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ABOUT US

MEET THE TEAM

CANDICE SMITH, LPC Owner / Supervisor / Counselor
ANNMARIE GARCIA, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker
BREE KARY, LAC Licensed Associate Counselor
ART SMITH Office Manager / Intake Coordinator
MADISON RAKSINH, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker

HI, I'M CANDICE

Owner / Supervisor / Counselor

 

I am the Owner of InnerConnect Counseling, Supervisor and Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Gilbert, AZ. I earned my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University, and I am also a proud alumna of Arizona State University where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. During my time at ASU, I was honored to serve as the Treasurer and then President of Psi Chi, the International Honors Society in Psychology.

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In private practice, I specialize in working with individuals who experience a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, stage-of-life challenges, faith changes, divorce, self esteem problems, and blended family issues. I also have extensive experience working with high-achieving teens as well as older adults who are faced with chronic health concerns, end of life decision making and changes in abilities.

 

I believe that the most important aspect of therapy is the trust, respect, and alliance that is created between client and therapist. I hope that you are willing to share your story with me. 

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TRAINING 

Highlights of my professional training include:

  • Trauma-informed therapy and treatment

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy methods

  • Mindfulness and meditation techniques

  • Gottman marriage counseling (Level 1 trained)

  • Social media and effects on youth

  • Art therapy/creative interventions

  • Blended family research

  • Goal setting and professional development

  • Personal growth and planning

  • Coping with chronic illness

  • Life stages and transitions

    • Adolescence​

    • Young adulthood

    • Middle age

    • Older adulthood

HI, I'M BREE

Licensed Associate Counselor

Hey there! I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with InnerConnect Counseling, practicing in Gilbert, AZ. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University. Before joining the InnerConnect team I specialized in crisis intervention and stabilization counseling with youth and families involved in the child welfare system.  This includes trauma-informed therapeutic techniques as well as trauma-informed parenting education. 

 

In private practice my specialties include working with adults and teens on a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and struggles with low self esteem and self worth.  I also specialize in working with mothers who struggle with perinatal mood disorders (such as postpartum depression) as well as managing the many stressors and expectations of raising children in today’s society.  Being a parent is HARD these days and the most important thing to remember is that you are not in this alone!  For me, that message extends to any person, not just mothers, and is a cornerstone of my therapeutic approach.  I believe in creating genuine therapeutic relationships with my clients in an environment where you can relax and feel comfortable and safe. I would love the opportunity to hear your story and help you reach your goals! 

TRAINING 

Highlights of my professional training include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques

  • Trauma-informed therapy methods 

  • Trauma-informed parenting education 

  • Art therapy/creative interventions

  • Goal identification and personal development

  • Crisis intervention techniques

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HI, I'M ANNMARIE

Licensed Master Social Worker

Hello! I’m Annmarie and I'm a Licensed Master Social Worker with InnerConnect Counseling, practicing in Gilbert, AZ. I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from California Baptist University. I have extensive experience working as a behavior specialist, as well as providing crisis intervention and stabilization counseling to youth and families in the child welfare system.

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First and foremost, my priority is the mental health and well-being of my clients. I believe it is important to show up and create a sacred space where we can each be true to who we are as people while building a healthy professional relationship together as we embark on the journey of healing in therapy.

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My specialties include working with individuals who experience a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and family conflict. I also specialize in working with the challenges teens and parents face today.

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I believe in creating a safe environment utilizing empathetic understanding in order to create both healing and empowerment within my clients. I would love to offer you a safe space to grow, share your story, and work alongside you as you embark on your journey.

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TRAINING 

Highlights of my professional training include:

  • Mindfulness-based therapy

  • Behavioral therapy techniques

  • Cognitive behavior therapy techniques

  • Trauma-informed therapy methods

  • Trauma-informed parenting education

  • Crisis intervention techniques

  • Non-violent crisis intervention

  • Art therapy/creative interventions

  • Suicide prevention

HI, I'M MADISON

Licensed Master Social Worker

Hi there! My name is Madison and I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and a therapist at InnerConnect Counseling in Gilbert, AZ. I hold both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Much of my professional experience has been spent in education, where I have experience in providing IEP counseling services to kids of all ages, with a heavy focus on preventative approaches, crisis intervention and continued stabilization.

 

My specialties include working with teens and adults who are affected by anxiety, mood changes and stress. I have experience working with youth experiencing transitional phases and family stressors. I am dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. I also specialize in working with mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders.

 

As an advocate, my focus is on providing a stable and safe environment for clients, while supporting them through some of their toughest battles. I would love the opportunity to learn more about you and cheer you on as you navigate your journey.

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TRAINING 

Highlights of Madison’s professional training include:

  • Behavioral therapy

  • IEP Counseling

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

  • Trauma-informed therapy

  • Trauma-informed parenting education

  • Crisis intervention techniques

  • Non-violent crisis intervention

  • Suicide prevention

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HI, I'M ART

Office Manager / Intake Coordinator

Hi! I am the Office Manager and Intake Coordinator for InnerConnect Counseling. I handle many of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the business including returning incoming calls, scheduling intake appointments and managing billing and accounting. I look forward to speaking with you when you call!

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I have a bachelor's degree in Finance from Arizona State University, and I am currently working on my master's degree in Mental Health Counseling with the University of Phoenix. My professional background includes business management, sales, real estate, and property management. 

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In my spare time, I enjoy practicing jiu jitsu, playing pickleball, and spending time with my wife and our four teenagers.

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