Thirty years of experience, and an active, engaged partner in your growth.
If you want a seasoned, deeply experienced psychologist who will meet you with mutual respect and, above all, non-judgmental support, Dr. Mark Simpson brings more than thirty years of practice to his work with adults, teens, and couples.
Dr. Simpson is a Nashville-based licensed clinical psychologist who uses evidence-based practices while prioritizing the therapeutic relationship, because he believes success in therapy is greatly influenced by a client’s trust and comfort with their therapist.
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How Dr. Simpson works
Dr. Simpson tailors care to meet each client’s unique needs and interpersonal learning style. His orientation is eclectic, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). He also uses hypnosis and mindfulness-based techniques for anxiety-related disorders, and his work is neurologically informed, drawing on an understanding of how brain processes shape thoughts and emotions.
In his work with couples, Dr. Simpson focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, rebuilding trust, and problem solving, drawing heavily on the Gottman Method and Relational Life Therapy. He is the first and only Relational Life Therapy Certified clinician located in the State of Tennessee.
Areas of focus
- Depression, anxiety, and panic-related disorders
- Low self-esteem and codependency
- Life transitions and adjustment
- Anger dysregulation
- Trauma-related disorders
- Personality and conduct disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Couples and relationship work
- Sports and performance psychology
A special interest in performance
Dr. Simpson has a particular interest in sports and performance psychology, ranging from working with teen athletes seeking to improve their achievements to helping adult musicians maximize their potential.
Education and background
Dr. Simpson earned both his PhD and Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. His interest in substance use disorders led him to present at National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-sponsored conferences and serve on scientific panels reviewing NIDA-funded research, and he served on the Governor’s Opiate Task Force to help develop policies to reduce opiate use. He is licensed in Tennessee as well as PSYPACT states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, 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, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
In his spare time, Dr. Simpson enjoys listening to music, playing guitar, grilling, and reading and listening to podcasts about psychology and history.
Ready to work together?
If Dr. Simpson’s experienced, active, and relationship-centered approach feels right for you, he would be glad to hear from you.
Call (615) 582-2882 or email clientcare@nashvillepsych.com. We respond quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Dr. Simpson work with?
Dr. Simpson works with adults, teens, and couples, bringing over thirty years of experience across a wide range of concerns.
What is Dr. Simpson’s therapeutic approach?
His approach is eclectic and tailored to each client, drawing on CBT, ACT, psychodynamic, solution-focused, trauma-informed, and interpersonal therapy, along with hypnosis and mindfulness-based techniques for anxiety.
What is Relational Life Therapy?
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a couples therapy approach focused on honesty, accountability, and lasting change. Dr. Simpson is the first and only Relational Life Therapy Certified clinician located in Tennessee, and also draws on the Gottman Method in his couples work.
Does Dr. Simpson work in sports or performance psychology?
Yes. He has a special interest in sports and performance psychology, working with everyone from teen athletes to adult musicians seeking to maximize their potential.
How do I get started with Dr. Simpson?
Call (615) 582-2882, email clientcare@nashvillepsych.com, or request an appointment online. We’ll respond quickly and help you take the next step.