“Chandler…why did you become a therapist?”

My answer to this question is at the core of my work and values.

Because it is a privilege to have authentic conversations with people.

I continue to find significant meaning by being able to accompany people on their journey towards what a ”good life” would mean for them and to learn together about what that would be.

I come from a long family history of work in the helping professions, and becoming a therapist has been a meaningful way for me to continue that legacy. At the heart of my work is a genuine love of people and a deep respect for the stories they carry. I value the opportunity to sit with individuals as they navigate the many trials, transitions, and uncertainties that life brings.

Hi! My name is Chandler Cook Estevez

I grew up as a pastor’s kid, which gave me early exposure to the complexities of identity, community, and meaning-making. Because of this background, I am familiar with working with individuals who are navigating questions of identity alongside faith or spirituality, while also honoring a wide range of beliefs and experiences. I also grew up valuing social justice and moving toward equity, and I strive to bring this lens into my work by offering a welcoming, affirming, and collaborative space.

I am especially drawn to working with individuals who are feeling lost or disconnected from who they are, and who are in the process of exploring identity, values, and direction. Much of my work centers on identity formation during seasons of change, whether related to relationships, life transitions, or personal growth.

My Approach

Simply put, I am a values based clinician, and person. Some of the personal principles I employ working with folks are:

  • Collaboration: we will be in communication about what is working, what continues to be challenging, and that you are being pushed and held in the ways you need (with a dash of whimsy and humor as well!)

  • Curiosity: I will work with you to move past judgements of oneself and towards understanding.

  • Consistency: When you are asked by others, “what are you working on in therapy?”, we will always have an answer. I will offer homework and ideas to think about between sessions.

  • Compassion: This is hard work! And I respect it deeply.

From a more clinical perspective, the core therapeutic theories I use as a guide are (each theory is hyperlinked to learn more):

  • Narrative Therapy: our lives consist of stories and beliefs about oneself; how are these stories and beliefs serving us or holding us back as we are progressing through life?

  • Emotion Focused Therapy: How do our emotions influence our lives and relationships? How do we have a sustainable relationship with our emotions?

  • Trauma Informed Practices: Moving with care—focusing on safety, consent, and understanding the impact of past experiences.

  • For more specific diagnoses, I utilize evidence based strategies such as ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) for OCD

  • Though used less frequently in my practice, I am also familiar with and occasionally utilize strategies and interventions from Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and IFS (parts language).

Experience

In my time in the social work field, I’ve worked in multiple settings such as:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital

    • Gender Affirming Care

    • Adolescent Reproductive Health

    • Fetal Intervention & High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine

  • Outpatient Therapy

  • Domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy organizations

  • Psychiatric Crisis Services

I am currently serving as an adjunct faculty member at Boston College School of Social Work teaching material in clinical work with children, youth, and families.

Education

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

  • Masters in Social Work from Boston College School of Social Work

  • Bachelors in Politics and Africana Studies from Mount Holyoke College

I have received training through:

  • South Shore Sexual Health Center, Quincy MA

  • NOCD

  • Emily Pilowa, LICSW