Biography - Sherry Murray

 Sherry Murray

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, #LH00007540 - since 2002

09/97 – 06/99

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Gonzaga University

09/90 – 06/93

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science/Technical Writing 

Eastern Washington University

09/88 – 08/90

Associate of Arts and Sciences 

& 

Associates of Applied Science 

in Computer Science

Columbia Basin College, Pasco, WA.  

All degrees 3.9 gpa

HONORS     

1993

Eastern Washington University’s Department of Computer Science’s
Stanley F. Robinson Award for Academic Achievement

1990

Washington Award for Vocational Excellence

I choose not to use AI in charting records, in advertising, or during sessions. due to ongoing problematic AI issues in counseling: 

https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2025/03/therapy-notes-by-ai-create-false-narratives-therapists-say/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/its-not-just-in-your-head/202601/the-hidden-dangers-of-ai-driven-mental-health-care

https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/business/character-ai-google-settle-teen-suicide-lawsuit

https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/02/1122871/therapists-using-chatgpt-secretly/

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ai-therapy-dangers-mental-health-risks/

https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/raine-vs-openai-et-al-complaint.pdf

 I also do not use AI to write the information on this website, in any or my written correspondence to you, or in any of our sessions. All the words I say to you, write to you, or have written on this website, are my own. 

While I am white cis female.  I am very accepting of, and have family and friends, as well as professional training and experience with members of most communities, including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, body positive, polyamory, kink, neurodiverse, etc.

When you choose a counselor consider whether they are Independent -- self-employed in private practice, as I am, or if they are the a large corporation employee (LCE). The differences are substantial in many areas:

Your Personal Information – I am the only one to keep and see your personal session information. LCEs have no control over who or how many people see your chart and your secrets are kept in a corporate database.

Social Media – I do not share any client information on social media to target ads. In 2023 the Corporation BetterHelp was charged $78 million for sharing client’s personal information with Facebook and Snapchat.

Consistency – I will be your counselor until you choose otherwise. I saw a recent figure that 70% of LCEs quit their jobs within 90 days, and dozens of these start up corporations have closed down, meaning you may have to change counselors repeatedly.

Dealing with insurance – I will tell you your costs in advance, keep you updated if there are changes, and deal with any insurance issues for you. I will be the only person you have to talk to regarding your insurance. LCEs have nothing to do with the insurance payments, cannot ensure you know your costs in advance, and you may have to deal with an outsourced overseas call center to mange any insurance issues.

Caseload – I choose how many people I see in a week and limit my caseload so I can be more present  in sessions, have time to research and plan, and have time for good self care to perform at my best. LCEs are usually pushed to maintain large caseloads to make more money for the shareholders. 

Scheduling – You have access to schedule on my portal, or you can schedule directly with me. You can choose a weekly or biweekly slot. LCEs often have little control over getting you scheduled and you may have to wait weeks to see them again.

Local Economy – Your payments to me stay in the Spokane economy. Much of your payment to your LCE counselor goes to line the corporation shareholders' pockets.

For more information and surprising facts on the multitude of issues around the involvement of large corporations in mental health care, see https://starthere.care/truth#all-graphics.

I moved to Spokane in 1985, fell in love with this area, and have lived in the Pacific Northwest since then. I got my degree and started counseling in 1999 and began offering online counseling in Washington state in 2018.

I am a proud mother and grandmother.

I enjoy reading and learning, landscaping, gardening, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, and traveling. I am an avid foodie.

I also enjoy unusual or beautiful cloud formations, northern lights, or sunsets, and I have shared some of my favorites pics I have taken of those on this website.