Rachel Bastien-Chilson, LCSW

Rachel Bastien-Chilson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She focuses on practical, human responses rather than quick fixes. Sessions are steady and grounded, with room for honesty and a bit of humor. Clients are invited to bring their full stories and pace the work in ways that feel manageable.

Rachel draws on eleven years of experience in mental healthcare and crisis work. She takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach that notices what is already working for a person. Therapy looks at current thoughts, emotions, and relationship patterns, and brings in past experiences when that helps move things forward.

Her sessions balance reflection and action. Some meetings are inward and exploratory, while others focus on clear goals and coping skills. Rachel aims to help people shift unhelpful patterns that once helped them survive but now limit their life. That practical focus helps people build steady momentum.

She also addresses specific concerns such as attachment and abandonment issues, adoption and foster care matters, blended family challenges, caregiving stress, and chronic illness or pain. Other focused areas include body image, cancer-related distress, and communication or commitment struggles.

Rachel emphasizes a warm, consistent presence in the room. She works to create a nonjudgmental space where people can feel seen, test new ways of relating to themselves, and take steps toward a life that fits them better.

How evidence-based approaches fit into online therapy

Rachel uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that help people change stressful patterns and manage strong emotions. One approach focuses on identifying and shifting thoughts and behaviors that keep anxiety and depression active; it helps with day-to-day coping and problem solving. Another approach centers on building strengths and exploring current relationship patterns, which can help with attachment issues, caregiving stress, and the emotional effects of major life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Rachel will work with each person to identify goals, test what feels useful, and adapt techniques as needs and insights evolve. The therapist and client decide together which methods to try and when to move in a different direction.

For practical matters, confirm the available session options before booking. Many people find online work helps fit therapy into a busy life because it can reduce travel time and make scheduling simpler. Online sessions can also make it easier to check in during a shorter break, use less bandwidth when needed, or avoid being on camera when that feels better. Discussing these preferences during the intake helps shape a plan that works within everyday routines.