Martha Simpson, PhD, LCAS

Professional Biography

I am a licensed psychologist and clinical addiction specialist and have been in practice over 25 years. I have ben in private practice for most of professional career. Apart from that setting, I also worked in college counseling centers, directed community mental health centers, taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels, worked in a pain management center. I practiced in San Diego for the first half of my career, returning to North Carolina in the early 90’s. I have the privilege of serving on the NCPA Colleague Assistance Committee and have also served on APA’s Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance.

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.