why did I become a helper?

 

Thanks for being here and being curious about who I am. I'm Candice (she/her). I'm a counsellor, art therapist, hypnotherapist, beyond quantum healing practitioner, and fellow human being. I am also a queer, cisgender, non-disabled, polyamorous, neurodivergent, White Ashkenazi Jewish settler living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Although I have many titles, identities, and aspects of who I am as a human.. over all, I see myself as a helper. I have been hearing my calling for helping others since I was young and on my journey of getting right here to this moment of helping you: I also learnt how to help myself along the way.

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I became aware of my calling at a young age due to my own struggles with my internal and external worlds. I always felt different, like I didn't fit in. Not just with the kids around me, or my family, but also society and the world. It didn't matter if I was in a room full of people.. I always felt alone, and that feeling of aloneness deepened my pain into suffering. I remember thinking to myself: I want to help others so they don't feel so alone with their pain. I want to be the person that I have always needed and never had. 

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My desire to help others became my guiding light and the reason I am still here today. I have passionately worked towards this calling since I was in high school and I am so grateful everyday to be living my dream. Although my time in school is over: I am a forever student. I am always expanding my knowledge through inspiring trainings, books, podcasts, online research, and deep conversations with those around me. I am also continually un-learning. Too much of what is being taught in psychology & counselling programs is biased and harmful for folks from marginalized and oppressed groups. Within my un-learning journey I realized a lot of what gets taught needs to be critically analyzed, questioned, and sometimes completely thrown out the window. 

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While on my journey of learning and growing as a helper, it has been equally important to continue my own personal growth journey. How can I support you if I am not also living and experiencing my own journey of healing? I am always attending therapy, exploring other healing modalities, reading, crying, laughing, learning, getting angry, connecting with nature & beyond, being human, learning to care for my inner child, letting myself be loud, messy, make mistakes, and practicing being my own 'inner gentle & loving parent'. Sometimes my self-care and spiritual practice is journaling and meditation, other days it's eating fries, watching cute animal videos online, or listening to the same song over and over again for hours. Engaging in my own self-discovery process is one of my deepest passions and I am so excited to hold space while you engage in your unique process. My personal experience of the tough, beautiful, confusing, frustrating, joyful, and awe-inspiring cycle of healing provides deep understanding, wisdom, and compassion which supports me in supporting you.

 

I am dedicated and honoured to walk alongside you on your path. 

 

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When I'm not working, you can always find me: diving deep into a book (or a few!), relaxing in a cafe with an iced coffee in hand, listening to podcasts about trauma, spirituality, sexuality, witchy things and the paranormal, spending time near water, riding my bike, cooking, painting or anything creative, singing and dancing my heart out, trying new things, going for walks, and enjoying any moments of sunshine.

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