Meet Candace North | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/Owner

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

Hi Candace, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Heart Behind Guiding Hope Counseling
Guiding Hope Counseling was founded with the intention of creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals can begin their healing journey—one step at a time. The practice was born from a deep belief that authentic, compassionate care can restore even the most wounded parts of us. Here, healing is not rushed; it’s honored.

At Guiding Hope, we hold space for people to show up exactly as they are, with all of life’s complexities. Our mission is to help each person build hope—hope that no matter the circumstances, there is always a path forward. This practice exists to remind our community that healing is possible, and they don’t have to walk that path alone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our Commitment in a Changing World
Guiding Hope Counseling continues to grow and adapt alongside the ever-changing world we live in. We face its twists and turns with compassion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to healing. As we navigate the aches and pains of our time, we remain focused on our purpose: to serve all those we can, with care and integrity.

As the founder, I work to provide our clinicians with the tools, support, and resources they need—not just to thrive professionally, but to care for our clients in meaningful and effective ways. We know the mental health landscape shifts with the tides of insurance coverage, social climates, and access to care, but our commitment never wavers. We are here—through every ebb and flow.

Guiding Hope Counseling is built on the foundation of healing. Every decision we make and every service we offer is grounded in that purpose. Whether it’s staying up late to connect someone with care, researching resources for underserved communities, or being present for someone in crisis, we show up—fully and authentically.

We are not just a practice. We are a family. We are rooted in the community, living the mission we stand for: to heal, to support, and to never give up on hope.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Rooted in the Heart of Uptown Yucaipa
Guiding Hope Counseling is proud to call Uptown Yucaipa home—a charming, small-town community where life slows down just enough to breathe a little deeper. Nestled among tree-lined streets and vintage storefronts, our practice is surrounded by a sense of nostalgia and hometown warmth.

Here, you’ll find the perfect spot for a thoughtful cup of coffee at Chai Tea Co., or enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many cozy, local restaurants just steps away. Uptown Yucaipa is also known for its antique shops and local treasures, making it a hidden gem for those who love a stroll through history.

We chose this location not only for its beauty and quiet pace, but because it reflects the kind of healing we value—grounded, genuine, and connected to community. Whether you’re here for therapy, work, or just a moment of stillness, Yucaipa offers a comforting backdrop that feels like home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honoring the Journey
The journey of creating Guiding Hope Counseling has been one of deep purpose and personal evolution. At its core, it is a testament to those who came before me—those who had the strength to persevere, to heal, and to lead with heart. I recognize and honor the powerful presence of the women and men in my life who helped shape my path.

To my grandmother and my mother, whose resilience and love laid the foundation for my own strength. To the mentors and peers who walked beside me—Raymond Hernandez and Debra Totten—your support helped bring this practice to life. I am forever grateful for your belief in me.

I also honor the memory of Dr. MacAfee, whose life’s work in healing those impacted by addiction left an indelible mark on me. His life partner, too, opened my heart to the profound compassion and dignity found within recovery. Through their legacy, I came to fully embrace the identity of the wounded healer—someone who grows not in spite of their pain, but through it.

Guiding Hope is not just a practice; it is a tribute to the strength of those who guided me and a promise to those still finding their way: you are not alone, and healing is possible.

Website: https://Guidinghopecounseling.com

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