Rebuilding Your Confidence Katie Chandler, LCSW cdn_helper cdn_helper

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Getting Better Treatment Options

I believe in a holistic approach that focuses on a patient’s strengths. The mind, body, and spirit need to be addressed for a successful outcome. I work with my clients to recognize symptoms and develop an integrative model of therapy that will address the whole person and their specific needs. My areas of interest are trauma, PTSD, abuse, complex trauma, dissociation, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, Lyme and autoimmune, depression, anxiety, OCD, transitional issues, chronic illness and substance abuse counseling. I provide individual counseling and work with adults and adolescents. I am integrative and draw from many different modalities including, EMDR, somatic psychotherapy, Natural Processing, brainspotting, expressive therapy, ego states, attachment theory and cognitive behavioral theory.

A consistent theme I’ve heard from patients is that I excel at recognizing symptoms and developing a treatment plan.  I am a trauma informed therapist and have completed advanced training with the Ferentz Institute with a certification in trauma. I am an EMDRIA Approved Consultant/Trainer and certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and a full member of EMDRIA. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, right/left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are “trapped” in the nervous system. This detoxes the neuro-physiological system, letting it free itself of blockages, and reconnect. EMDR is an integrative approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective in the treatment of trauma.

I have advanced training in integrating somatic psychotherapy with EMDR, called Natural Processing. It is a process-oriented somatic therapy that decreases or soothes the trauma that is remembered in the body where you “feel” triggered. Natural Processing can be appropriate for trauma, anxiety, illness, phobias, panic attacks, autoimmune, PTSD and many other emotional issues. It can be particularly helpful for Lyme and autoimmune patients because it is an emotional detox that helps the body restore and repair.

I am comfortable counseling from a faith-based perspective and incorporating prayer when it fits my client’s existing beliefs and needs.

Katie's Credentials

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and Maryland
  • Advanced Trauma Certification from the Ferentz Institute
  • Member of EMDR International Association
  • Certified EMDR Therapist
  • EMDRIA Approved Consultant in EMDR
  • EMDRIA Approved Trainer in EMDR
  • Natural Processing Levels I & II: Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy with EMDR
  • Brainspotting practitioner

EMDR Certified TherapistEMDR ConsultantEMDR Trainer

Prior Work Experience:

  • Therapist: Outpatient program at Catholic Charities
    Focus: Diagnoses and treatment plans
  • Therapist: Partial Inpatient program
    Focus: Mental health groups & severe mental illness
  • Therapist: Wrap-Around Program
    Focus: Youth with autism & behavioral issues
  • Counselor: Community College
    Focus: Academic & Career counseling, designing model to address mental health
  • Counselor: Substance Abuse
    Focus: Intake and group therapy

Lyme Literate

“I personally went undiagnosed with Lyme disease for years, the struggles I
encountered were real. I have a unique understanding of autoimmune and
Lyme disease and its impact on emotional health.” – Katie Chandler

Real People - Trauma

CONFIDENCE AFTER TRAUMA

42 year old Jill, diagnosed with PTSD, had a background of childhood abuse and stomach issues. Presented with waking anxiety in the mornings and GI complaints related to remembering early abuse. I started Natural Processing (Somatic EMDR) with her. Over a few months her anxiety was greatly reduced where she was not waking up with the same panic in the morning. Her stomach issues had improved where she was no longer having as many issues with food and gastroparesis. She was feeling more calm and able to talk about the abuse with her family, which she had never disclosed. She is now looking to be an advocate for others.

Real People. Real Struggles.

Lyme is uniquely and particularly challenging because it has a tendency to isolate the patient, leaving them misunderstood by others. The symptoms and struggles are real, but perhaps more than any other illness I’ve worked with, its validity is questioned, its affects misunderstood—even by loved ones.

When I personally went undiagnosed with Lyme disease for years, the struggles I encountered were real. I have a unique understanding of autoimmune and Lyme disease and its impact on emotional health.

Common Struggles I’ve Seen:

Isolation and being misunderstood: Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Difficulty maintaining a place in society because of inconsistencies in wellness

Stigma from friends or institutions: “It’s always Lyme with you” “Hypochondriac” “Lazy” “You’re just depressed” “It’s all in your head”

Fear of never getting better: Fear to even be hopeful. Fear that comes from lacking a plan or failure to see progress

Frustration from missing out on life: When someone is no longer able to do the things they used to do, or should be able to do at their stage of life—be it college, romantic relationships, building a career, being a mother or father and it can be frustrating

Trauma exacerbating Lyme symptoms: Often patients aren’t aware of existing trauma, or the connections between their trauma and Lyme

Poor Treatment: Misdiagnosis, one-dimensional or ineffective treatment

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EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy uses bilateral stimulation, right/left eye movement, or tactile stimulation, which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that are “trapped” in the nervous system. This detoxes the neuro-physiological system, letting it free itself of blockages, and reconnect. EMDR is an integrative approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective in the treatment of trauma.

Natural Processing

Utilizes EMDR integrated with Somatic Psychotherapy or process-oriented somatic therapy to decrease the trauma that is remembered in the body where you “feel” triggered. Natural Processing can be appropriate for trauma, anxiety, illness, phobias, panic attacks, autoimmune, PTSD and many other emotional problems.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is an advanced brain body technique. It locates points in the client's visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. It is especially helpful in the treatment of trauma, but also assists with anxiety, anger, ADHD, phobias, substance abuse, chronic pain/fatigue, impulse control and sports performance issues.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on solutions, encouraging patients to challenge distorted cognitions and change destructive patterns of behavior.

Expressive Therapy

the use of art, music, creative writing and play within the context of psychotherapy

Integrative

combined and tailored approach to psychotherapy. Integrative therapists believe there is no single approach that can treat each client in all situations

Holistic

a therapeutic approach which addresses the interactions and connections of a person’s mind, body, and spirit

EMDR

Introduction to EMDR Therapy

Courtesy of EMDR International Association

EMDR Training

The complete EMDRIA approved EMDR basic training through The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute (TI/CTI) will be offered in the fall of 2024 in person in Reston, VA.  The complete course includes all parts as well as the required consultation.  (50 CEs)

This is a hands-on clinical skills training for using EMDR and integrating it with your psychotherapy approach — with adults as well as children. This top-of-the-line training program features:

  • Exceeds EMDRIA’s criteria for training in EMDR Therapy.
  • No “Parts” or “Levels” — this is the whole package, including all required consultation hours.
  • Bonus training modules on traumatology and attachment work.
  • Completers will be offered a bonus half-day training in the Flash Technique.
  • 50+ contact hours over several months to support mastery.
  • Two full pre-EMDR days on trauma treatment approach and interventions.
  • Instructor to participant ratio of at least 1:10. (1:6 for online EMDR practice sessions)
  • Training manual (one of the text books) and other materials included.
  • Competitive cost.
  • On-site training option minimizes travel costs for your group.
  • Online training option eliminates travel costs.

The training program involves lecture, demonstration, in-class practice, and on-the-job practice with your clients. This is an experiential training, and part of the learning is to practice the interventions with other participants. Because participants are working on their own material during the practice sessions, some individuals have reported that their participation led to facing personal issues; participants are always in charge of what they disclose in class.

Training can be provided at your location. Scheduling is flexible and can be designed to suit the needs of your organization or group.

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify clients who are ready for EMDR; and prepare clients for EMDR.
  • Conduct an EMDR session.
  • Problem-solve a session that is not going smoothly.
  • Utilize EMDR with a wide range of clients whose presenting problems are in some way related to trauma and/or loss.
  • Integrate EMDR into a comprehensive trauma-informed treatment approach.

Real People - Grief

A Struggle with Low Grade Depression and Fatigue

Jessica struggled with low-grade depression and fatigue. She also suffered from shin pain and eye issues. She was 32 years old and had recently suffered a miscarriage—when she came in she wanted to talk through the grief. After an initial evaluation I decided to refer her to my Lyme Literate practitioner in order to be tested for Lyme and co-infections. To her surprise, it was confirmed that she had bartonella, a coinfection of Lyme, which likely contributed to her miscarriage. Once treated, there were clear improvements to her symptoms and she was able to carry a healthy baby to full term.

“I work with my clients to recognize symptoms and develop an integrative model of therapy
that will address the whole person and their specific needs.”

katiesbooklet-1000x77

Download your free copy today

Real People - Abuse

A professional woman at 51 years old

Debbie had a background of sexual abuse and autoimmune issues. Fatigue was always an issue, and for a long time during her commutes to work she had to pull off to the side of the road to take naps. She began seeing me for EMDR therapy to treat the trauma related to the abuse. After one session of EMDR, she reported that she no longer had to take breaks on her commute. She was even sleeping better at night and was feeling more empowered in her relationships. EMDR removes emotional blocks and helps the brain process old traumas effectively. For Debbie, removing that emotional block helped her experience immediate physical improvement.

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Get a Better Treatment Option

Using a holistic and strengths-based approach in counseling

Katie’s Location

Leesburg, VA

My office is located in Loudoun County, Virginia where I offer in person sessions. It is easily accessible from areas throughout the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia).  The office is nearby to Aldie, Alexandria, Arlington, Ashburn, Belmont, Bethesda, Brambleton, Broadlands, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Lucketts, Manassas, McLean, Middleburg, Oakton, Purcellville, Reston, Rockville, Springfield, Sterling, Tyson’s Corner, Vienna.  Additionally, HIPAA compliant telehealth sessions are available online.

Send Katie a Confidential Message
via email at katie@katiechandlercounseling.com

Katie Chandler, LCSW, EMDR-C

 

Katie Chandler Counseling, LLC
email: katie@katiechandlercounseling.com
Phone: 571-206-8609

2B Cardinal Park Drive SE, Suite 201, Leesburg, VA 20175

katiechandlercounseling.com

EMDR Certified Therapist
EMDR Consultant
EMDR Trainer