Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle McMurphy.
Hi Gabrielle , 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?
I’ve been connected to the mental health world for most of my life. I grew up in a home that regularly welcomed individuals with developmental disabilities, which meant I learned early on what it looks like to live alongside people who need patience, structure, advocacy, and safety. That environment shaped the way I understand human behavior long before I had formal training.
As I got older, I worked directly in community mental health as a CBRS worker, case manager, and in crisis-adjacent roles while completing my education. That work gave me a deep, unfiltered look at how mental health challenges show up in real life and how often people lack truly private, safe spaces to process what they are carrying. It was there that I realized how important it is for people to have a setting where they feel unjudged, protected, and genuinely heard.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Idaho State University, and over time I transitioned into private practice. When personal circumstances brought me to the Raleigh area, I chose to build Blackbird Counseling as a telehealth practice so I could continue working with clients I had established long-term therapeutic relationships with, while also expanding access for others. Telehealth allowed me to bridge distance, meet people where they are, and create a model of care that fits into modern adult life rather than asking people to reorganize their entire day just to get support.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most things worth building, it hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to ethically market a profession that values privacy, boundaries, and discretion. As counselors, we are trained to protect the therapeutic space and remain grounded and neutral, yet owning a business requires visibility and clarity about who you are and what you offer. Finding a balance between those two worlds takes time and intentional reflection.
Another challenge was adapting clinical work to an online format. Some therapeutic tools translate beautifully to telehealth, while others require rethinking or adjusting. I also had to recalibrate the populations I work with most, especially when it comes to children, since many kids benefit more from in-person, play-based approaches. Those adjustments ultimately helped me practice more thoughtfully and align my work with what serves clients best.
We’ve been impressed with Blackbird Counseling (online) , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Blackbird Counseling is a telehealth-based mental health practice designed to meet people where they are, both literally and emotionally. I provide evidence-based therapy for adults navigating anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation, with a particular focus on people whose lives are already full – busy parents, professionals, healthcare workers, and couples who want meaningful support without having to put their entire day on hold to get it.
What sets Blackbird Counseling apart is its balance of clinical depth and practicality. Clients often share that the work feels grounded, direct, and approachable. My style is down-to-earth and collaborative, focused on helping people understand what is happening internally rather than feeling overwhelmed or judged by it. I place a strong emphasis on safety within the therapeutic space, offering care that is both compassionate and structured, without unnecessary jargon or performative intensity.
I’m especially proud of creating a practice that respects both the seriousness of mental health care and the realities of modern life. Telehealth allows clients to access therapy privately from spaces that work for them, whether that’s an office, a parked car, or early in the morning before the day begins. While in-person therapy has its own benefits, accessible therapy is often the difference between getting help and going without it.
At its core, Blackbird Counseling is built on the belief that effective therapy doesn’t require perfection, productivity, or a polished version of yourself. It requires honesty, consistency, and a space where people feel seen as real humans. That philosophy guides both the clinical work and the long-term vision of the practice.
I’m also open to thoughtful collaborations with local professionals and community organizations who care about mental health access and connection.
How do you think about happiness?
Outside of my professional role, I’m happiest when my life feels balanced and grounded. I love traveling, tending to plants, playing music, baking sourdough, and working on creative projects. I enjoy being involved in community spaces like book events and local gatherings, and I value time spent with my husband, family, and friends.
I think that matters because working in a helping profession requires active, intentional rest. Supporting others emotionally is meaningful, but it also asks a lot of you. Having creative outlets, community connection, and time away from screens allows me to show up fully present for my clients. That balance isn’t optional in this field, it’s essential.
Pricing:
- (all of this is info that you can or don’t need to use) Telehealth services available in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Idaho (pending more states)
- Children ages 8+ Teens Adults Individuals, couples, and families depending on clinical fit
- Areas of Focus: Anxiety and stress-related concerns Trauma and nervous system dysregulation Life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm Support for busy professionals, parents, and caregivers
- Insurance & Payment Accepts many major insurance plans Private pay options available Coverage and eligibility vary by state and plan
- What to Know Appointments are conducted via secure telehealth Flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy lives Care is evidence-based, ethical, and individualized
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackbirdcounselingonline.com/
- Instagram: @blackbirdcounseling_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blackbird-Counseling-61570816031096/
