Molly is our newest addition to the Candor team. She brings several years of experience working with substance use disorders, veterans, teens, and (please let me know your fav populations here)
What inspired you to become a therapist?
I wanted to become a therapist after seeing firsthand how access to quality mental health care is shaped by social determinants and systemic barriers. I feel passionately that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I wanted to be part of making that care more accessible, compassionate, and equitable.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite part of this work is the therapeutic relationship itself. I value the opportunity to build trusting relationships and create a space where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, explore difficult experiences, and feel accepted without judgment.
What mental health concerns do you most enjoy working with?
I most enjoy working with substance use disorders and the co-occurring mental health concerns that often accompany them. As someone in recovery myself, it’s been very fulfilling to be a part of clients’ recovery communities and to witness the resilience, growth, and connection that can emerge throughout the recovery process.
What are you most passionate about helping clients overcome?
I find it especially rewarding to help clients recognize and move away from unhealthy coping mechanisms and patterns that no longer serve them. I enjoy supporting clients as they develop healthier ways of navigating difficult emotions, build self-understanding, and discover new ways of responding to life's challenges.
What is therapy like with you?
My style is collaborative, person-centered, and nonjudgmental. I want clients to feel comfortable showing up as they are, without feeling pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we'll explore your experiences, identify patterns that may be holding you back, and work toward changes that feel meaningful to you. I believe you're the expert on your own life, and my role is to support you along the way.
What therapeutic approaches do you most often use and why?
My background is in addiction treatment, where I've frequently used motivational interviewing to help clients explore ambivalence, strengthen their motivation, and move toward meaningful change. I also draw from psychodynamic theory and behavioral therapies to explore underlying beliefs and patterns, increase awareness of thoughts and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of coping.
What do you hope every client feels after leaving a session with you?
I hope every client leaves feeling heard, understood, and accepted. I also hope they leave with a greater understanding of themselves, a sense of hope, or simply the reassurance that they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.
What would you say to someone who has had a bad experience with therapy before?
Not every therapist is going to be the right fit for you, and that's okay. I know it can feel discouraging to have an experience that leaves you feeling misunderstood or unsupported. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and heard in therapy, and I hope you'll remain open to finding a therapist with whom you can build that kind of relationship.
If someone is reading this and wondering whether therapy is right for them, what would you say?
We all carry experiences that shape how we see ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world. Therapy can be an opportunity to better understand those experiences, work through challenges, and create meaningful change. You don't have to be in crisis or know exactly what you want to work on to benefit from therapy. If you're curious about understanding yourself better or simply want support navigating life, therapy can be a good place to start.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’m an avid hobbyist! I especially enjoy fiber arts, like knitting and crochet, as well as baking and cooking. I recently started cycling on the trails around Richmond, which has quickly become one of my favorite ways to get exercise while spending time in nature.
What’s your favorite way to practice self-care?
In addition to making time for my hobbies, I regularly practice grounding exercises to help me get out of my head and into the present moment. Often, this means stepping outside and taking a moment to notice the world around me—the birds singing, cicadas humming, or squirrels foraging. I find that slowing down and reconnecting with my surroundings helps me feel more present and grounded.
What days or times are you available?
I am currently offering sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12pm-6pm and on Thursdays and Fridays from 8am-3pm.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! I accept Anthem, United and self pay clients. VACCN and Aetna are pending.
Do you work in person or virtual?
I work both in person at our Richmond, VA office and virtually across Virginia.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with Molly today!