Robert DeSalvo - Trauma Therapist in Nashville

I’m Robert and I’m excited you’ve found my page and are considering me as your therapist. I have a passion for working with with adults to help find their peace of mind and direction in life, remove blocks that are keeping them from being their most awesome self, and learn to live a life they have always wanted but seems out of reach.

I practice therapy in a calming and comfortable office in the middle of Nashville near Hillsboro Village.  With its central location it’s convenient to all of Nashville.  I’ve been a therapist for 10 years and absolutely love what I do.  I’ve previously worked with families, couples, and older adults, but found my calling in working with adults.

Although I work with a variety of issues, my specialties are helping with the anxiety and depression caused by past trauma or rough childhoods, men’s issues, and secular counseling.  I help my clients feel more at peace with themselves and others, more fulfilled and wholesome in relationships, and increased confidence and zest for life.

I utilize a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, stress management, increasing self-worth, inner child work, incorporation of meditation, assertiveness training, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment and work/life balance.

I am believer in holistic treatment and the connection between the mind and the body and I have a daily meditation and yoga practice.  I am also the Co-Founder of the Nashville Psychedelic Center.


Robert’s Background

After completing his graduate degree in 2009, Robert moved from Knoxville to Middle Tennessee to start psychotherapy at an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). In 2012 he went in to private practice in Murfreesboro and has been seeing clients for individual therapy since. In 2017 he moved his practice jointly to Nashville and started helping clients across the Middle Tennessee area.

Robert has a desire to connect with community and is the Co-Founder of the Social Work Association of Middle Tennessee, Former Vice-President of the Rutherford County Psychotherapy Association, Former Board Member and current Chair-Elect of the Nashville Psychotherapy Institute, and on the Leadership Team for the Nashville Psychedelic Society.


Licensing

LCSW #5597 - Tennessee

LCSW #9516-C - Nevada

LCSW telehealth approved - Florida


Therapy Training

Below are some of Robert’s trainings. This isn’t a complete list but gives a good overview.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - University of Tennessee, 2006

Master’s of Science in Social Work (MSSW) - University of Tennessee, 2009

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1 - EMDR Institute, 2012

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 2 - EMDR Institute, 2012

Social Work Supervisor - National Association of Social Workers, 2015

Psychodrama - Nashville Psychotherapy Institute, 2017

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - Dr. Ihrig, 2017

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - Vanderbilt University, 2018

Zendo Project Training - Zendo Project, 2018

MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, 2019

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy - Polaris Insight Center, 2020

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy - Skylight Psychedelics, 2021

Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Dr. Frank Anderson

Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy - Psychedelic Somatic Institute, 2023

Sensorimotor and DBT - Nashville Psychotherapy Institute, 2024

Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy - Compass Pathways, 2025 (ongoing)


Helpful Questions to Robert

What initially led you to practice?

  • I was drawn to therapy because I value genuine connection and believe that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported. Life can be messy and complicated, and I wanted to be someone who helps others find their way through it with compassion and hope. I had some early experiences in life where having supportive, open, and caring people had a substantial positive impact on me and I wanted to follow that throughout life.

What’s your favorite part about being a therapist?

  • I love getting to witness those moments when something “clicks” for someone—when they start to see their strength, feel a little lighter, or realize they’re not stuck. Being alongside people as they heal and grow is such an honor.

How would you describe your therapy style?

  • I’d say my style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation, with space for both laughter and the hard stuff. I’ll always show up with a genuineness and not just a blank reflective slate (it’s not like Freud and just saying ‘uh huh’ to everything you say).

What’s a value that’s important to you - both in therapy and in life?

  • Authenticity. I believe we all deserve spaces where we can show up as we are—messy, imperfect, and human—and still be met with acceptance and care. I value that in the friends and relationships I keep in my personal life as well as how I want to show up with clients.