Interviewed by Jon Cleveland, Ph.D.
1) What is your current occupation?
Currently, I am a licensed clinical psychologist working at Cordell Associates, a group private practice. I conduct individual therapy with adult clients who experience depression, anxiety, and trauma-related histories. I also conduct psychological evaluations.
2) Where were you educated?
I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Go Sharks! I also specialized in forensic psychology during my graduate school training and received supervision in various clinical and forensic settings, including a community mental health center, county jails, and a juvenile detention center. I completed my doctoral internship at Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology where I was trained and supervised to conduct court-ordered forensic evaluations and to provide individual therapy for college students and adults in the Dayton area.
3) What inspired you to choose a career in psychology?
I have always been fascinated with human behavior and consider myself to be a good listener. I wanted to choose a career that would allow me to give back and help others who may be struggling. I was torn between pursuing a career in psychology or pursuing a law degree when a classmate in one of my undergraduate classes mentioned forensic psychology. I had never heard of it up until that point and decided to do my own research. I loved that it was a blend of my two passions, psychology and the law, and decided to pursue graduate training in that area.
4) What is most rewarding about this work for you?
The most rewarding part of this work has been giving back, both on an individual and community level. I enjoy educating both my clients and the courts about mental health to foster a better understanding of human behavior. I find it especially rewarding when clients tell me that they shared what they have learned in session with others who also found the skills and tools to be helpful. It reminds me that the work we do as therapists has a ripple effect outside of the therapy room.
5) What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
The most challenging aspect of my work is paperwork!!
6) How do you keep your life in balance (e.g, what are your hobbies)? I enjoy hiking and playing with my pets when I’m at home. I also enjoy watching classic films and spending time with friends and family, even while we are being socially-distant at the moment. Singing and music also bring me joy wherever I am.
7) What are your future plans?
I enjoy working in private practice and will continue to provide individual therapy services. I plan to develop an online private practice where I will conduct both individual therapy and forensic evaluations. I also plan to continue research and advocacy in the area of victims of sex trafficking, as this is a passion of mine. I believe that mental health professionals are uniquely qualified to aid in the prevention of sex trafficking through education and by reducing barriers to mental health services for victims of sex trafficking.
Contact information:
Chelsey Mahler, Psy.D.
Cordell Associates, LLC
6520 Poe Ave. suite 200
Dayton, OH 45414
(937)716-7663