We are a private practice built on the belief that compassionate, personalized therapy can genuinely change your life. Your story deserves to be heard and healed, and we are here to provide the space where that process begins.
Licensed Professional Counselor • Founder
Choosing a therapist is one of the most personal decisions you'll make, and finding someone who feels like the right fit matters. Rather than simply listing credentials, we wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know Candice in her own words. Below, she shares her approach to counseling, what inspires her, and what you can expect if you choose to begin your journey at Ember & Oak Counseling.
I’ve always been the person asking, “Okay…but why?”
Why can two people have the exact same conversation and walk away with completely different ideas about what just happened? Why does one sibling seem fine after something, and another carries it for twenty years? Why do we keep repeating the same patterns even when we know they’re not working?
I’ve always been more interested in understanding people than judging them.
I love when clients catch themselves growing before I have to point it out. It’ll happen all the time. They’ll be telling me about something that happened during the week, and then they’ll stop mid-sentence and say, “…Wait. Last year I would’ve completely lost it.”
And I’m just sitting there smiling because I’m thinking, “Yep. You would’ve.” Those are my favorite moments because that’s real change. It’s not me telling somebody they’re doing better. It’s them realizing they’re becoming the person they wanted to be.
Relationships are definitely my favorite. People usually hear that and think I mean couples, and I do love working with couples. But honestly, relationships are everywhere.
The relationship you have with your spouse. Your parents. Your kids. Your coworkers. Even the relationship you have with yourself. When one of those relationships starts feeling healthier, it usually has a ripple effect into the others. I love watching that happen.
Pretty laid back. I’m not the therapist who’s going to stare at you silently while you wonder if you’re supposed to keep talking. We laugh a lot. Sometimes people are surprised by that because they think therapy is supposed to be serious all the time.
Now don’t get me wrong. We absolutely have hard conversations. We cry. We talk about painful things. But life is funny sometimes too, and I think it’s okay for therapy to make room for both. I also ask a lot of questions. Like…a lot. Not because I’m trying to stump anybody. I’m genuinely curious.
Probably that you’re overthinking it. I say that because almost everybody who comes in for the first time apologizes. “I don’t know where to start.” “My thoughts are all over the place.” “I probably sound crazy.” And I always kind of laugh because…that’s literally my job. You don’t have to know what to say. Seriously. We’ll figure it out together.
Probably that I’m going to spend the whole session telling you what to do. If only it were that easy. My goal isn’t for you to need me forever. My goal is for you to understand yourself well enough that eventually you trust your own judgment.
One thing I tell every client during their first session is, “Don’t schedule your next appointment before you’ve had time to think about today.” Think about how you felt. Think about whether you felt comfortable. Because I might not be your cup of tea. I’m not trying to be everybody’s therapist.
To me, healing is when the things that used to completely knock you off your feet don’t have quite as much power anymore. You still remember what happened. You just don’t feel like your past gets to drive the car anymore.
"An ember is small, but it’s also powerful. Even when a fire looks like it’s gone out, an ember means there’s still something there. There’s still hope. An oak is almost the opposite. It develops deep roots. I think healing looks a little like both."
Sometimes people come in barely hanging onto that little spark that says, “Maybe life could be different.” My hope is that, over time, they leave with deeper roots than they had when they walked in.
If something you read resonated with you, we'd be honored to walk alongside you on your journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, or life transitions, we're here to help.
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Location
223 1st Street N, Unit B
Alabaster, AL 35055
In-Person & Telehealth
Serving Alabaster and
Statewide Alabama
Hours
Tue – Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 4pm