As we walk the winding and complicated path of life, I believe it is vital to us as human beings to feel a sense of safety, support, confidence and belonging. I enjoy watching people grow into their own by strengthening their joy, mastery and appreciation of self.
Growing up with trauma and loss can leave a person feeling alone, wounded, grief-stricken, demoralized and ashamed. I work to provide a secure and nurturing therapeutic space where people can grieve, gain insight, and grow stronger in their gentle and fierce parts of self.
Amy Derringer Chandler (she/her), MSW, LCSW is a relational psychotherapist whose attunement and compassion for the profound and enduring impact of loss, abuse and neglect create a context for her clients to understand, grieve and reclaim their sense of identity. She works with adults and couples in the straight and LGBTQIA communities.
Amy equally values her role as mentor to emerging and seasoned therapists. She provides individual consultation, and coordinates and supervises the Natalie Haimowitz Postgraduate Fellowship Program at Womencare.
With a gentle, grounded strength, Amy engages her clients and mentees as guide, witness and fellow traveler.
Amy’s areas of specialty:
- Parental loss
- Childhood trauma and neglect
- Intimacy in relationships
- Life transitions
- Depression
- Anxiety
Amy can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 30 or achandler@womencarecounseling.com
Amy is available to train, present or consult on:
- The Pregnant Therapist: Transference and Countertransference in the Therapeutic Relationship
- Therapeutic Contracts, Assessment, and Boundaries in the Treatment of Trauma
- Vicarious Trauma and the Ethics of Self Care Practices
Amy accepts: BCBS PPO and Northwestern Student Insurance (Aetna)
Education and Credentials
MSW (Masters Degree in Social Work), 2001, Loyola University, Chicago
LCSW (Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Professional Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Illinois Society of Clinical Social Work (ISCSW)
Publications