Sam Harlan is a therapist trainee at Nashville Psych who works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity development, and questions of meaning or purpose.
He offers a warm, collaborative space where clients can speak openly, better understand what they are experiencing, and consider what meaningful change may look like for them. Sam approaches each person with empathy, curiosity, and respect, without assuming there is one right way to think, feel, or grow. He believes therapy should be shaped around the individual rather than asking the individual to fit a predetermined model.
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How Sam works
Sam approaches therapy primarily through a cognitive lens. This means he may help clients notice the thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations that influence how they feel, respond to challenges, and relate to themselves and others.
Together, Sam and his clients may explore whether certain ways of thinking have become overly critical, rigid, fearful, or disconnected from what they value. Therapy can create space to understand where those patterns came from and develop more helpful ways of responding.
Sam also recognizes that thoughts do not exist in isolation. Personal history, relationships, identity, culture, spirituality, and current circumstances can all shape how people understand themselves and their experiences.
His work may help clients:
- Better understand their thoughts and emotional responses
- Recognize patterns that contribute to anxiety or depression
- Develop a more balanced and compassionate perspective
- Navigate relationship difficulties
- Explore identity, values, and personal beliefs
- Make decisions with greater clarity
- Develop practical ways to respond to difficult moments
- Move toward goals that feel personally meaningful
At the center of Sam’s work is the therapeutic relationship. He strives to create a space grounded in trust, authenticity, and mutual respect, where clients can be honest about their experiences without fear of judgment.
Areas of focus
Sam supports adults navigating:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship concerns
- Identity development
- Life transitions
- Spirituality and faith-related concerns
- Existential questions
- Meaning and purpose
- Self-doubt and uncertainty
- Personal growth
Sam has a particular interest in working with people who are exploring questions about meaning, purpose, spirituality, or faith.
These questions may emerge during a life transition, after a loss, as beliefs change, or when someone begins to reconsider the values and expectations that have shaped their life. Sam does not approach this work with a predetermined belief system or desired outcome. He meets clients with openness and respects each person’s background, questions, and perspective.
A list of focus areas cannot capture every reason someone may seek therapy. Our Client Care team can learn more about what you are experiencing and help determine whether Sam or another Nashville Psych therapist may be the best fit.
Exploring spirituality, meaning, and identity
Questions about spirituality and meaning can be deeply personal. Some clients may want to reconnect with their faith, while others may be questioning long-held beliefs, grieving the loss of a spiritual community, or trying to understand what gives their lives meaning outside of religion.
Therapy with Sam can offer space to explore these questions without pressure to arrive at a particular answer.
This work may include:
- Examining how beliefs have shaped identity and relationships
- Exploring changes in faith or spirituality
- Making sense of uncertainty or doubt
- Considering questions of purpose and direction
- Separating personal values from outside expectations
- Processing experiences of belonging or disconnection
- Developing a clearer understanding of what feels meaningful
Sam approaches these conversations with curiosity and respect. Clients do not need to identify as religious or spiritual to work with him.
Education and clinical training
Sam is pursuing his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. As a therapist trainee, he is completing supervised clinical work as part of his graduate education. Sam provides therapy under the supervision of Heather Britt, LPC-MHSP, PMH-C, an experienced licensed therapist at Nashville Psych.
Supervision gives Sam regular opportunities to reflect on his clinical work, receive feedback, and continue developing his skills. Clients benefit from Sam’s direct care as well as the guidance and support of his clinical supervisor.
Outside of the therapy room, Sam enjoys live music, trying new restaurants, and taking walks with his wife and their dogs, Pepper and Peanut.
Exploring whether Sam may be a good fit
You do not need to know exactly what to say or have a clear plan for therapy before reaching out. A free phone consultation gives you the opportunity to share what you are looking for, ask questions, and learn more about Sam’s approach. Our Client Care team can help you consider whether Sam or another Nashville Psych therapist may best fit your needs, preferences, scheduling needs, and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
Who does Sam work with?
Sam works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity development, life transitions, and questions related to meaning, purpose, spirituality, or faith.
What is Sam’s therapeutic approach?
Sam works primarily through a cognitive lens while adapting therapy to each client’s needs, experiences, and goals.
He helps clients explore how thoughts and beliefs influence emotions and behavior while also considering the impact of relationships, identity, personal history, and current circumstances.
What is a therapist trainee?
A therapist trainee is a clinician completing supervised therapy experience as part of a graduate counseling program.
Sam is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and provides therapy under the supervision of Heather Britt, LPC-MHSP, PMH-C, an experienced licensed therapist at Nashville Psych.
What are the benefits of working with a therapist trainee?
Therapist trainees are actively engaged in graduate education, clinical training, and regular supervision.
Sam’s work is supported through ongoing consultation with an experienced licensed therapist. Therapy with a trainee may also be available at a more accessible fee than therapy with some fully licensed clinicians. Our Client Care team can share current fee information.
Does Sam work with clients exploring spirituality or faith?
Yes. Sam welcomes clients who want to explore spirituality, faith, doubt, meaning, purpose, or changes in their beliefs.
He approaches these conversations without assumptions or pressure and respects each client’s values, background, and desired direction.
Do I need to be religious to work with Sam?
No. Sam works with clients from a range of religious, spiritual, and nonreligious backgrounds.
Spirituality is included in therapy only when it is meaningful or relevant to the client.
Is Sam accepting new clients?
Availability can change. Our Client Care team can confirm Sam’s current openings, scheduling options, and fee.
What if I am not sure Sam is the right therapist for me?
That uncertainty is common. A free phone consultation gives you an opportunity to share what you are looking for and ask questions about Sam’s approach.
Our Client Care team can help you consider fit based on your concerns, goals, preferences, scheduling needs, and budget.
How do I get started?
Call (615) 582-2882, email clientcare@nashvillepsych.com, or request a free phone consultation online. Our Client Care team will learn more about what you are looking for and help you explore the best next step.