Religion can be a powerful and supportive experience. But some of your clients experienced something quite different. Exposed to rigid, toxic and controlling beliefs in their families, churches and other relationships, they’re left struggling to unpack the resulting trauma, loss of self and twisted web of feelings and emotions about themselves. In this session, view Candice Richardson Dickens for a deeper understanding of one of the most overlooked forms of abuse and how we as therapists can recognize the signs and respond.
Candice R. Dickens, LCPC-S, LCADC, NCC, MA, CCTP, is a licensed clinical professional counselor supervisor, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, national certified counselor, and certified clinical trauma professional with over 35 years of clinical experience. She is the founder and clinical director of CRA Counseling & Consulting Agency in Ellicott City, Maryland, where she specializes in treating complex trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, marital conflict, and substance use among high-achieving adults and couples. She’s trained in multiple evidence-based modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and Imago Relationship Therapy. Her clinical approach integrates culturally sensitive, trauma-informed techniques with somatic and mind-body practices, including trauma-informed yoga, Yoga Nidra, breathwork, and meditation.
A dedicated community organizer and professional leader, Ms. Dickens serves on the executive board of the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and is a national workshop proposal reviewer for the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). She is an active scholar and educator whose work centers on intersectional, narrative-driven approaches to counselor education, with a particular focus on amplifying the experiences of neurodivergent black women in graduate education. She is also a popular speaker and has been featured at major conferences such as NAADAC National Conference, Black Mental Health Alliance Conference, Psychotherapy Networker, and Boston University School of Social Work.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Candice Richardson Dickens has employment relationships with ACENTRA Health, Echelon Community Services, and CRA Counseling & Consulting Agency. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Candice Richardson Dickens an executive board member for The Night of Peace Shelter and is a member of the Maryland Association of Imago Therapists.
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