So, here we are. Life’s a bit of a mess, isn’t it? Maybe it feels like you’re starring in a horror movie, except no one handed you the script. I’m Kandace Barkham, and I help people like you—those who are over the empty platitudes and ready for real change. I have an LCSW/LCADC. I hold a BSW and an MSSW from the Kent School. If you’re looking for a therapist who’s going to sit back, nod silently, and sprinkle some feel-good phrases your way… well, that’s not me. I’m here to help you actually get unstuck, and yes, we might even laugh at the absurdity of it all along the way. Let’s cut through the nonsense: trauma, addiction, mental health issues—they suck. But you know what sucks more? Pretending like everything’s fine and letting them control your life. Together, we’ll work through the heavy stuff. We’ll get into the mess, sort it out, and figure out how you can finally breathe a little easier. Therapy with me isn’t some endless loop of “and how does that make you feel?” It’s a collaborative process where I bring my expertise to the table, and you bring your courage to face what’s been holding you back.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

So, it’s your first therapy session. Cue the dramatic music. But don’t worry—this isn’t some awkward, sit-in-silence type of deal. It’s more like a conversation, except you get to talk about you for once without feeling guilty about it. When we meet, expect something real, honest, and a little less traditional than the therapy you’ve seen on TV. No leather couches, no staring contests, no endless "how does that make you feel?" We will dive into your story, at your pace. The first session is all about getting to know each other—think of it as a meet-and-greet, but instead of small talk, we’re cutting straight to what matters: what brought you here, what you want to work on, and how we can start sorting through whatever life has thrown your way. We’ll talk about your goals, because therapy without direction is..a bad idea. But don’t worry, we’re not going to solve everything in 90 minutes (if only, right?). What we will do is figure out what’s been weighing you down and how we can start lifting that load together. It’s less about digging into the deep, dark corners of your psyche (for now) and more about making sure you feel heard and supported. You might leave feeling lighter, like you’ve offloaded a bit of the baggage you’ve been dragging around, or maybe with a sense of “OK, I can do this.” Either way, you’ll leave with a clearer idea of what working with me looks like and some actual tools you can start using to manage things between sessions. Whether that’s a simple grounding exercise or just the reassurance that you don’t have to do this alone, you’ll walk away with something tangible. And if you’re worried about having to say everything perfectly, don’t. Therapy is messy—just like life. Come as you are, and we’ll figure it out together. No judgment. No pressure. Just a chance to start working on you in a way that feels right for you. So, that’s what you can expect in your first session: a more laid-back discussion about what’s going on with you and how we can work together to make life a little less chaotic. You’re not signing up for a magic fix—you’re starting a process that’s going to be tough at times, but worth it. And I’ll be right there, helping you navigate the road ahead.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My biggest strengths are trauma work, sex-positive therapy, and addiction/mental health. Trauma can be addressed in several different ways and if left unaddressed can make it difficult for clients to find relief through therapy. I am well-versed in the physical and developmental impact of trauma across the lifespan and allow the client to choose the pace in which we work through trauma. Working with individuals to gain insight into managing their mental health or addiction is an additional strength of mine. I have worked with this population for the majority of my career and have personal experience with sobriety that allows an additional level of understanding and support to those who are addressing these issues. Inclusive work with LGBTQIA+, polyamory, ENM.

About Kandace Barkham

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