About Me
Dr. Elizabeth Murphy is a Media Psychologist with a Positive Psychology concentration. She earned her PhD and a Master's in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She also earned an MMR (Masters Marketing Research) from the Terry School of Business at the University of Georgia and an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Minnesota.
She holds the following certifications:
C.D.S. - CARES Dementia Specialist
essentiALZ: Alzheimer’s Association
Dispute Resolution: Southern Methodist University
Elizabeth is experienced in two unique disciplines:
She believes people can age well and has a different perspective than one of decline or typical “old age.” Elizabeth is a frequent speaker on positive mental health, well-being, and positive aging, and is available for one-on-one coaching and consulting. She also volunteers her time as a Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and speaks on topics related to Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
She enjoys conducting workshops and consulting on the positive psychology, media, narratives, and personal stories. She is uniquely qualified to help you or your group understand and put into action positive psychology principles, uncover and write personal stories as well as advise on positive media management.
Why Positive Psychology?
Positive Psychology is an orientation that looks at the success of the well-lived experience. Initially psychology focused on fixing a specific problem. However, psychology has evolved through years of research, practice, and experience. Psychologists noticed that some people are more resilient or can recover through the storms of life more easily. Positive psychology looks at the factors that help us be successful in our lives. It is comprehensive by applying a holistic approach and includes behaviors, perspectives, strengths, and traits. Combining a positive psychology approach with media psychology, allows us to focus on the benefits and positive applications of media to contribute to and enhance our well-being.
Why are stories important to us?
At first glance, you might think stories are for entertainment and escapism. After more thought and deeper reflection, you will find that our lives are comprised of stories. Stories help guide us and make sense of our lives. Narrative and storytelling provide the structure and process to face challenges, build resilience, and connect with others. My most recent research has focused on storytelling and positive aging. I am continually inspired by the wisdom and stories of our older adults. My passion is to help you write and share your own stories.
What is Media Psychology?
Media Psychology draws upon many disciplines, including social, behavioral, and cognitive psychologies, to examine how the media around us affects our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. In the psychological sciences, it answers questions related to the why and how of media influences.
Why is media psychology important? We cannot escape the bevy of media around us. Social media may be foremost in one’s mind; however, media psychology encompasses all sources, including television, film, radio, even pen and paper. Media reaches back to our earliest forms of communication and stretches ahead of us with our imaginations. We all have experienced the benefits and are aware of the pitfalls. A media psychology lens provides an understanding of how we are affected by media and how we can also change the experience to suit us better.