Gabrielle McMurphy Profile at Voyage Raleigh

Thanks so much to Voyage Raleigh for their profile of Blackbird Counseling’s Gabrielle McMurphy.

In this interview, Gabrielle talks about her background, education, and her thoughts on building an online mental health practice.

Check out the full interview here: https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/meet-gabrielle-mcmurphy-of-blackbird-counseling-online/

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Here are some highlights:

On Gabrielle’s background:

“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.”

On creating Blackbird Counseling:

“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.”

On what sets Blackbird apart:

“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’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.”

Thanks again to Voyage Raleigh.

Read the full interview <here>.