Meet Child & Family Therapist Candice

Pronouns: she/her

Hello! I’m glad you landed here. I’m Candice Guertin–a licensed therapist  and consultant in private practice in Beaverton, Oregon, USA. I specialize in counseling gifted children (in the state of Oregon) and I coach and consult with parents of gifted children locally and nationally.

The Facts:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) T3606

  • Prior work experience as a elementary school counselor, outpatient child therapist, and day treatment therapist.

  • Board member of OATAG (Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted) serving years 2022,2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026

  • National speaker on the social/emotional needs of gifted people (SENG, 2023)

  • Scholarship Judge for Mensa 2025 & 2026

  • Active member of two multidisciplinary consultation groups

One facet of my approach involves teaching clients tools to regulate their nervous system, encompassing practices such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness techniques. By mastering the art of nervous system regulation, clients can experience a sense of calm and gain better control over their emotional responses. Through this journey, they uncover an inner balance, fostering lifelong resilience.

    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Licensed by the State of Oregon / T3606

    • Masters of Arts in Counseling

    • Certified Yoga Sculpt Instructor Corepower Yoga

    • Board member of OATAG (Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted). Annual Conference speaker 2022, 2023

    • National speaker on the social/emotional needs of gifted people (SENG, 2023)

    • Prior work as a Child & Family Therapist in day treatment, school, and outpatient settings

    • Practicum completed at Washburn Center for Children, Minnesota's top mental health center for children

    • Trained in the developmental repair model by Dr. Ann Gearity

    • Dedicated to working within an integrative care model: Active member of two Integrative Practitioner groups 

    • Fierce advocate for the advancement of gifted education.

    • 7 years as a corporate recruiter in financial, dental and medical device industries

  • Laugh Your Way to Licensure: A 5-Step, Brain-Based MFT Exam Preparation Program, 2025

    Somatic Experiencing (SE) Basic Principles Online, 2024

    NAGC Leadership & Advocacy Conference, 2024

    Tony Robbins Unleash The Power Within Seminar, 2023

    Kriya Yoga 6 week course with Keith Lowenstein MD, 2022

    Polyvagal Theory Online Training, 2021

    The Importance of Play for Anxious Children Workshop, 2020

    Body & Movement to Work with Emotions

    Workshop with Barbara Nordstrom- Loeb MA, MFA, LMFT, BC-DMT, CMA, SEP, WoST, 2019

    Yoga with Shiva Rea at Esalen Institute, 2018

    Certified Yoga Sculpt Instructor through Corepower Yoga, 2016

    MELT Method training with creator Sue Hitzmann, Palo Alto, 2013

    Sleep Hygiene & Myofacial Release, Red Mountain Resort, 2012

  • I want gifted children to know they aren't alone!

    This work has been cultivating since I was a child. I remember journaling extensively, as it was the only way I knew to express the buildup inside me. I have always felt a deep desire to make an impact. It wasn’t until after over 15 years of yoga practice, discussions with mentors, and regular meditation that I was able to connect with my authentic self—the child who felt alone and yet was always surrounded by friends. I had a void inside me that I couldn’t figure out until the word "gifted" changed my life. I experience the world intensely, with an insatiable curiosity, sensitivity and my love for learning is evident in the hundreds of books that fill my many bookshelves.

    When I chose to specialize in working with gifted children, there was no guide to follow. Instead, I created a unique framework shaped by my life experiences, extensive knowledge, and insights gained through research and mentorship. My approach has been influenced by Dr. Deborah Ruf, the inspiring work of psychologist Christine Fonseca, and Paula Prober, consultant and author of Your Rainforest Mind. Most importantly, it reflects the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from the gifted children I have the privilege to work with.

    Body based practices (breath work, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness) have served as a doorway for me, helping both myself and the children and families I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I’m excited to share these insights with you.