Candace McWhinnie | Advanced Clinical Intern
In therapy we remember the word “US,” because you are not alone in this. You’ve been brave to make a step to better your mental health, and now you have a partner alongside you. In our time together we will collaborate in full transparency, hold onto hope, and create trust as we go through this process together.
You may experience depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or have trauma from your past. You may wonder why you feel alone in these thoughts, or see that others close to you are dealing with similar issues, but may not know how to tackle them. You may even have never considered, until now, that there is assistance you can get on your journey of self-exploration through mental health! There is no shame in seeking out support.
Being an African American woman in the mental health sector can leave me feeling like I’m a unicorn. I grew up in an evangelical home that did not believe in mental health, and more times than not prayed for freedom from the anxiety I had but received no real help. I know what it feels like to be alone during a mental health crisis. As an adult, I began seeing a therapist. Therapy has changed my life immensely. Through my own hard work with inviting someone into my self process and experience healing I very much believe in healing for others.
If any of this speaks to you, I would encourage you to reach out to me. I would love to meet you where you are in your current journey seeing where we could go in the future! You don’t have to have it all together, just a beginning is enough. If you and I never work together I hope we can be mutually encouraged by this quote:
“You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on. When I was in middle school, I was struggling with severe anxiety and depression and the help and support I received from my family and a therapist saved my life. Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you’ll ever know.”
— Lili Rhinehart
Clinical Residency through: January 2021 – May 2021
Therapeutic Orientation & Technique:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness & Acceptance
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Candace’s Areas of Specialty & Background
PTSD & Trauma
Church Hurt & Spirituality
Dating & Relationship
Children & Adolescents
Anxiety & Depression
Life Transitions
Identity & Self Concept
Couples Work
Academic Background
In Progress, M.A. in Social Work Children & Families, Loyola University, Chicago, IL
B.A. in Sociology, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Testimonials
“I don’t feel any walls between us like I might with others. When I’m around Candace I’m confident I’ve got a non biased person in my corner, and don’t feel any fear to just vent!”
“There are very few people I have shared my trauma with. I had never felt that therapy was helpful until I began talking with Candace and realized she is human and wants the absolute best for me.“
“Candace isn’t just listening, she’s engaged! I can see a change in things that seems so simple, like how I view myself or speak to myself, that I know she’s taught me.”
-AB
Articles by Candace
Coming soon! Enjoy other content from our therapists till then
Growing Up Abroad Part 1: TCK Identity
“Where are you from?” Growing up overseas in one or more countries makes this question complicated (and sometimes frustrating) to answer. Home is this complex concept to define when you moved a lot and/or did not spend your developmental years in the same country as...
[VIDEO] Self-Care Conversation with Pete Marlow
Hosted by therapist Alexandra Hoerr More Optimum Joy Articles(312) 772-979653 W Jackson, Suite 1201, Chicago, IL 60604Get In Touch With Us!We'll be in touch with you within one business day! If you're ready to schedule, GO HERE![dvppl_cf7_styler cf7="49403"...
[VIDEO] Black People, the Church and Therapy
Candance shares her personal experience as a black woman growing up in church. She especially leans into the cultural factors that impact the black, Christian community as it relates to therapy. Watch the whole interview, or check out the timestamps below for...