Online in
PSYPACT states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
(Online Only)
I believe every human being has inherent value, yet so many of us carry deep shame from past experiences that tell us otherwise—messages like “I’m bad,” “I’m too much,” “I’m unlovable,” or “If I show myself, I’ll be rejected.” These beliefs can quietly shape how we see ourselves, our relationships, and what we think is possible. In therapy, I work to help uncover and soften these old burdens so they no longer hold you back. My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply respectful of the courage it takes to show up. Together, we’ll build a space where you can feel seen in your wholeness, reconnect with your own inner wisdom, and move toward a life that feels freer and more grounded.
Client Focus
Session Format: Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Object Relations Therapy Focuses on how early caregiver relationships shape current relationships. It aims to improve patterns of attachment and trust.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: My work is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), which sees the mind as a collection of “parts”—each carrying its own story, emotions, and sometimes burdens of shame. By getting to know these parts with curiosity and compassion, we can release old beliefs like “I’m not enough” or “I’ll always be abandoned.” As these burdens lift, clients often discover greater freedom, resilience, and a deeper sense of self-leadership. Alongside IFS, I integrate mindfulness, somatic awareness, attachment theory, and other evidence-based approaches to meet each person’s unique needs. At the heart of my work is the belief that struggles formed in relationship are best healed in relationship—and that therapy offers a powerful place to begin.
Education & Credentials
Tara Murphy Psy.D.
- Female
- License # PY60484916
- Licensed in Washington
- PSYPACT Mobility # 13044
- Practicing Since 1997
Education: I earned my Master’s in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from USC in 1997 and completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Counseling in 2001 at the California School of Professional Psychology.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I reserve a limited number of sliding scale spots in my practice, offered based on reported financial need. These reduced-fee sessions are designed to increase access to therapy for those who might not otherwise be able to participate. As part of my commitment to anti-oppressive and equity-based practice, I also prioritize sliding scale and discounted rates for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary individuals. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss current availability.
- Accepts Insurance
- I accept First Choice Health, Premera, Regence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield (some plans- please contact insurance to confirm)
Tara Murphy Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of PSYPACT states Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- Online Therapy Details: Theraplatform/video platform
I specialize in working with adults who are living with the long shadows of childhood neglect, trauma, or critical environments. These histories often show up as shame, self-doubt, or painful patterns in parenting, relationships, or professional life. My telehealth practice makes therapy accessible throughout the United States (PSYCHPACT states) and Washington State, offering flexibility for clients with busy schedules or caregiving demands. In addition to psychotherapy, I provide consultation and supervision for licensed therapists who want to deepen their work with complex trauma and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also offer parenting consultations for those seeking support in building stronger, healthier connections with their children. Whether you’re seeking healing, growth, or professional support, my practice is a space to reclaim your voice and worth.My doctoral training emphasized multicultural community counseling, with a focus on power, privilege, and bias in the therapeutic relationship.
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve worked with clients from many cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including in community mental health, foster care, juvenile court, residential, primary care, and military settings. As a white clinician, I acknowledge my positionality openly and practice from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive stance. I also strive for a decolonizing approach—recognizing that traditional psychology has often pathologized difference—and instead center resilience, lived experience, and cultural identity in the healing process. IFS, attachment, family systems, and narrative frameworks allow clients’ unique stories and strengths to lead the way.