Online and In-Person
Therapy for Adults 18+
I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I strive to offer individualized care, thus drawing on various therapeutic approaches to ensure our sessions are uniquely tailored to your personality, goals, and your unique needs.
Therapeutic Approaches Used to Support You
Person-Centered Therapy
This approach is built on the belief that we are each the ultimate experts on your own lives. Rather than a "top-down" relationship where the therapist holds all the answers, we work as equal partners. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment that allows for deep exploration of your lived experiences with genuine curiosity and empathy.
Psychodynamic-Informed Therapy
An approach that seeks to uncover the root causes of thought and behavior patterns that no longer serve you. The uncovered patterns are often shaped by our early relationships. As you understand yourself more clearly, you gain the freedom to live with more intention and move away from unhelpful patterns.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of gently anchoring yourself in the present moment without judgment. In our sessions, we won’t just talk about your stress, we will practice noticing how it actually feels in your body. By learning to observe your thoughts and physical sensations safely, you can step out of automatic unhelpful thinking patterns that cause elevated emotional distress.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you process and reframe traumatic experiences. It focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that have developed as a result of trauma, ultimately reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related difficulties.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A widely researched and effective therapy that helps us understand the link between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It equips us with practical tools and strategies to identify and modify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
A comprehensive therapy originally developed for individuals with intense emotions and difficulties with emotional regulation. DBT teaches specific skills in four key areas: mindfulness (being present), distress tolerance (tolerating painful situations), emotion regulation (changing unwanted emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (navigating relationships effectively).
How to get Started with Lightheart Therapy Practice
-
Contact Candace Lightheart to schedule a 20-minute complimentary therapy video consultation.
-
Following the consultation, if you decide to begin therapy, you will schedule an appointment for a mental health evaluation.
-
Prior to the evaluation you will complete and submit new client paperwork via the client portal.
-
Attend your first appointment where your therapy needs and goals will be determined.
-
Collaborate with the therapist to determine session frequency based on your needs and schedule. I offer flexible scheduling that works with the unpredictable, changing nature of healthcare shifts.
Important Note
You must be physically present in North Carolina to engage in online therapy services. If we determine that an individual's behavioral health needs require treatment not offered at Lightheart Therapy Practice after completing the mental health evaluation, you will be directed toward more appropriate services. Ideally, this will be determined during the consultation. However, this is not always possible and may not be determined until after a full mental health evaluation is completed or after services start. Please note that online therapy services are not appropriate for individuals who are in a living environment where they are experiencing abuse or intimate partner violence, experiencing active and frequent thoughts of harming themselves or others, or for those who do not trust technology.