Candace Martin

Hi, I’m Candace Martin, LMSW (MI), LISW-CP (SC)

I’m a fully licensed clinical social worker in both Michigan and South Carolina and the founder of Broken Space Counseling, a practice built on the belief that healing begins in safe spaces. With over a decade of experience in the helping field, I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University and have extensive experience working with clients impacted by complex family dynamics, foster care, substance use in the home, adoption, low self-worth, and developmental disabilities. I’m also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrate trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches into my work.

I’m especially passionate about serving families raising children with special needs, individuals healing from childhood emotional wounds, and those seeking to reclaim their identity and worth. My goal is to walk alongside you as you process, grow, and move toward the life you were meant to live free, whole, and empowered.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, I’m here to hold space for you

My Therapeutic Approach

I believe healing happens in safe, compassionate spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and respected. My approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, and deeply relational. I meet clients where they are with empathy, curiosity, and without judgment—and work collaboratively to help them reconnect with their truth, their voice, and their worth.

I’m trained in EMDR and often integrate this with Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based practices to help clients process trauma, shift negative beliefs, and develop practical coping skills. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding after emotional pain, or trying to reclaim your sense of identity, I create a space that honors both your strength and your struggle.

How I Work With Clients

Sessions with me are both grounding and growth-oriented. I don’t rush the process—I pace our work in alignment with your readiness and capacity. I help clients explore the “why beneath the what” and challenge patterns that no longer serve them while supporting them in building new, healthier ones. I bring both clinical insight and a down-to-earth energy to our sessions.

Style & Specialization

My therapeutic style is warm, direct, and deeply intuitive. I specialize in working with adults navigating:

• Childhood emotional neglect and trauma
• Grief and complicated loss
• Low self-worth and identity challenges
• Life transitions and caregiver fatigue
• Parenting children with disabilities or special needs
• Generational trauma and recovery from dysfunctional family systems

Many of my clients are high-functioning yet deeply exhausted from being “the strong one” for too long. I help them unlearn survival-based patterns and step into lives rooted in authenticity, rest, and self-compassion.

What Clients Can Expect From Sessions With Me

When you enter into therapy with me, you can expect a space that feels grounding, safe, and affirming. I create an environment that allows you to take off the emotional armor, explore your truth, and be fully human, without fear of judgment. Whether you’re holding deep grief, past trauma, or uncertainty about your identity or future, I hold space with care, consistency, and compassion.

In our work together, you can expect to:

• Gain clarity and insight into patterns, emotions, and beliefs that may be holding you back.
• Heal old wounds through trauma-informed care, including EMDR, IFS-informed work, and narrative healing.
• Build emotional regulation skills and strengthen your ability to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
• Reclaim your voice by learning to set boundaries, prioritize your needs, and speak your truth.
• Grow your sense of worth and identity, especially if you’ve experienced invalidation, abandonment, or family dysfunction.

My therapeutic goals are never one-size-fits-all. We collaborate to set meaningful, measurable goals based on where you are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Whether your goal is to feel less anxious, rebuild your self-esteem, process trauma, or simply not feel so alone, we’ll work together to help you get there at a pace that honors your process.