Debra Chandler

Debra Chandler, LMSW, brings a warm, down-to-earth style to therapy and a belief that people can discover greater self-awareness and change. She emphasizes a caring, non-judgmental relationship and shows up with a gentle curiosity and a sense of humor. Sessions aim to help clients notice thoughts, emotions, bodily responses, and behaviors so they can try new ways of coping.

She uses a practical mix of approaches rather than a single method. That can mean exploring unhelpful thinking patterns with cognitive-behavioral techniques and using mindful attention to eating and body image. Motivational interviewing is used to help people find their own reasons to make changes they value.

Debra has four decades of experience in mental health work, starting in 1979. That long background informs how she listens and the kinds of strategies she offers. She keeps the focus on small, manageable steps rather than overwhelming plans.

Issues commonly addressed include stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, addictive behaviors, and eating and food-related issues. She also supports people dealing with grief, trauma or abuse, caregiver strain, and struggles with self-esteem and body image.

The work is collaborative and paced to each person. Debra helps clients set realistic goals and checks in regularly to see what is working. People who prefer a practical, compassionate approach may find her style direct but caring.

Approaches that translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so clients feel understood and safe to try new things; it helps with low self-esteem, relationship concerns, and general life stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses practical exercises to change patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, or eating-related struggles. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to help people notice urges and physical sensations, which can be useful for emotional regulation and mindful eating.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client will talk together about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. That collaborative process guides whether more CBT skills, motivational interviewing, or mindfulness practices will be emphasized over time.

Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten check-ins when time is tight, or reduce travel time. It also allows practicing new skills in the context of everyday life, so strategies for eating, sleep, and stress can be tried between sessions and reviewed with the therapist.