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Candace Washington        

CEO of Restorative Minds Therapeutic & Wellness Services, Suicide Survivor & Author of "Breathe: Rest, Reflect, Reset"

Candace Washington, MSW, LMSW, also known as Candace Writes, is the Founder and CEO of Restorative Minds Therapeutic and Wellness Services in Bowie, Maryland. She is a Mother, Author, Minister, Board-Certified Licensed Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Suicide Survivor, Production Therapist, and a United States Air Force Veteran. Washington graduated from Bowie State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and Howard University with a master's degree in social work. With more than ten years of experience, Washington specializes in providing mental health services through advocacy, consulting, education, and clinical support. She has offered her services to corporate agencies, military/veteran organizations, production companies, public and private schools, BIPOC communities, and faith-based assemblies.

Washington is multifaceted. She is the author of "Breathe: Rest, Reflect, Reset," and "Woman of God: 60-Day Devotional." As a storyteller in literature, a lover of film and television, and a therapist, her interest in the arts and her desire to see people have fulfilling lives have intersected, as she believes that what we see and hear may be therapeutic and that music and film is a healing source. She has garnered notoriety as an in-demand licensed mental health professional and speaker, and she frequently speaks about faith, mental health, and her message of hope and restoration. She has worked for prominent networks such as BET as a Production Therapist, providing post-production services for their feature film For What It's Worth, supporting and promoting optimal wellness for the cast and crew, and spearheading mental health initiatives at the nexus of film and mental health. Washington facilitates prominent mental health dialogues on Howard and Yale University campuses. She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Mental Health Professionals by the Boris L. Henson Foundation, founded by Taraji P. Henson, and one of Upscale Magazine's Top 40 Under 40.

Washington is a Psychotherapist at Totally Whole Counseling Services in Baltimore, Maryland. She supports and guides clients on their healing journey, providing therapy to adolescents and adults working through, but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, suicidality, and trauma. As the CEO of Restorative Minds Therapeutic and Wellness Services, the company promotes mental health competency through education, training, coaching, and consulting. Washington resides in Maryland with her sons, Bryson and Braxton.

Speech Topics

Understanding and Navigating Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Suicidal Ideation, and Trauma

According to research, 1 in 5 people have a mental health disorder. Candace teaches people about common conditions like anxiety, depression, grief, suicide ideation, and trauma.

Determining common illnesses' causes, symptoms, and valuable coping techniques helps promote a healthy lifestyle. It's crucial to encourage conversations about mental health conditions, normalize our feelings and thoughts, and be aware of the treatment and resources available to us, our employees, and our loved ones.

This is because mental health conditions can cause significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior'.

Mental Health and the Black Community

Within BIPOC communities, receiving mental health services is stigmatized. To end the stigma associated with mental health and close the cultural gap around mental health, Candace is committed to promoting mental health dialogue as a psycho-educator.

According to Mental Health of America, "Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present-day racism - structural, institutional, and individual – and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities including inadequate access to and delivery of care in the health system".

As a result, it is crucial to promote trust, mental health competency, and education about caring for our minds, bodies, and souls. Candace explores the interconnectedness of race, culture, and mental health in greater detail to normalize our humanity and encourage more within her community to receive support."

Let's Talk About Suicide

According to Mental Health of America, "Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death." Suicidal thoughts and intrusive thoughts are two things that might happen while someone is going through a mental health crisis.

Candace encourages discussions regarding the warning indicators of suicidality and recovery as a suicide survivor. She delves deeply into the behavioral, emotional, and psychological changes associated with suicidal ideation.

Candace looks at healthy coping strategies and how to provide support and tools to those of us who love someone struggling with negative thoughts, hopelessness, or worthlessness.

Establishing Workplace Mental Health Competency

We spend a significant amount of time at work. Although you might enjoy your job, others might find it lessens their level of life satisfaction. This talk encourages businesses to prioritize workplace emotional and mental wellness efforts to foster an exceptional work-life balance.

Additionally, this talk encourages workers to put their wellness first by implementing self-care routines that aid in emotional control and decompression.

The Society for Human Resource Management says, "Many employers are enhancing emotional and mental health benefits". Implementing mental health measures promotes productivity, retention, and humanization.

Bridging the Gap Between Spirituality and Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses (NAMI) claims that "Both religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health". Both religion and spirituality can help a person tolerate stress by generating peace, purpose, and forgiveness. It is expected that when one connects with a higher power during difficult or depressing times, one will gain wisdom and courage.

Historically, religious practices across generations have shown a stigma associated with mental health. However, in these forward-thinking times, there are more conversations about the intersection of spirituality and mental health, encouraging education and normalizing one's human experiences when seeking mental health services.

Bridging the Gap Between Spirituality and Mental Health explores the value of utilizing your faith and core beliefs to handle unexpected events in life. Furthermore, examining how effectively integrating one's faith with receiving mental health care produces the best outcomes.

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