I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working as a mental health therapist. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and my MSW from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I primarily work with adults experiencing challenges with anxiety, OCD, depression, self acceptance challenges, grief, and life transitions. I am also a Certified Financial Social Worker capable of helping people unpack the emotional components of out of control spending for those who have a desire to manage finances better.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first therapy session is designed to gather important demographic and historical information. We will discuss current life stressors/challenges that let you to therapy. We will also discuss medical and psychiatric treatment history. Current symptoms will be reviewed and then a discussion about what you would like the therapy goals to consist of.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider include having over 20 years experience as a therapist and my belief that I am walking in my purpose in my career as a clinical social worker.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
It takes courage to choose to participate in therapy. To examine various aspects of your life, appreciate successes and identify room for growth. It's the examining part that can be quite challenging. If you are in a place where you are ready to learn strategies to manage your mood, decrease anxieties, cope with societal challenges, change unhealthy patterns, and become more intentional in identifying and executing your goals - then you are an excellent candidate for therapy and congratulations for being open to taking this step.
About Candace Payne-Butler
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been a mental health therapist over 20 years and use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people decrease anxiety and depression by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT teaches people the below skills: Cognitive Restructuring, which includes challenging and reframing irrational or harmful thoughts that contribute to anxiety and depression. Behavioral Activation which encourages activities that improve mood and motivation, counteracting withdrawal and inactivity. Exposure Therapy, which includes gradually facing feared situations to reduce avoidance and anxiety. Problem-Solving , which teaches practical strategies to cope with stressors effectively. By consistently practicing these strategies, individuals can develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors, leading to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have over 20 years of experience using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help people decrease anxiety and depression while also reducing symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) by teaching the following DBT skills: Mindfulness – Increases present-moment awareness to reduce emotional reactivity and anxiety. Emotional Regulation – Helps individuals recognize, understand, and manage intense emotions to decrease mood swings and depressive symptoms. Distress Tolerance – Teaches coping skills to handle crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. Interpersonal Effectiveness – Improves communication and boundary-setting to enhance relationships and reduce interpersonal conflict. By developing these skills, clients gain better emotional stability, reduce impulsivity, and manage distress more effectively, leading to improved mental health and emotional regulation.
Gender-affirming therapy
I have over 15 years experience providing gender affirming care supporting and affirming clients' gender identity. Gender affirming therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals align their gender identity with their physical and social experiences. It can lead to significant improvements in mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life.