(she/her)
Hey there, my name is Kandice, and I have been providing therapy to children and adults since 2019. I received my license in February 2024. I like to create a calm and safe place for my clients to feel comfortable and ready to share what causes them shame, guilt, and anxiety. I also like to be relatable to my clients by sharing some of my experiences, so you're not so alone in this journey. I will model and encourage my clients to use assertive communication and healthy boundaries with themselves and others to help regain control over their depression and anxiety. I am confident in talking about the pains of suicidal ideation and self-harm. I will confidently provide my clients with the skills to stop self-harm and build the confidence, self-esteem, and support network needed to feel better. Together, we will discover what is going on below the surface to make the changes necessary to help.
During our first session, I will greet you with a smiling face and thank you for choosing me as your therapist. I will review the limits of confidentiality, provide you with my direct contact, and allow you time to ask any questions. I will introduce myself and my style of therapy to help build rapport. Then, we will kindly dive into the reasons why you are seeking therapy and how I can help. We will discuss a diagnosis that I think is appropriate and come up with a treatment plan together. I am mindful that the first session can be filled with anxiety and worries, so I allow the client only to share what they are comfortable with at this time and ask any questions they might have. From there, we will set up a schedule for regularly planned sessions.
I would describe myself as a kind, relaxed, and down-to-earth therapist. I am known for my empathy towards my clients. I will reassure, validate, and help my clients to feel "normal". I have had success with eliminating suicidal ideations and self-harm. I have helped my clients relax and feel less shame, guilt, and anxiety about themselves or their actions. My clients have expressed comfort with how open and transparent they can be in our sessions because of the safe space that is provided. I am willing to learn and ask questions to gain a better understanding of my clients.
Clients that I believe have the most success with my style of therapy come as they are and are willing to practice the skills discussed in session. Together, we celebrate successes and unveil struggles. The clients who are transparent about their struggles and open to suggestions and encouragement tend to have the most growth. I noticed clients who do their research and are willing to learn more about their struggles have success in reducing or managing their symptoms.
I like to use CBT to help my clients with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Together, we understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and create patterns. Through these connections, we then discover ways to regain control and make changes through baby steps and careful considerations. We will work together as a team. I have been using this method for 7 years.
Psychodynamic has been my newest interest in treatment methods. I use this to dive into my client's childhood to discover the unconscious thoughts that affect their behaviors and cause emotional difficulties. We will work together to build insight into why you do the things you do and how they've affected your relationships. I have been using this method for 2 years.
I am most experienced with Trauma Informed Care. With all my clients, I will provide a safe and trustworthy space to share the deep and painful things that have happened in life. I will hold hope for them until they are ready to hold it for themselves. I will help my clients to feel empowered by teaching and modeling assertive communication, healthy boundaries, and grounding techniques. I know it will take some time and trust. I will sit patiently and allow my clients to share only what is comfortable, and then always make sure they are ready to end the session. I have been using this method for 7 years.
I like to incorporate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy into my treatments because it allows us to expand on what is already working for my clients. I believe my clients are the experts of their lives and already possess the resources and strengths needed to make healthy changes in their lives. We will focus on snowballing small changes that make moves towards the ideal self. This will be used when we are talking about what could help "future you" to be who "current you" is striving to be. I have been using this method for 7 years.
I will use Christian Counseling at the client's request. I respect that this method is not wanted by all clients, so I will not use it unless the client asks for it. When my clients want to discuss their religious practices or spirituality, I provide a very welcoming space to talk about it. I will usually ask permission to share scripture when appropriate. I will make recommendations and encourage further exploration and reliance on their faith as part of treatment. I notice self-exploration and faith help the client to feel more whole and accepted, which then helps reduce feelings of shame, guilt, depression, and anxiety. I have 15 years of experience.