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Debra Chandler

Therapist · Michigan

Debra Chandler, LMSW

Compassionate therapist focused on practical change

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Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Client-centered approach
  • Mindful eating work
  • Practical coping skills

About Debra

Debra Chandler, LMSW, brings a client-centered approach to therapy rooted in respect and collaboration. She focuses on helping people understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so they can make changes that matter. Her manner is warm and down-to-earth, and she aims to create a welcoming space where people can speak honestly and be heard.

With four decades of experience in mental health, Debra uses a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs. She often draws on client-centered work to follow what matters most to the person in the room. She also uses cognitive behavioral ideas to help identify unhelpful thinking and replace it with practical skills.

Mindfulness practices are woven into sessions when helpful, including approaches that relate to eating styles and weight management. Motivational interviewing is used when people want support finding the energy and commitment to change habits. Together these methods support work on stress, anxiety, depression, and mood concerns.

Debra also supports people navigating relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, addiction, parenting strain, caregiver stress, and life transitions. She addresses issues like body image, shame and guilt, infidelity, and isolation with empathy and straightforward conversation.

Clients can expect a therapist who listens, asks curious questions, and uses humor when it fits. Her long experience includes a variety of settings since 1979, and she brings that perspective to each session while focusing on what a person wants to accomplish.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational Interviewing

Experience

40+ years

Credentials

Michigan

Languages

English

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Debra uses client-centered therapy to place the person's priorities at the center of work. That means sessions begin with listening and following what matters most, then shaping goals around those priorities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying thinking patterns and practicing concrete skills to change mood and behavior. CBT can be helpful for anxiety, panic, depression, and coping with life changes.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Debra will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. This is a collaborative conversation that can shift as people try different tools and see what helps them most.

Confirm the available session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the profile. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also make it simpler to use mindfulness exercises and homework between meetings. Licensed professionals use these formats to help people build skills, manage stress, and stay on track with goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Debra commonly support?

She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and panic attacks, and also works on relationship and intimacy-related issues.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is warm and collaborative, using client-centered listening alongside CBT techniques and mindfulness to address thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

What kind of background does she bring to sessions?

Debra has worked in mental health since 1979, bringing long experience across many settings to guide practical, down-to-earth therapy.

Where is she based and what are her credentials?

She practices in Michigan and holds the credential LMSW, which is listed as MI LMSW in her profile.

In which languages can sessions be held?

Sessions are offered in English.

Are international clients supported?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with Debra?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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Debra ChandlerReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

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