Mental Health Matters: Blog Series Highlighting Black Therapists

Candice Waller, is a licensed professional counselor with mental health service designation. She has experience and training in the areas of addiction, family trauma, adolescents, homelessness, veterans, and abandonment/attachment issues. Candice Waller is currently pursuing her doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University in Clinical Counseling Teaching and Supervision.

1. What led you to pursue a career in the mental health field?

Candice Waller: I can honestly say I did not choose counseling this profession chose me. My mom was the one that suggested that I should become therapist due to my niche for people even as a small child. I wanted to be something else, but God apparently had a plan for me.

2. Why does mental health matter to you?

CW: Mental health is the premise of life. If your mental health is off nothing in your life will be right. You can run 10 miles in the sun or the rain and feel dead on the inside because your mental health is not right.

3. What are some areas that you specialize in?

CW: Addictions, Families, Youth, and the Homeless.

4. In your experience, what are some of the benefits of counseling? What are some of the challenges?

CW: Benefits- watching people grow. I know this may sound nerdy, but development of any kind is so captivating!!

Challenges- saying goodbye. I know that I am in my pts lives for all a nano second in the grand scheme of things, but I hope the work we did together helped set them up for success.

5. What are some good things to know when looking for a therapist?

CW: How does he/she make you feel? You will be discussing hard topics to see growth; therefore, you need to make sure you feel that they have your best interest at heart.

6. Any recommendations on ways to protect your mental health during this difficult time we are in?

CW: Take naps. If you are tired allow yourself to rest.