LPCC, 6 years of experience
Hi, I’m Candace — a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Community Counseling from Lakeland University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from UW-Stevens Point. I’m a straightforward, no-fluff therapist who believes the best work happens when you feel safe enough to be fully yourself. My clients often tell me I’m not a “typical” therapist — and they’re right. I’m progressive, direct, sometimes sarcastic, and always focused on creating a space where you don’t have to pretend. I work well with people who want honesty, humor, and real conversations — whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship issues, burnout, identity exploration, or just feeling stuck. I’m an animal lover (my dogs are basically coworkers), I have tattoos, and I’m not easily rattled. You won’t shock me, and you don’t have to filter yourself here. If you’re looking for a therapist who keeps it real, creates a safe space, and isn’t afraid to challenge you when needed — with compassion and maybe a little dry humor — I might be a good fit.
I’m pretty straightforward — I don’t sugarcoat things, because that doesn’t help anyone, especially not you. You can expect honesty, compassion, and a willingness to challenge you when it’s needed. I’ll support you in working toward your goals, but I won’t work harder than you do. Therapy only works when you’re ready to show up and do the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. Mental health is the glue that holds everything else together, and that means it has to be a priority. Our first session is a chance to get to know each other, talk about what’s bringing you in, and start shaping a plan that fits your life and your goals — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), client-centered work, and solution-focused strategies — but more importantly, it’s shaped by you. I believe therapy should be practical, personalized, and collaborative. I don’t just sit and nod; I engage, ask questions, and challenge you when needed, always with your goals in mind. I see you as a whole person — not a diagnosis. Your mental health struggles are part of your story, but they don’t define you. I work to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes at your own pace. That said, therapy is a two-way street. I’ll show up fully and do my part, but it’s just as important that you speak up — about what’s working, what’s not, what feels off, or what you need more of. Your voice matters here, and the more open and honest you are, the more effective our work can be. I focus on building insight and helping you gain tools to manage life more effectively, whether that’s learning to regulate emotions, set boundaries, navigate relationships, or shift long-held thought patterns. My role is to walk alongside you, support you in facing hard truths, and help you move toward the version of yourself you want to be. Respect, sensitivity, and compassion are the foundation of how I work — the same way I’d want to be treated. And while therapy isn’t always easy, it can be transformative when we both show up fully.
I work best with people who are tired of pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. My ideal clients are deep thinkers, feelers, and questioners — often the “strong ones” in their families or friend groups — who are starting to realize they need space to fall apart a little (or a lot) without judgment. They might be navigating anxiety, relationship stress, identity questions, or just a general sense of being stuck in a life that doesn’t feel quite right anymore. I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, and couples across a wide range of concerns. Some of my areas of specialization include emotional regulation (like anger and anxiety), depression, self-esteem building, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief and loss, assertiveness, marital issues, and relationship-building skills. I also have experience supporting individuals and families through end-of-life care. Whether you're here to process trauma, build boundaries, understand your mood patterns, or break free from cycles that no longer serve you — I’ll do my best to tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. No cookie-cutter therapy here. If you’re looking for a space that’s safe, real, and a little outside the box, we might be a good fit.
My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated.
My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution focused counseling. My counseling style is interactive, and I believe in treating people as individuals and not labeling them with their mental health issues. You are not your illness, it is only a small part of who you are. I believe in treating people with the same respect, sensitivity, and compassion as I would like to be treated.