Meet Mary Elizabeth Wilkes Chand, LCSW-BACS
I want to help you discover the best version of yourself.
Therapy with me is focused on finding your strengths, building connection and creating lasting change.
You remember a time when feeling stressed out and weighed down weren’t the “norm”… but those days feel like a distant memory. Don’t you wish you had the tools to change that?
You’re in the right place.
I am dedicated to helping you to find the strength within.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed and exhausted with no easy way out of the problems before them. They feel like they will always be stuck in these cycles of depression, panic and a past they can’t escape from. They want to feel capable and confident - but they need support to get them there.
I’m a therapist because I believe that talking through our issues helps them feel more manageable. I have learned through both my training and personal experience that when you are ready to put in the work, growth is both possible and beautiful. I have developed the expertise you need and deserve when healing your own wounds and starting your journey towards making your future a brighter and happier place to be.
I work well with clients who…
Feel motivated and ready to explore their lives and problems with curiosity and creativity.
Are goal oriented and willing to receive accountability and feedback.
Want to feel confident and empowered to make changes in their life.
Can approach their situation with a sense of humor and a few curse words here and there.
How does therapy work?
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The first few sessions are always about getting to know each other. We will set treatment goals together that will guide us in our future work together.
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Keeping our goals front and center, we will collaborate in our sessions to examine what you need to achieve them. This may include general conversations, specific exercises and homework.
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As we progress in therapy, you may start to see the positive effects it has on your life and relationships. At this point, we will likely reduce how often you see me. I’m always here for you if you need me, but ultimately the goal is to give you the tools you need to support yourself.
My guiding principles
Compassion
Understanding who you are and what you need is the foundation of our time together.
Connection
Providing a safe space for you to share your stories is the heart of what we do.
Collaboration
Reclaiming your voice starts in our therapy sessions.
Communication
Regular check-ins make sure that you are getting the most from our sessions.
Training & Education
Tulane University School of Social Work, Master’s in Social Work Degree
Washington College, Bachelor’s in Sociology
Licensed by the Louisiana Board of Social Work Examiners
Sir Purr & Bo
If you meet with me virtually, there is a good chance you may get a peek at one of my beloved pets. Both Sir Purr and Bo were adopted from local New Orleans animal shelters and enjoy saying hello to virtual clients from time to time.