Meet Candace Starks | Licensed Professional Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Candace Starks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Candace, what makes you happy? Why?
There are many things that make me happy but I must say, I’m the happiest when I know people feel heard, supported and empowered by me. This makes me most happy because I understand that all of us, regardless of where you are in life or how much you have accomplished, have a basic need. That need to feel heard, seen & understood. It is so important to me to be a light in someone’s darkness and to bring comfort within their chaos.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Your Way Out, LLC. I started my private practice in January 2020 with a goal in mind to impact the lives of as many people as I could. I wanted my practice to be a safe haven. A light in the darkness and I wanted to promote the “relationship” within therapy. Having a great rapport and building a trusting relationship is imperative to any work you do in therapy. Developing that relationship is important to me. When people feel connected and comfortable they are more open to sharing and receiving feedback. The relationship helps people feel like people and not “problems”. How did I get to where I am today? Well, growing up was not always easy. There was a lot of family dysfunction, drug addiction and neglect. I am the oldest in my family, oldest child and grandchild, so I saw a lot. Those early experiences taught me to see the “problem” separate from the person. It was during those dark times in my personal life (early childhood) that I discovered my passion to help. Maybe it was because, as the oldest, I was always put in the position to help or to take care of the younger kids (and sometimes the adults), or maybe this was the universe preparing me for what I was predestined to do later in life. I’ve worked for community based mental health agencies in the past and about 5 years ago I walked away from it. I felt tired of the red-tape and business politics of it all, so I left and worked for an insurance company as a case worker. I was still able to do what comes naturally, help people, but honestly I felt unfulfilled. I felt that I was not living in my purpose. So, I decided to step out on faith and start my own practice. It was fairly easy in the beginning to be honest. I think it was easy because I was coming back to my calling. I would meditate and set my intentions daily. I truly feel I manifested my dreams. I had no clear idea of how to start but I started and I researched and I just did the work. People started calling! I started in January, remember. That means, I was filling out applications to be credentialed by insurance companies, getting my EIN, deciding on a name for the company, etc. By February, February 15th to be exact, I received my first call to schedule a therapy session. I remember whispering to myself, “It’s happening.” I have overcome challenges by understanding that I am one person. Although I have this strong desire to do good, I am no good to anyone if I do not take care of myself. So, I give myself permission to take a break.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our first stop would most definitely be a local crystal (metaphysical shop). My fav happens to be in Little 5 Points. We can also visit the aquarium, walk the belt line, picnic in Piedmont Park and while we are in the city, pick up some good ole soul food from one of my favs since coming to Atlanta, Busy Bees. I quickly found that spot living in the AUC (home cooking away from home). We will also do another one of my favs….shopping! We could ride up to North GA and hit the outlets for a day of shopping and fun. Atlantic Station would also be on the list of things to do. I hope this friend likes seafood because we must go to Oceanaire Seafood Room! I’d also take her for a little competitive round of golf at Top Golf. Before the week ends, we will get all dressed up to catch a play at the Fox Theater.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out my grandmother. I could always go to my grandmother to talk or to just lay across her lap in silence. She was not a woman of many words (back then lol) but you always felt her comfort and support. My grandmother shared with me, many times, how proud she was of me. That felt good! That’s when I learned and understood that it’s not what people say, that you will remember but rather, how they made you feel. I always feel love, support and comfort with my grandmother, Barbara Ann Curry.

Website: www.yourwayoutllc.com
Instagram: yourwayoutllc