Dr. E. Nathaniel Chapman
Offering couples therapy intensives in Del Mar, California (north of San Diego)
Licensed Psychologist,
CA #33301
DC# PSY20001362
VA # 0810007910
WV # 1248
Out of State Telehealth Provider, FL TPPY1661
Clinically Speaking
I believe psychology is the study of the soul. For me, there’s no more vital discipline, no more human pursuit, than understanding how we love, grow, hurt, and heal. That’s the spirit I bring into every therapy session.
As a clinician and educator with over 15 years of experience, my mission is simple: to educate, encourage, and empower people to live their highest good—and to help couples build relationships that support that growth.
Whether I’m teaching graduate students or working with partners in the room, I want people to learn how to show up fully, love bravely, and create lives aligned with their values. My background is wide-ranging—I’ve worked with veterans, athletes, college students, amputees, substance users, inpatients, and persistently mentally ill clients. But couples work? That’s where my heart is. Because when two people commit to building something real together, the ripple effects are immeasurable.
I don’t believe in quick fixes or generic answers. I believe in helping people confront the hard truths, uncover their deeper potential, and create sustainable change. In intensives, we get to do that work deeply and without interruption. It’s focused, honest, and powerful.
Dr Nathaniel Chapman is extremely patient, listens intently, nonjudgmental, able to communicate effectively with different personality styles, has incredible insight. It was safe and effective. I released past trauma, understand myself and my husband better, feel more at peace and filled with hope.
I feel like a weight has lifted. We are reconnecting emotionally.
It’s effective, quick and painless. Very supportive environment.
Work Summary
Before becoming a clinical psychologist, I taught high school social science and history in Liberty City, Miami. I’ve worked in sales, finance, and construction and served as a sergeant in the United States Army. I’ve seen life from a lot of angles—and I bring that breadth into my clinical work.
As a professor, I’ve taught courses in general psychology, abnormal psychology, group therapy, psychotherapy, human development, and more. I’ve trained graduate students, supervised teaching assistants, and facilitated workshops on everything from cultural humility to suicide prevention.
My work isn’t confined to classrooms or offices. I’ve facilitated Mental Health First Aid trainings across communities, helping people understand and respond to mental health crises with confidence and compassion. Whether I’m speaking at a university or leading a resiliency workshop for veterans, I aim to bridge psychology with real-world impact.
What connects all these chapters of my life is one simple idea: helping people become who they’re meant to be.
Clinical Office: Del Mar, CA
I offer couples therapy intensives in Del Mar, California, a coastal gem just north of San Diego. My office is steps from the ocean and surrounded by the natural beauty of Del Mar Village—known for its quiet beaches, boutique hotels, great restaurants, and small-town charm.
Couples who travel for intensives often stay an extra day to walk along the water, visit the San Diego County Fair, or simply let their sessions settle in peace.
The space I’ve created is designed to feel calm, open, and welcoming—a place where tough conversations can happen with respect and care.
What Inspires Me
The Liberty City classroom taught me what textbooks can’t. I saw how systems shape lives—and how hope survives even when resources don’t.
Throughout my military and teaching career, I’ve been shaped by leaders and educators who served with humility, excellence, and compassion. I try to live out that same commitment in my work. The message they left me with was clear: serve with purpose. Sharpen your gifts. And use them to help build a better tomorrow.
Personally Speaking
I was born in Michigan and claim Ypsilanti as my hometown—Ann Arbor’s grittier, scrappier cousin. It’s where I grew up, found my voice, and came to believe that creativity and resilience often come from the margins. Ypsi isn’t famous, but it’s full of fighters, makers, and thinkers—and I carry that spirit with me everywhere I go.
My own story didn’t start off polished. In kindergarten, a teacher told my father I wouldn’t make it: I didn’t know my shapes or alphabet, and I hit the other kids. “Slow,” they called me.
That summer, my father enrolled me in what I now call “ABC’s Boot Camp.” He sat with me, hour after hour, helping me learn letters, numbers, colors—and how to believe in myself. I learned focus, discipline, and that failure isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the first chapter.
That experience taught me to never underestimate potential. And it planted a seed: that with love, effort, and guidance, people can change. That seed is what still drives my work as a psychologist.
After high school, I joined the U.S. Army. I served seven years—five as a sergeant. My last two months of service brought unexpected medical complications that left me disoriented and off track. I had no plan, no job, and no roadmap forward. But the lessons from my father—and that boot camp summer—carried me through.
I recommitted to the idea that I would use psychology as a force for good. That I would help people live freely, courageously, and with purpose. For me, it’s a way to honor both the soldiers who didn’t make it home, and the father who refused to give up on me.
Outside the Office
When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me outside, reading and socializing.
I invite you to join me in Del Mar for your private couples therapy retreat. Let’s start a new chapter—together.
