Ethan Chandler

Therapist (he/him)

Fun fact: I can make a fire out of a shoe, a few sticks, and a rock.

hello@mendingrootshealingcenter.com

More About Me...

I work with individuals and families who want to deepen their emotional connection to self and others. If you find yourself stuck in patterns of overthinking, confusion, exhaustion from your daily stressors, and wanting to explore change, you’re not alone. I’m here to explore what the change could be with you. I understand that it’s scary and hard to begin therapy.

I became a therapist because my personal start in therapy was bumpy. I was a junior in college, a captain on my soccer team, and managing the death of a friend… I was afraid of my emotions–particularly my grief, my sexuality, and how to reconcile the differences between the pressure of who it felt like others thought I was versus who I really was and who I wanted to be.

In my first session, I felt misunderstood and that I was wrong or should feel shame for who I was. As I sat across from my suit wearing, clip-board holding, stern therapist, he gave me a talking-to that “I had to get things together.” It felt like he was trying to be the expert of me, like I was bad or broken and he had fixes for the messy parts of me. I left that room with negative self-talk, feeling shame, and that I couldn’t trust my therapist or even myself. I became a therapist to do the opposite. My goal is to work together so that you feel supported and affirmed for who you are, to be gently challenged to make the change you want to see, and listen to your expert hood of your experience. It took time for me to learn that healing and growth are cycles that happen in a relationship or community that is built on trust, empathy, and accountability. These cycles are uncomfortable at times, liberating, emotional, and scary. We will work to establish a trusting connection through empathy and understanding to begin to engage in the cycle of growth and healing, insight, discovery, self understanding, self-determination, self-expression, grief, joy, and change.

In therapy with me, you can expect to have a balance of humor, candidness, emotional processing and support, and skill building. I utilize a blend of therapeutic approaches from Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am a harm-reductionist at heart. I am consistently working towards expanding my practices of social justice and equity.

Your time in therapy will be individualized to you and your needs. We might be a good fit if you are:

-An individual wanting to move through overthinking, shame, feeling stuck, and finding that you want to connect more deeply with and integrate your emotional experiences towards wellness.

-An LGBTQIA+ individual navigating the stressors that can arise from societal norms, exploring self-love and accepting identity, considering HRT, and looking to feel at home in your wonderful uniqueness.

-A male identifying individual who is tired of the pressures, expectations, and emotional stoicism that traditional masculinity says is normal. Maybe you need a place to break down, connect with your younger self, and a space to process your grief and shame of not feeling like you are enough.

-A family looking to find common ground together, celebrate strengths and differences, understand your patterns and blocks, and strengthen communication.

-A teenager or young adult establishing who you are and who you want to be, maybe you’re deconstructing from your upbringing and need space to feel and begin to make sense of things.

-An individual looking to join a group therapy space! Email to check on upcoming group therapy offerings.

My work is informed by the belief that we can all change and grow across our lifespan. Our experiences sometimes teach us that it isn’t okay to be ourselves and we develop ways of hiding ourselves from one another. Or that we shouldn’t or don’t have to question why things are the way they are. I understand what it feels like to be there because I lived there for a long time!

It took community and honesty, safety and confrontation, and joy and grief to move through this space. I look forward to partnering with you on your therapeutic process!

Education & Trainings

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) #P017693

Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) #28143

Master of Social Work, Western Carolina University

BS in Psychology, Columbia International University 

Rates & Insurance

– 60 minute session – $125

– Family session – $150

Insurance – currently in network with Aetna, BCBS, Medcost, and United.

Sliding scale available upon request.

“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” – Rollo May

LGBTQ+ AFFIRMING PRACTICE | ANTI-RACIST PRACTICE