(she/her)
Hi, I’m Candace Walls, and welcome to Careful Heart Counseling Services. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, a creative soul, and someone who deeply believes in the power of intentional self-care and healing. I specialize in working with children, youth, and adolescents ages 3–18, supporting them and their families through life’s emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. With over eight years of clinical experience and fifteen years serving Sacramento County’s community-based mental health and social service systems, I bring both expertise and heart into every space I enter. My work with young clients focuses on helping them build emotional awareness, develop healthy coping skills, improve behavior, and feel safe expressing themselves. I partner closely with caregivers and families to strengthen connection, communication, and understanding—because when a child is supported, the whole family can begin to heal.
Our first session is all about connection and clarity. We’ll take time to get to know each other, explore what’s bringing you or your child into therapy, and begin identifying goals for our work together. For children and adolescents, this may include both caregiver involvement and individual time, depending on age and needs. My priority is to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where everyone feels heard and respected. Together, we’ll begin building a foundation of trust while identifying practical strategies to support emotional well-being and growth.
What sets my work apart is my ability to connect deeply while remaining flexible and intentional in my approach. I bring: Strong rapport-building with children and teens A balance of warmth, structure, and accountability Adaptability across developmental stages (ages 3–18) Cultural sensitivity, especially when supporting Black children and families of color A collaborative, family-centered lens Whether we’re working on emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, family conflict, or healing from past experiences, I meet each client with empathy while helping them grow in confidence and resilience.
I am best suited to support children, adolescents, young adults, women, especially high-functioning Black women and women of color, and families who are ready for compassionate, personalized mental health care. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, ADHD, or the pressure of balancing multiple roles, I’m here to help. If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed, tired of just surviving, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you, but you’re also motivated to heal and grow, you’ll find a safe, supportive space with me. My clients often come ready to explore their emotions, challenge old beliefs, and build healthier coping skills, but may feel unsure about how to start or afraid to be vulnerable.
Other specialties
I identify as
Family Therapy
With a strong foundation in family systems theory, I use family therapy to help families improve communication, resolve conflict, and rebuild connection. Over the past eight years, I’ve worked with diverse family structures facing a wide range of challenges, from parenting struggles and life transitions to deeper relational wounds and generational patterns.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
With a deep understanding of early childhood development, I guide caregivers in tuning into their child’s needs, behaviors, and emotional cues. During sessions, both the child and parent participate together, allowing us to explore their relationship in real time. Through play, storytelling, and reflective dialogue, we work to create safety, rebuild trust, and promote healthy attachment.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice through collaborative, client-centered sessions, I use MI to support clients who may feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed when facing important decisions or trying to make meaningful changes in their lives. Rather than directing or pushing for change, I partner with clients to uncover their own motivations, values, and inner strengths. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirming their autonomy, I help clients clarify their goals and build confidence in their ability to take the next steps.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am committed to providing culturally sensitive and affirming care that respects each client’s unique background, values, and lived experiences. I recognize that culture including race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family traditions, shapes how we see ourselves, relate to others, and experience the world.
Psychoeducation
Whether we’re exploring how anxiety affects the brain, discussing the impact of trauma, or learning new coping tools, I tailor psychoeducation to each client’s age, learning style, and needs. With children, this might include using books, visuals, or play-based explanations. With children and teens, it may involve open conversations, handouts, or skill-building exercises. My goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed choices, better understand yourself, and feel more confident in your ability to manage life’s challenges.
1 rating with written reviews
November 21, 2025
Candace is such a great listener as well as positive,empowering, motivating women as well! I really enjoyed and felt at ease speaking with her. I look forward to meeting with her again.