this quote will be a reminder to myself, as well as anyone who visits my site, that we all have opportunities to begin making the changes we would like to start moving toward. We can start right where we are and see where the journey takes us. 

And so today, I’m grateful to share this inaugural blog post with you, marking the start of this Start Here Counseling & Consulting practice. Your support means so much to me, and I look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of this new phase of my career, and I hope you’ll stay connected for more updates and reflections on the Start Here blog!