Martha Simpson, PhD, CCAS

Specialties:

• Mood disorders
• Pain management and chronic illness
• Hypnotherapy
• Substance abuse
• Domestic violence
• Anxiety

Certifications & Associations:

• Certified Clinical Addiction Specialist
• American Psychological Association
• North Carolina Psychological Association
• American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
• National Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Courselors

Professional Biography:

I am a licensed psychologist and clinical addiction specialist and have been in practice over 25 years. I have worked in private practice, directed community mental health centers, and taught psychotherapy at the graduate level. I have also worked in university counseling centers, most recently at Elon University. I practiced in San Diego for the first half of my career, returning to North Carolina in the early 90’s. I am new to the Triangle area, having been in private practice and in Behavioral Medicine at Guilford Pain Management, P.A. in Greensboro until last year. I have been chair of the Colleague Assistance Task Force for the North Carolina Psychological Association for several years.

Personal Statement:

I work with a blend of psychodynamic exploration and cognitive-behavioral tools. That means starting in the present and identifying areas of challenge, exploring the roots of the problem and the contribution of personal history to current difficulties, and seeking solutions together. I view the therapy relationship as a partnership, with the focus being on facilitating the client’s natural drive to be healthy and whole. Much of my work is exploring current challenges in the context of the personal meaning one makes of one’s life. Life themes, unresolved issues, unmet needs and unrealized dreams play an important part in this exploration. Practical tools for changing thinking and behavior are frequently a part of therapy.