Our Founding Story: Empowering Mental Health Through Compassionate Care
As International Women’s Day passes and we embrace Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting on the founding of Candor Therapy Network. Our story began in a moment of honesty and vulnerability—a powerful conversation that changed everything.
Candor Therapy Network was born from a pivotal experience during my own return to work after maternity leave. I returned to my role facing a difficult combination of postpartum depression, profound grief, and uncertainty about what it meant to be both a working mother and a therapist. I took every possible step to ensure a successful transition back into the workplace: attending therapy for anxiety, taking medication, speaking with my bosses, requesting specific days off, and seeking pumping accommodations. Yet, despite my efforts, I felt unsupported. The response I received was simply, “Do what you need.”
In a role where I’m expected to provide direct, face-to-face support, I couldn’t just leave my team to handle my responsibilities. I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and angry that my needs were being ignored. I had already taken all the necessary steps—yet I still had to do more. “Doing what you need” is not an accommodation—it’s a lack of support. My requests for pumping breaks, meeting accommodations, and necessary support were left unanswered until I took the step of including the legal team on my email to HR.
Fast forward to the end of my first week back, still waiting for responses, feeding my baby in a meeting (which, by the way, is highly illegal), and growing increasingly frustrated. I listened as upper management circled back to the same issues from my absence, issues I had already provided solutions for before going on leave.
So, I spoke out—honestly and unreservedly. And in return, I faced retaliation. I was micromanaged to the minute (literally, I received a minute-by-minute schedule) and asked to sign a form that misrepresented my conduct, claiming I was unprofessional and unable to be redirected. I reached out to trusted colleagues, and they agreed: my actions had been neither unprofessional nor uncooperative. The document was inaccurate.
I went to my physical therapy appointment and broke down, overwhelmed with emotions. How could the people I had worked with for over a year treat me this way? How had it gone from a simple conversation to a written warning? I had asked for help, but none came. I felt betrayed and unheard. I could not sign a document that contradicted the truth.
In that moment, I made a decision. I couldn’t continue in an environment that didn’t honor integrity or the therapeutic values of compassion and understanding. I resigned, choosing to leave behind a company where I felt my needs and concerns were dismissed.
As I shared my story with my colleagues during my final two weeks, a common thread emerged: “We should work together.” At first, it felt like the usual sentiment people express when someone is leaving a job. But then it clicked: Why couldn’t we work together? Why not create a company where compassion, ethics, and genuine support for both employees and clients could coexist? A place where therapists could take time for self-care without fear of losing benefits; where working mothers could return from maternity leave with the assistance they need; where employees feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow personally and professionally.
That vision became Candor Therapy Network.
At Candor Therapy Network, we are committed to providing compassionate, person-centered mental health care, supported by evidence-based therapies. We prioritize our employees’ well-being, offering a healthy work environment that allows for personal and professional growth. Because of our roots, we remain committed to continuously seeking feedback—whether it’s positive or critical—because we believe in constant improvement and adaptability.
As we look to the future, our goal is to continue staying true to our beginnings. We will advocate for both our clients and clinicians, striving for authenticity both in and out of the therapy room. We believe that being your true self fosters deeper connections and promotes real change. Authenticity not only enhances therapeutic outcomes but also drives meaningful growth for our clients.
We invite you to join us on your healing journey. At Candor Therapy Network, you will experience an honest, compassionate approach to therapy, rooted in evidence-based practices designed to help you reach your goals more effectively.
We can’t wait to meet you and support your mental health journey.