About Debra

Debra Chandler, LMSW, brings 40 years of clinical experience to her therapy work. She emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship and offers a calm, down-to-earth presence. Her style is collaborative and practical, focused on helping people notice patterns and make manageable changes.

Clients can expect a conversational approach that looks at thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and behaviors. Sessions often include mindfulness practices, discussion of daily habits, and straightforward tools to reduce stress and anxiety.

Background and approach

She also addresses mood concerns, addictive behaviors, and issues around eating and body image. Debra uses elements of client-centered work to build trust, and she blends cognitive behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thoughts. Motivational interviewing helps people find internal reasons to change.

This mix lets her tailor sessions to what each person needs in the moment. She has a particular focus on relationship struggles, grief, trauma and abuse, and challenges tied to life transitions. ADHD is one of the areas listed among her focus topics, approached within a broader treatment plan rather than as a standalone service.

Practical strategies for sleep, anger, and coping with burnout or caregiving strain are also common topics. Debra practices in Michigan and conducts sessions in English. She aims to create a steady, compassionate space where people can name problems, try new approaches, and track small gains over time.

How her approaches translate to online care

Client-centered work focuses on listening and building trust. The therapist offers an open, empathic space where people can talk through worries and feel heard. This approach helps with anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns by prioritizing the client’s experience and goals.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and actions and teaches practical skills to change them. Online CBT sessions often include small homework tasks, breathing exercises, and step-by-step plans to manage panic, low mood, or unhelpful thinking patterns.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and improve awareness of bodily sensations. These techniques can be used to support eating concerns, sleep difficulties, and everyday reactivity.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which techniques to use based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Plans can be adjusted as progress is seen or new issues come up.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation and shared visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging offer brief, flexible ways to check in between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and keep momentum between appointments.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Debra help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship issues, eating and body image concerns, and many related struggles including ADHD and burnout.
What is her therapy style like?
Her approach is warm and collaborative. She blends client-centered listening with practical tools from cognitive behavioral and mindfulness work.
How much experience does she have?
Debra has been working in mental health since 1979, bringing about 40 years of experience to her practice.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds the LMSW credential and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are offered and are international clients supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Work can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits the person's needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
40 years
Licensed
Michigan
Languages
English

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