I grew up in Utah; attending Weber State University with a Double Major Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I then went on to earn a Masters degree and Doctoral degree in Sociological Social Psychology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Following my doctoral degree, I returned with my family to Utah.
To continue developing my clinical practice, I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from The University of Utah, pursuing primary interests in mental health counseling, including the psychology of relationships. I focus my clinical practice on existential psychotherapy; in other words, I am here to help as you do the work to find meaning in your life. These moments of searching often go along with a transition you are going through. Things like grief/loss, a faith crisis, changes in a relationship or career often coincide with a loss of meaning.
I will work with you as we explore creating a life centered around your purpose/values; helping you through this moment of struggle.
When I’m not seeing clients, I work as a professor and researcher. I’m also a bit of a “home-body,” loving the time I get to share with my spouse of 20+ years and four children. I also enjoy mountain biking, golfing, traveling, attending music events, and eating great food.
My Approach
You’re the expert on your life. I’m simply walking along side of you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own journey, it’s that our ability to handle things mentally affects how far we will go.
I work 1 on 1 with clients here in Utah to:
- Find that elusive balance between honoring your values while accomplishing your goals and having time for relationships and friends.
- Learn to separate your success and failures from your sense of self-worth.
- Learn healthy ways to make decisions for your life that are not impacted by childhood trauma, people pleasing, perfectionism, or by overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
As a therapist, I specialize in helping people during moments of life-transition / existential crisis (e.g., identity transitions, loss of faith, relationship struggles, health challenges, grief/loss, career changes, finding meaning, feeling lonely, hopelessness). We work together to identify your core values and then create a plan to commit to moving toward those values. We also work on opening in acceptance to experience(s). A primary tool to accomplish this is creating a new relationship with your thoughts, (re)discovering the power of the present moment through that part of you that is always unchanging and aware (sometimes we call this consciousness/awareness). Mindfulness and meditation are the primary tools to unlocking this new relationship with yourself.
Message from Dr. Morris:
Tired of scrolling through [endless Psych Today] profiles, wondering who will even be helpful?! I get it, when I scroll on [t]here, I wonder that too! So, let me get to it: I specialize in helping people during moments of existential crisis, sometimes called a life-transition. What does that really mean? If you’re feeling stuck, worried, sad, lonely, unmotivated, hopeless, if you’re working on identity challenges, had a loss of faith, going through relationship struggles, dealing with chronic health or pain, career issues, or grief/loss; i.e., dealing with anxiety and/or depression, it’s time to make a change! Even if you’re just tired of feeling MEH!
We work together to identify your core values and then create a plan to move toward what truly matters to you; finding that elusive balance between honoring yourself while having time for relationships and friends. Learning to separate your success and failures from your sense of self-worth. Free from the negative stories your mind is telling you.
If you are ready to reclaim a sense of purpose, take the first step! With support and guidance you can get there! For more than fifteen years, I’ve occupied a number of roles allowing me to work with people going through life changing transitions and/or existential crises. Clients who work with me appreciate my upfront and open approach.
R.C. Morris, Quote taken from Psychology Today Profile