Licensed to practice in Alabama and accepts 13 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions and 7 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Candace Blackwood, an LPC with nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life's challenges. I provide a warm, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, life transitions, relationship concerns, and military-related challenges. Together, we'll build on your strengths and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
Starting therapy can feel exciting, overwhelming, or even a little intimidating—and that's completely normal. During our first session, my priority is getting to know you. We'll discuss what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, your personal history, and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask questions to better understand your experiences, but there's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. We'll also review any questions you have about the counseling process and begin identifying goals that feel meaningful to you. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we'll create a plan that supports your growth and helps you move toward the life you want to build.
I believe that every person has strengths, even when life makes them difficult to see. My role is to help you identify those strengths, build resilience, and develop practical tools that create lasting change. I bring nearly 20 years of experience across community mental health, education, and private practice, allowing me to tailor therapy to each client's unique needs. Clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, and easy to talk to, while also providing honest feedback and practical strategies. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and person-centered therapy, creating a collaborative, supportive environment where you can feel safe, understood, and empowered to move forward with confidence.
I work primarily with adults who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, or significant life transitions. Many of my clients have spent so much time taking care of others that they've forgotten how to care for themselves. They may be high-achievers, caregivers, military members or spouses, parents, professionals, or individuals who appear to have everything together on the outside while quietly struggling on the inside. You may be experiencing constant worry, feeling emotionally exhausted, navigating relationship challenges, adjusting to a new season of life, or questioning your sense of purpose. Perhaps you're finding it difficult to set healthy boundaries, manage the demands of work and family, cope with grief or loss, or simply feel like yourself again. Whatever has brought you to therapy, you don't have to face it alone. My clients don't need to have all the answers before starting therapy—they simply need to be open to the possibility that things can get better. Whether you've been in therapy before or this is your first experience, I'll meet you where you are with compassion, curiosity, and respect. Together, we'll identify your strengths, develop practical tools for managing life's challenges, and work toward meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to build a life that aligns with your values and the person you want to become.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. When we're feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, it's easy to get caught in patterns that make those feelings even stronger. Together, we'll identify those patterns and work on healthier, more helpful ways of thinking and responding. My approach is practical, supportive, and tailored to your needs. We'll spend time exploring what's contributing to your current challenges while also building skills you can use in your everyday life. Depending on your goals, we may focus on managing stress, reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, setting healthy boundaries, or finding healthier ways to cope with difficult situations. I believe therapy should leave you with tools you can continue using outside of our sessions. My goal is to help you feel more confident, resilient, and equipped to handle life's challenges long after our work together ends.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is based on the belief that you already have strengths and abilities that can help you overcome life's challenges—even if they don't feel obvious right now. Instead of focusing only on what's wrong, we'll also explore what's working, what matters most to you, and the future you want to create. In our sessions, we'll identify realistic goals and the small, meaningful steps that can help you move toward them. We'll build on your successes, learn from times when things have gone well, and develop practical strategies you can use in everyday life. This approach doesn't ignore the difficulties you're facing. Instead, it helps us recognize your resilience while creating a clear path forward. My goal is to help you leave each session feeling encouraged, equipped with practical tools, and more confident in your ability to create positive change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-Centered Therapy is built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. My role isn't to judge you or tell you what to do—it's to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and understood as we work together toward your goals. I believe meaningful change happens when people feel accepted and empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. During our sessions, I'll listen with compassion, ask thoughtful questions, and help you discover insights and solutions that fit your values and your life. Every person's journey is different, so I tailor therapy to your unique needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to help you feel comfortable being yourself, gain confidence in your own abilities, and make meaningful changes that support the life you want to live.