Candace Lightheart
MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CSI

Pronouns: She/Her

The journey to improved emotional well-being is long and winding. No matter your story, please know you are courageous. It takes courage to search for a therapist and to engage in the therapeutic process. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) in North Carolina.

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Everyone's story is unique, and I approach each therapy session with an open mind and heart. I create an atmosphere where my clients can connect with the wisdom their bodies hold and embrace the importance of emotional vulnerability in the process of healing. Our relationship will be focused on you finding the safety and support you need on your journey toward improved emotional well-being.  

My therapeutic approach is informed by somatic and research-based treatment approaches. I strongly believe the use of skills practice and other between session therapeutic activities are an essential part to success in therapy, and therefore it is a core component of my therapeutic approach. I deeply believe in working with clients to help them develop the habits that support the change they seek, and skills-practice supports this effort. Finally, when appropriate, I love using humor in sessions, and welcome my clients to do the same. The health benefits of humor and laughter are well documented, among them are the reduction of anxiety, depression, fear, and stress.

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I have worked in urban, rural, and suburban environments. Settings, where I have worked, include community mental health with children, adults, and families, adult and pediatric hospitals, an outpatient perinatal clinic, a maternal and fetal medicine unit, university-based addiction research centers, and child welfare organizations. In each of these settings, I have worked with substance use as a presenting problem. In addition to supporting people with substance use concerns, I have experience providing treatment for people with anxiety, mild-moderate depression, bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, burnout, substance use concerns, trauma, and life transitions. 

​Schedule a time to chat with me so I can learn more about your needs and how I can help. I offer 20 minute complimentary consultations. Contact me to schedule.