Candace McGee
I believe the patterns in our lives and relationships make sense, even when we don’t yet understand them. As a relational therapist with over 12 years of experience, I help individuals make sense of their experiences, better understand themselves, and recognize the patterns shaping their relationships and decisions. I especially enjoy working with people navigating life transitions, relationship difficulties, or a desire for meaningful change. I’m open, direct, and naturally curious, with a good sense of humor. My sessions are conversational, and while we may explore some difficult things, there’s also room for laughter. I believe each moment calls for something different, and I strive to meet you where you are while helping you move toward greater clarity and lasting change.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, but it’s also where our work begins. Rather than simply gathering information about your history, I want to understand what brings you in, how you’ve arrived at this point, and what may be happening beneath the surface of your current concerns. You can expect a thoughtful, engaging conversation where I’ll ask questions, offer observations, and help you begin making connections you may not have considered before. My hope is that you’ll leave our first session feeling heard, comfortable, and hopeful, with a greater understanding of yourself and what brought you to therapy.
Strengths
I approach therapy as a relationship, not simply a place to discuss problems. I often describe myself as a wilderness guide. I won’t tell you which direction to take, but I’ll walk alongside you, help you understand the terrain, and point out dangers you may not yet recognize. My sessions are conversational and collaborative. I listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, make connections, and challenge perspectives when needed. I believe you bring the experiences and information we need to make sense of your story. My role is to help you see what may have been difficult to recognize on your own. I’m interested in more than helping you manage what’s happening today. I want to help you understand why certain patterns exist, what keeps them in place, and what makes lasting change possible.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with individuals who are curious about themselves and want to better understand why they think, feel, and respond the way they do. You may be navigating a life transition, struggling in your relationships, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or simply recognizing that something in your life needs to change. You don’t have to know exactly what’s wrong or where to begin. What matters is a willingness to explore, ask questions, and consider new perspectives. Whether you’re trying to make sense of your past, navigate your present, or make thoughtful decisions about your future, our work together is about helping you gain the understanding and confidence to move forward with intention.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I often describe CBT by asking clients to imagine a circle with thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connected around it. Each influences the others, and together they can create patterns that keep us feeling stuck or lead to outcomes we don’t want. I use CBT to help us identify those patterns and understand how they’re working together in your life. Once we recognize what’s happening, we can determine where you may need the most support. Do you need help better understanding your emotions and how to manage them? Recognizing ways of thinking that may have served you in the past but are no longer helpful? Or changing behaviors that you know aren’t beneficial but find yourself repeating anyway? Understanding where you’re getting stuck helps us identify which skills to strengthen so you can begin responding differently and create meaningful, lasting change.
Narrative
We all have stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we’ve experienced, and what those experiences mean. Over time, these stories can shape how we see ourselves, our relationships, and what’s possible for our future. Sometimes, the conclusions we’ve drawn about our experiences aren’t entirely accurate or no longer serve us well. I use Narrative Therapy to help you examine the stories you’ve developed about your life and recognize how they’ve influenced your understanding of yourself. Together, we’ll explore where those beliefs came from, whether they reflect the whole picture, and what other perspectives may have been overlooked. The goal isn’t to rewrite your history or dismiss what you’ve experienced, but to help you make sense of it in a way that allows you to move forward without being limited by the conclusions you’ve drawn from your past.
Interpersonal
Our relationships have a significant influence on how we experience ourselves and the world around us. When relationships become strained, change, or don’t meet our expectations, they can affect our emotional well-being in ways we may not immediately recognize. I use Interpersonal Therapy to help you understand how your relationships and interactions with others may be contributing to the difficulties you’re experiencing. We might explore how you communicate your needs, navigate conflict, respond to disappointment, establish boundaries, or adjust to changes in important relationships. We’ll also look at recurring patterns and the expectations you bring into your interactions with others. The goal is to help you better understand your role in relationships, recognize what is and isn’t within your control, and develop the skills needed to build and maintain healthier, more satisfying connections.
Attachment-based
Our earliest relationships often shape what we come to expect from others, how we experience closeness, and how we respond when relationships feel uncertain or unsafe. These patterns can follow us into adulthood, influencing how we trust, communicate our needs, handle conflict, and experience intimacy. I use Attachment-Based Therapy to help you recognize the relational patterns you’ve developed and understand how they may have served to protect you or meet important needs along the way. Together, we’ll explore how these patterns show up in your current relationships, particularly when you feel vulnerable, disconnected, rejected, or afraid of losing someone important to you. The goal isn’t to blame your past or label you with an attachment style, but to help you understand why your responses make sense, recognize when those responses are no longer helpful, and develop new ways of relating that allow for greater security, trust, and meaningful connection.
Faith-based therapy
For many people, faith is an important part of how they understand themselves, make decisions, navigate difficulties, and find meaning in their experiences. I believe our spiritual lives and emotional well-being are deeply connected, and that faith can be a valuable part of the therapeutic process. As a Christian therapist, I offer clients who desire it the opportunity to integrate their faith and biblical principles into our work together. We may explore how your beliefs shape your understanding of yourself, your relationships, your circumstances, and the choices you’re facing. We can also examine areas where your experiences, emotions, and beliefs seem to be in conflict, seeking greater clarity and understanding. My approach combines clinical knowledge with a biblical worldview, recognizing the importance of both spiritual wisdom and psychological understanding. My goal is to help you navigate life’s challenges with greater insight, strengthen your relationships, and make decisions that reflect your faith, values, and convictions.