We had the good fortune of connecting with Kandace Ledergerber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kandace, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
While going through my schooling and developing as a young professional, I spent much of my career in non-profit settings. I saw so many people who deserved better care than they were receiving or needed services utterly different from what they were getting. I can’t even begin to count the number of trauma survivors I have had the honor of working with and hearing their stories sparked a passion within me. I knew that I wanted to help trauma survivors heal on a much deeper level, and to make this happen, I knew I needed to start my own business.

After building the foundation of my business, it is my goal and priority to provide this level of healing to clients who choose to work with me and additionally to people who would not have access to the same care by offering several pro-bono slots and working with a non-profit that has a greater reach. I feel that giving back is essential, and this level of healing should be accessible to all who need it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am extremely passionate about working with trauma survivors, specifically those who have survived sexual abuse and assault. As I shared, when working in the non-profit setting, because of the nature of the system, I saw all too often that people were not getting the services that they needed to heal and move forward with their life. I knew I needed to leave this system to make a real impact. Getting to where I am today certainly has had its challenges; becoming a licensed clinician is no easy feat, and in addition to becoming licensed, I wanted to ensure I was educating myself and receiving training in modalities that would provide long-term healing and growth for the clients I am so passionate about serving. Perseverance and support have been vital in overcoming many challenges I have encountered as I have built and continue to build my own business. Growing my own business has been one of the most powerful self-exploration and self-improvement exercises I could have ever pursued. I have learned so much about myself in this process and have had to grapple with many areas of discomfort and places of growth to move forward and provide healing to others. Through my self-exploration and the healing processes of so many, I have developed the heart of my business. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, relaxed setting where trauma survivors can be exactly who they are. Through different exercises and as a team, we develop resources and skills they can use throughout the week to give them a sense of grounding and stability. The client is always in the driver’s seat, and I am a GPS, making suggestions and observations. As we go through the therapy process and they feel comfortable, we use EMDR therapy to help them process the past traumas that have haunted their life, triggered them daily, and kept them up at night. Clients find a shift in perspective as they process the trauma, and the memories feel less charged and overwhelming. Through this process, they can find their authentic voice and the true core of who they are instead of trauma running the show. The podcast I’m launching for trauma survivors officially has a website and launches April 24th.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is such a tough one! I was born and raised here in Phoenix and have only recently moved back after living in other states for 15 years, so in a lot of ways I am re-acclimating myself to Arizona. I would say we would have breakfast at The Cracked Egg and go browsing for books at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and/or Bookmans. If we had some extended time, going for a hike somewhere in Phoenix or in Sedona or enjoying First Friday in downtown Phoenix would be wonderful. And we would finish the day off with dinner at Popo’s Fiesta Del Sol Mexican Restaurant with laughs and amazing food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner has, by far, always been my greatest supporter. He has always helped me recognize and lift my drive, goals, and dreams for helping others in their healing journey. In addition to him, my family and close friends who truly know my heart and why I do the work I do have always helped elevate me. I also would not be where I am today without the mentorship and friendship of Brittany Graniero, the nonprofit organizations I have worked with, Connect EMDR for their excellent training, and the Beyond Healing community and ZynnyMe for their efforts in always helping clinicians embrace the power of learning.

Website: https://soulmission-emdrtherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmission_emdrtherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kandace-ledergerber-soulmission/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulmissionmentalhealthandyoga

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMY8vwpkZGhmUAUYabk-_LQ

Other: I am launching a podcast on April 24th! In these 30-60 minute episodes, my guests and I will provide accessible trauma resources and paths of healing so trauma survivors can move out of survival mode, out of trauma, and into the life they want to be living. https://soulmission-emdrtherapy.com/podcast

Image Credits
Amalie Orrange Brenda Eden

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