Ethan Chandler, LCSW-A

Primary Therapist

Ethan received his Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University with an emphasis in substance use. His approach to work developed through his experience interning at Trails as a Wilderness Field Therapy Instructor and working with the Department of Juvenile Justice. In those roles, he worked with teens and young adults learning to move through challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and complex family dynamics.

Ethan supports therapy with a strengths-based approach that values intersectionality and places the individual as the expert of their experience. He works to take an eclectic trauma-informed approach drawing from person-centered therapy, existential therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction psychotherapy and psychoeducation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Ethan believes that establishing a collaborative and healthy therapeutic relationship is at the center of change. He works to connect and understand in order to facilitate a space in which a person can explore their strengths, needs, goals, and exploration of self, relationships, and values. Ethan encourages individuals to be co-creators of their therapeutic experience and values working in a relationship to explore and empower change, growth, and self-acceptance.

Outside of work, Ethan likes to spend as much time as he can with his community of friends who garden, rock climb, hike, and explore Western North Carolina together.