Dr. Philip Chanin: A Psychologist, Author, and Keeper of Courageous Stories

Behind every meaningful book is an author shaped by experience, reflection, and purpose. Dr. Philip Chanin brings all three to his work, blending decades of clinical psychology with a lifelong love of writing and a deep commitment to preserving stories that matter. As both a mental health professional and an author, Dr. Chanin’s voice is uniquely suited to exploring resilience, faith, and moral courage.

A Foundation in Psychology and Human Understanding

Dr. Philip Chanin is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist whose career has been defined by intellectual rigor and compassion. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Amherst College and his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His academic training laid the groundwork for a professional life devoted to understanding how people grow, suffer, heal, and endure.

Over the years, Dr. Chanin has been licensed to practice psychology in multiple states, including Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. This breadth of experience has given him a wide perspective on the shared human struggles that transcend geography and circumstance.

A Career Dedicated to Healing and Teaching

Following post-doctoral training in Massachusetts and Philadelphia at The Devereux Foundation, Dr. Chanin opened a private practice on Philadelphia’s Main Line in Ardmore. His career later took him back to Massachusetts and then to New Hampshire, where he spent five years working at an inpatient substance abuse treatment hospital.

In each setting—private practice, residential treatment, and academic supervision—Dr. Chanin’s work focused on helping individuals confront pain, discover meaning, and rebuild lives. Since relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1991, he has continued this mission through clinical work, teaching, and mentorship.

Leadership and Professional Distinction

Dr. Chanin’s professional credentials reflect a career of distinction. He is Board Certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), a nationally Certified Group Psychotherapist, and an Advanced Imago Therapist. He also formerly served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Psychotherapy Institute, contributing to the advancement of mental health practice in the region.

In addition, Dr. Chanin is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he provides supervision and psychotherapy training to psychiatric residents. His role as an educator reflects a commitment to shaping the next generation of clinicians with both skill and ethical depth.

A Lifelong Writer and Observer of Life

Writing has always been central to Dr. Chanin’s identity. He has authored more than 60 articles on his psychology practice website, addressing themes such as fear, faith, responsibility, and human connection. His writing is thoughtful rather than prescriptive, inviting reflection rather than offering easy answers.

This reflective style carries naturally into his work as an author. Dr. Chanin’s background allows him to explore inner lives with nuance and honesty, giving his stories emotional credibility and lasting resonance.

Telling His Mother’s Story in Mother of Courage

The publication of Mother of Courage: The True Story of an Armless Dentist and Her Triumph Over Tragedy represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream for Dr. Chanin. The book tells the extraordinary story of his mother, Margaret Chanin, who lost both arms in a boating accident in 1941 yet went on to earn a dental degree, raise a family, teach preventive dentistry for more than twenty years, and become a national advocate for people with disabilities.

Through this book, Dr. Chanin preserves not only his mother’s achievements, but the values that shaped her life—discipline, service, faith, and perseverance. His psychological insight allows readers to understand not just what she accomplished, but how she endured.

Life Beyond the Page

Outside his professional and writing life, Dr. Chanin values balance and connection. He enjoys time with his wife and two grown step-children, as well as reading, walking, yoga, racquet sports, travel, and time spent with friends and colleagues. These pursuits reflect a life grounded in curiosity, movement, and relationships.

Conclusion: A Voice of Insight and Remembrance

Dr. Philip Chanin stands at the intersection of psychology, history, and storytelling. His work—both clinical and literary—demonstrates a deep respect for human complexity and moral courage. Through his writing, he ensures that stories of resilience are not forgotten, and that lessons born of hardship continue to guide future generations.

In preserving his mother’s story and reflecting on the human condition, Dr. Chanin reminds readers that courage is not rare—it is cultivated, lived, and passed on through careful remembrance.