Shawna Chandler , LCSW

Shawna Chandler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 20 years of professional experience. As an LCSW - a graduate-level social work credential that authorizes clinical therapy - she focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. She also addresses related concerns such as abandonment, caregiver stress, communication and commitment problems, and a range of personality and family challenges.

Her approach centers on building an open, nonjudgmental atmosphere where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly. She collaborates with clients to identify meaningful goals and develop practical skills for everyday life, offering support aimed at increasing motivation, confidence, and emotional well-being. Shawna frames therapy as a process that calls for courage and active engagement, and she aims to empower individuals as they take steps toward more fulfilling and sustainable change.

Grounded in evidence-informed methods, Shawna integrates therapeutic tools that suit each person’s needs and preferences, guiding clients through challenges while honoring their pace and priorities. Her practice is designed to help people move from surviving toward greater balance and resilience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Shawna Chandler employs a range of evidence-informed approaches that translate well to online formats. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and learn practical ways to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking committed steps toward a meaningful life - it is often useful for anxiety, stress, and motivation issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering concrete tools for managing depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that supports processing distressing memories and reducing their emotional intensity, which can help with trauma and abuse-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shawna works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so the plan reflects progress and changing priorities.

Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility for busy schedules and for people who need remote access to support. These formats allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent care, make therapy easier to fit into daily life, and maintain continuity through transitions or geographic limitations.