MEET chadley, MSW, lcsw, MFTC
I know that reaching out for support can feel really challenging.
Our society places so much value on independence and self-efficiency. These messages are exhausting, make it feel extra vulnerable to reach out for support, and give us the false idea that we’re supposed to be in this by ourselves. We’re not, and it’s pretty badass that you know you deserve better, even if that knowledge lies deep, deep down underneath the experiences that have told you otherwise for so long.
I’ve been there, and my own experiences of discovering that I deserved better- that we all collectively deserve better- have greatly influenced my journey as a therapist. I believe so passionately that our greatest avenues for healing lie in human connection and affirmation of our strengths, not ‘fixing’ or diagnosing. I’ve experienced both sides of this coin on my own journey in therapy and tap into these experiences, both the harmful and the transformative, to inform my work with clients. I know that when therapy simply seeks to ‘fix’, it can often feel distant and clinical, maybe even mimicking some of the painful relationship dynamics that led us to the office in the first place. I’m passionate about shifting this narrative. By showing up with curiosity, compassion, and as my authentic and sometimes messy self, we can create a connection that truly honors your story and builds a strong foundation for healing to take place.
alongside my work as a therapist,
I serve as a faculty professor at Denver Family Institute and teach their post-graduate course on trauma therapy. Previously, I’ve held advocacy positions within the child welfare system, anti-human trafficking movement, and local harm reduction efforts. While my heart lies in the one-on-one interactions I have with clients in the therapy room, I’m still deeply passionate about awareness and action around the larger systems of power and oppression that impact humans on an individual level. I bring this passion into the session room, using a systemic and anti-oppressive lens to hold space and curiosity around the entirety of your experience.
outside of the office,
I can often be spotted snuggled up with my three dogs, Evie, Benson, and Gigi, with a bowl of pasta, and a good documentary. I’m a lover of long walks (ideally with a latte in hand), a first-generation college student, and I have far too many plants for one person. And, even as a therapist who lives and breathes the mantra of connection, I’m still working on strengthening this aspect of my own experience. I don’t believe that we’ll ever be perfect, fully actualized humans. Actually, I think it’s this expectation that breeds disconnection and pain in the first place.
It’s so important to me to show up with vulnerability and authenticity with my clients.
Education + Training
Education
Masters in Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Mental Health, University of Denver; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado. My social work background influences the broad lens through which I view the world and my clients’ experiences. I recognize the intersections of power, oppression, and privilege in my work as a therapist and am passionate about advocating for issues of social justice. I believe that we all hold the inner-strengths and resilience necessary for healing and growth and honor my clients’ right to determine their own life paths.
Education
Marriage and Family Therapy Post Graduate Training, Denver Family Institute; Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (MFTC).
The two years of training I received at Denver Family Institute, including live supervision of my work with clients and intensive coursework in systemic and relational therapy, has played an integral part in shaping the way I show up as a therapist. I utilize therapeutic modalities that look at the individual person alongside their environment, relationships, and social locations to holistically approach my work with both individuals and relationships. I’m currently in the process of obtaining dual licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I currently serve as a faculty professor at DFI and teach their trauma therapy course.
Advanced Trainings
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Emotion Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
Ongoing Supervision, Consultation + Training
I hold a Masters in Social Work in Clinical Mental Health (MSW) from the University of Denver and a two year post graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Denver Family Institute. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (MFTC). I am also a professor and faculty member at Denver Family Institute for their trauma therapy course.
I currently participate in ongoing professional consultation in AEDP and EFT on a bi-weekly basis and am working towards full certification as an AEDP therapist.
I believe that ongoing supervision is a crucial part of being an ethical and effective therapist. I’m fully transparent about the fact that I don’t work in silos and that I don’t always have the answers- this will be true no matter how long I work in the field. While maintaining confidentiality, I work consistently with licensed supervisors and peer consultation groups to make sure that I’m doing my best work with clients. I also engage regularly in various training opportunities to continue bringing fresh and effective skills to the session room.
While a therapist’s training and education are important pieces to consider when searching for a therapist, there’s so much more that goes into creating a strong and connected therapeutic relationship. You deserve to find your best fit therapist and I’m committed to supporting you in this process! Explore my values page to learn more about what it’s like to sit in session with me.