Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichelle Chandler
Hi Nichelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Raised in the modest Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, my journey as a first-generation college student highlights the power of perseverance, determination, and community support. The values instilled in me during my formative years fueled dreams that seemed distant but possible.
Navigating the challenges of being the first in my family to pursue higher education, I faced obstacles that tested my resolve. Moving to a predominantly white community for secondary education was a significant shift. The cultural differences and sense of alienation were stark, yet they revealed new horizons. In high school, I worked to save for community college, focused on eventually transferring to a university. The sacrifices were immense, but the vision of higher education kept me steadfast.
I found my anchor at Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU where I reconnected with my heritage and found a supportive community. With my parents unable to afford my undergraduate degree, scholarships, and student loans became my lifeline. The sense of belonging at Prairie View was a constant source of strength.
Reflecting on my family’s struggles, including battles with drug addiction and incarceration, inspired me to pursue a degree in psychology. These experiences fueled my academic pursuits and ignited a desire to help others facing similar adversities. Winning a minority fellowship grant enabled me to pursue a graduate degree in counseling, which I ambitiously completed in only a year. The journey, marked by emotional highs and lows, deepened my understanding of resilience and commitment.
Post-graduation, my path led me to Houston, where I discovered my passion as a Child Protective Services investigator. Removing children from homes marred by abuse and neglect was rewarding yet heart-wrenching. The trauma underscored the importance of my work, driving me to pursue a counseling license, where I found fulfillment in helping families heal.
A return to Dallas due to my brother’s terminal illness marked a pivotal career shift. As a chemical dependency counselor at a residential drug rehab, I treated adolescent girls. Eventually, I established my independent counseling practice. This work became the cornerstone of my professional life.
Embracing the biggest challenge, I pursued a doctoral degree as a personal milestone and a tribute to my parent’s sacrifices. With only about five percent of African Americans in the U.S. holding a doctorate, I was determined to elevate that statistic. Despite warnings about the daunting journey, I embraced the challenge, fueled by resilience and community support.
I can still recall the pivotal crossroads where I weighed the decision to pursue a doctoral degree. It was an intimidating prospect, fraught with challenges that loomed large in my mind. Seeking counsel, I spoke with a woman whose words still echo in my ears. “Everyone I know who started a doctoral degree gave up,” she cautioned. “It’s challenging. Fifty percent of those who embark on this path never reach the finish line.” Her warning was stark, but it didn’t deter me. Instead, it ignited a spark of determination. If fifty percent don’t make it, I reasoned, fifty percent do—and I resolved to be among them.
What followed was a grueling journey marked by countless late nights, moments of doubt, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Yet, each step forward reaffirmed a simple truth: resilience and commitment are powerful allies. But more than that, the unwavering support of family and community sustained me, proving that even the loftiest goals are within reach with a robust support system.
The support I received upon earning my doctoral degree was overwhelming. From my parents, Grace (Rest in Heaven) and Lamon, who championed every goal, to my sister, Meco, who provided sanctuary during stressful times, and my significant other at the time, Eric, who ensured my well-being during a medical crisis. My dissertation chair, Dr. Rick Balkin, went above and beyond to support me through the dissertation process, and the exemplary Drs. Shirley and Gosby King modeled Black excellence and provided indispensable guidance.
Throughout my career, which has spanned drug rehabilitation, managed care, mental health clinics, educational institutions, and private practice, I’ve made meaningful impacts and gained invaluable lessons. I am committed to paying forward the support, mentorship, and encouragement my community has provided me. Mentoring counselors in training brings me great joy, and I take pride in my role as a part-time teaching faculty in the Counseling Department at Southern Methodist University and the Psychology Department at Yorkville University.
My career path has taken various twists and turns as a seasoned professional. The love, support, and understanding of my husband, Tom, daughter Lia, and mother-in-law, Linda, have empowered me to make bolder moves and take greater risks. I am deeply thankful for their unwavering support.
Through my private practice, I find immense satisfaction in working with women, helping them navigate life’s challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I believe effective therapy extends beyond the confines of a traditional office setting. My holistic approach integrates various wellness practices into the therapeutic process. For instance, my “walk and talk” therapy has gained significant popularity, allowing clients to benefit from physical exercise while engaging in meaningful conversations. Additionally, I recently introduced yoga therapy, which is rapidly becoming a favored option among my clients.
My approach to therapy is comprehensive, focusing on mental well-being and overall lifestyle quality. I take an active interest in my clients’ nutritional habits, physical activity levels, sleep hygiene, and social interactions, ensuring a well-rounded path to wellness.
My work with Black women has become a profound passion for me. I am proud of my impact in helping Black women reject the “strong Black woman” ideology. My mission is to help Black women embrace the importance of self-care and recognize the value of mental wellness, as they are the foundation of the Black community. This aspect of my work is among my most important, as it contributes to our community’s overall well-being and resilience.
My story is a testament to the journey from humble beginnings to academic and professional achievement. It underscores that dreams can be realized with determination, hard work, and community support. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and strive for excellence. Each of us, supported by our loved ones and community, holds the power to transform our lives and make a lasting impact on the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the challenges of being the first in my family to pursue higher education, I faced obstacles that tested my resolve. Moving to a predominantly white community for secondary education was a significant shift. The cultural differences and sense of alienation were stark, yet they revealed new horizons. In high school, I worked to save for community college, focused on eventually transferring to a university. The sacrifices were immense, but the vision of higher education kept me steadfast.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Through my private practice, I find immense satisfaction in working with women, helping them navigate life’s challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. My work with Black women has become a profound passion for me. I am proud of my impact in helping Black women reject the “strong Black woman” ideology. My mission is to help Black women embrace the importance of self-care and recognize the value of mental wellness, as they are the foundation of the Black community. This aspect of my work is among my most important, as it contributes to our community’s overall well-being and resilience.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The support I received upon earning my doctoral degree was overwhelming. From my parents, Grace (Rest in Heaven) and Lamon, who championed every goal, to my sister, Meco, who provided sanctuary during stressful times, and my significant other at the time, Eric, who ensured my well-being during a medical crisis. My dissertation chair, Dr. Rick Balkin, went above and beyond to support me through the dissertation process, and the exemplary Drs. Shirley and Gosby King modeled Black excellence and provided indispensable guidance.
My career path has taken various twists and turns as a seasoned professional. The love, support, and understanding of my husband, Tom, daughter Lia, and mother-in-law, Linda, have empowered me to make bolder moves and take greater risks. I am deeply thankful for their unwavering support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DrNichelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnichelle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Nichelle
- Other: https://www.lupusfreedom.com/
