About Candis Ubiles
Founder, MSW, LCSW
Today, my training and vocation focus on helping others.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science at Concordia University in Irvine, CA. Three years later, I completed my Master’s of Social Work Program at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA.
After a few more years in the mental health and child welfare field, I made another big move to North Carolina, where I built my clinical experience even further and earned my licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2009.
I spent the next several years developing various areas of expertise, increasing leadership skills, learning what I was good at (and all along equally learning what I was not good at!).
Eventually, I made one more move in 2013, where I have been ever since, which brings me back full circle to Pennsylvania. Since then, I have practiced in many capacities and gained experience on so many fronts, all of which have directed me here – to Heritage of Hope Counseling.
My “why” is important to me.
And it’s important to me you understand this as well. My calling is to facilitate healing and restoration in this world, one important life at a time.
EVERYONE has value. Everyone! Yet when we feel anxious, depressed, or flat-out confused, it is sometimes hard to see through the weeds of pains and struggles and stay in touch with that.
The tools you will glean working with me will stand the test of time, so you can finally live a strong and peace-filled life. A life you deserve – marked with joy and freedom.
Education and Experience
My counseling journey started when I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science at Concordia University in Irvine, California, in 2001. For the next three years, I completed a Master’s of Social Work from Loma Linda University in California. From there, I earned my licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2009. I practiced clinical work across various settings with all populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, from 2001 to the present.
Over the past 20+ years, I have worked in county agencies, community mental health agencies, home settings, outpatient settings, and hospital settings. My most recent position included Director of Children Services at a local community mental health agency where I oversaw clinicians and programs providing therapeutic services to our community.
I also offer individual counseling in a private practice setting and provide education and training to the community through presentations and consultation on mental health and trauma.
In addition to my love for counseling, I also have a heart for supporting new clinicians and investing in their skillset and experience by providing ongoing supervision for those professionals working toward their licensure.
Over the years I have completed my Certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy that directs my work with clients who have experienced trauma. I also have history as a Certified Adoption Competent Trainer/Specialist. My most recent Certification is as a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Specialist to support my passion for nutrition and its impact on mental health. Finally, I remain an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to stay abreast on all things impacting our helping profession.
When I’m not working…
I absolutely love to be outdoors and surrounded by nature. Summer is my favorite time of year due to the long warm days and the ability to enjoy time either in the mountains, the beach or anywhere under the warm sun. My family and I often venture to North Carolina during the summer, having spent many years combing the beaches in the Outer Banks for seashells and exploring the wild coast. Yet we are most tender towards the little town of Southport, a historic fishing town along the Cape Fear River along the coast of North Carolina.
I am also a runner and have several marathons on my calendar at a given time. Running has been extremely therapeutic for me and keeping races on my calendar provides something exciting to look forward to throughout each season. Over the years I have learned to combine my adventurous spirit and love of travel with my running and am currently embarking on the 50 state goal of running 50 marathons in 50 states. If all goes accordingly to plan, it will take me another 10 years, so I have plenty of time to enjoy the process!
Finally, I am an avid reader and admit to always reading several books at once, many for personal growth and development, others simply for fun and entertainment. Books of any and all kinds are my greatest guilty pleasure!