Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Bewley.
Hi Marshall, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My calling to psychology always felt inevitable, as I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps as a mental health provider. Both of my grandparents worked in corrections when I was a child, and I was inspired by their commitment to underserved populations. I remember how my grandmother would help with rehabilitation efforts by teaching classes to help offenders learn practical life skills (e.g., writing and balancing checkbooks), which shaped my own early path in correctional psychology.
I completed my doctoral training at Texas Tech University’s Counseling Psychology program in 2012, completed my doctoral internship in Virginia, and then I became a licensed psychologist in 2013. Throughout my training and career, I have worked in various clinical settings and with a diverse group of clients.
In 2015, I opened a private practice to extend my services to the greater DFW community, and by 2020 I transitioned into full-time practice. Today, I specialize in supporting clients who are seeking to understand, come to terms with, and improve their experiences as LGBQ individuals. I strive to help clients navigate challenges while fostering growth and authenticity.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path to completing a doctoral program was definitely rigorous. It required a great deal of self-reflection and examination of my own thoughts, biases, and experiences. There were times of adversity and struggle, but I held on to the idea of taking things ‘one day at a time,’ and that mindset helped me get through the challenges of training.
Starting a private practice brought its own set of struggles. It felt both exciting and frightening at the same time. A close colleague once reminded me that sometimes the best advice is to “do it in fear,” and that phrase really guided me as I stepped into private practice and the fear of entrepreneurship. While I was hopeful about being able to serve the community, I also worried whether people would see me as the right fit for their therapy needs. My approach was to lead by my values as a counseling psychologist but also show up with authenticity and as a real and genuine person. I believe this commitment has allowed me to build trust with clients, and I am deeply grateful for those who have chosen to share their journey with me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business name is ‘Psychologist on the Square,’ which references my private practice location on the southwest corner of the historic downtown square in Denton, Texas. Denton is a unique and vibrant community, home to two universities and a thriving arts and culture scene, and I feel fortunate to serve clients here. I also provide Telehealth services for the entire state of Texas and 42 other states as a member of PSYPACT, which allows me to see clients located in different states.
I specialize in working with the LGBQ community, with a particular focus on helping clients explore and embrace their sexual orientation. While sexual orientation has not been considered a disorder for over 50 years, research and lived experiences show that therapy can still feel like an uncertain or even unsafe environment for many gay clients. Unfortunately, negative therapist attitudes and experiences of bias remain a barrier for individuals seeking affirming mental health care. As someone who has personally experienced anxiety when seeking therapy, I know how important it is to find a provider who not only shares aspects of identity but who also has the depth of training and ethical grounding to provide truly affirming care.
What sets my practice apart is this combination of personal understanding, specialized expertise, and a values driven approach. As a licensed psychologist, I bring extensive doctoral level training, including years of supervised clinical experience, and I integrate this with a multicultural lens and intentional practices that affirm and honor client identities. I use psychological and evidence based treatments, but I also strongly believe in building from each client’s strengths. For example, if exercise is an interest, I help that client explore how it can serve as a coping tool to manage distress and improve their well-being. My goal is always to empower clients by connecting therapy to what feels meaningful and practical in their lives.
I am intentional about creating a safe and affirming environment. This includes paperwork that reflects inclusive cultural language, asking clients about their own sexual orientation label (even if they identify as heterosexual), and being open about cultural differences or similarities that may exist in the therapy room. This transparency reduces power dynamics, builds trust, and fosters authenticity in the therapeutic relationship.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Psychologist on the Square has become known as a place where LGBQ clients can feel both affirmed and understood. My hope is that clients know they do not have to explain away their identity in therapy but can instead focus on growth, healing, and living in alignment with their values.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have been fortunate to have a strong support system along the way. I meet weekly with close friends who are also psychologists in private practice, and those conversations help me feel less of the solitude and isolation that can sometimes come with this work. I also deeply appreciate the former mentors, advisors, and colleagues who have shaped my professional identity and encouraged me throughout my career. Family support has been invaluable in sustaining me, and of course, I cannot leave out the unconditional comfort that comes from kisses from my dogs.
Pricing:
- $175 for 60 Minute Individual Sessions (some BCBS Insurances Accepted)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologistonthesquare.com/
- Instagram: psychologistonthesquare
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PsychologistOnTheSquare
