Debra Chandler, LMSW - Therapist in Michigan

Client-centered approach
Mindfulness for eating
Practical coping skills

About Debra

Debra Chandler is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) with a calm, down-to-earth style. She brings 40 years of experience and a warm manner to conversations about stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, and work and wellbeing concerns. Debra emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where people can name what matters and try new ways of coping.

She focuses on what happens in daily life, helping people notice thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and behavior patterns. Sessions look at practical steps someone can take between meetings, like small behavior changes or shifts in how they talk to themselves. Mindful attention to eating and weight-related habits is included when relevant.

Debra blends Client-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and uses mindfulness and motivational interviewing tools. That mix is used to build self-awareness and to find workable strategies for mood, anxiety, sleep, and career stress. The therapist keeps conversation straightforward and relatable rather than clinical.

Clients often address relationship strain, family of origin problems, grief, trauma and abuse, or addiction concerns. She also helps people manage caregiver stress, anger, feelings of emptiness, and issues around intimacy and body image.

Sessions are conducted in English and are based in Michigan. Debra asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to availability. The process aims to make starting therapy simple and practical.

How Debra’s approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, respect, and the client’s own goals. In practice this means sessions are led by what the person brings, with the therapist offering support and reflection to build insight and direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and teaches straightforward techniques to change them, which is often helpful for anxiety, depression, panic, and sleep difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Debra will talk with each person about goals and preferences, and they will decide which tools to try first. The process is collaborative and adjusted as needs change over time.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a workday or a busy home life, reduce travel time, and allow continued contact when life changes make in-person visits harder. Some people find shorter check-ins useful when schedules are tight, or prefer sessions that focus on practicing specific skills between meetings.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stress Divorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / loneliness Life purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobia Workplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

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

Experience

40+ years

Credentials

Michigan

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Debra commonly help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and work and wellbeing issues, plus eating and weight-related struggles, trauma, grief, and addiction-related concerns.

What is her therapy style like?

Sessions use a warm, nonjudgmental tone and focus on everyday problems. Conversations mix listening with practical suggestions and small behavioral steps.

How long has she been practicing?

Debra has worked in mental health since 1979, bringing about 40 years of experience to her practice.

Where does she practice and what are her credentials?

She practices in Michigan and holds the credential LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can I work with her from another country?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions priced?

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

How do I begin if I want to work together?

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