Hi, I’m CHANDY.
Pronouns She/Her
I live in Aiken, SC with my husband, our two daughters, and our dog. I’m so glad you are here looking for support. Please know that we all experience times in our life when things are complex and we need help. I myself have participated in therapy for my mental health so I know what it feels like to start this process. I am passionate about working with women and decided to also specialize in perinatal mental health after my journey to motherhood proved more difficult than I ever could’ve imagined. I experienced years of fertility challenges, the in vitro fertilization process, two high-risk pregnancies, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy and after the birth of both of my children. It was hard. I needed help, and I got it. It was worth it for my mental health and the well-being of my family. This is my story, and although it may not be the same as yours, I understand how it feels not to have things go as you thought they would. I will provide a safe, empathetic, non-judgmental space for you to discuss the hard stuff.
My background
In addition to my own lived experience, I have the education, training and professional expertise to help you reach your goals. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2008. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in SC and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in GA. I have over a decade of clinical experience treating various mental health disorders in residential, outpatient, virtual counseling, and private group practice settings.
I have specialized training and experience in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and am a certified perinatal provider (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
I also have extensive experience treating substance use disorders. I hold state and national certifications for the treatment of substance use disorders. I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC II).
My approach
I embrace an integrated approach to therapy. This means I use various evidence-based therapy techniques to fit your unique needs. My approach is grounded in and influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Techniques.
I practice cultural humility by genuinely attempting to understand a person's identities related to race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, and social needs. I am always willing to listen and learn. I am accepting and open-minded and believe our differences, as well as our commonalities, can be celebrated. I consistently participate in cultural and diversity training to increase my knowledge and skills. I believe we never stop learning, and I learn the most from those different from me. I am also not afraid to admit I am wrong or ask questions to understand another person's experience better. I am curious and teachable. I vow to treat you with dignity and respect.