About Holding Space Therapy

holding space therapy works to help families navigate Through difficulties in mental health challenges, stressors of parenting and overall family disconnects. through the use of Play Therapy, Family Therapy, and/or talk therapy, holding space therapy creates a safe space for children and their families to receive support as they grow and heal.

Candace Rutkowski, MA, LMFT, RPT-S™
(She/Her)

I am so happy that you found my website and are curious about how I can help! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and have been practicing in a variety of ways since 2013.

I have wanted to be a therapist since I was 15-years-old after discovering the joy in helping others. While I have always found children to be magical in how they participate in the world, it was not until my undergraduate career when I realized serving them and their families is my true passion!

Trained in Family Systems Theory, I believe healing happens within the context of healthy relationships both within and outside of families, and that the caregiver-child relationship is one of the most important building blocks of life. I specialize in working with children birth through 12-years-old, their caregivers, and their families. I love helping children heal through challenges life throws at them as well as supporting their caregivers to create the healthiest versions of themselves and their families.

After learning about Play Therapy in graduate school, I knew I had to become a Registered Play Therapist. Children’s natural form of communication is play therefore, traditional talk therapy is not appropriate for them. Watching children heal, grow, and gain confidence using the therapeutic power of play has been one of my greatest joys as a therapist!

I focus on establishing and maintaining a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients and their caregivers because without trust, healing will be a difficult goal to achieve. I love receiving feedback from those I serve and always aim to provide the best care possible.

Contact me to schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation so we can discuss your child and family’s needs.

Get in touch

Credentials

WI Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; 2022
License #1413-124
MN Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; 2016
License #3072
Registered Play Therapist Credential; 2019
Credential #T-4613
Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor Credential; 2023
Credential #S-3322
University of Minnesota- Twin Cities; 2010
BA in Child Psychology
Minor in Family Social Science
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; 2013
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration in Play Therapy
Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: DC:0-5; 2017
Experiential Play Therapy® Intensive; 2018
Theraplay® Level One & Marschak Interaction Method; 2020
FirstPlay® Infant Play Therapy Intensive; 2023
Sandtray Therapy Basics; 2024
AutPlay® Therapy Training Intensive; 2024
President, Wisconsin Association for Play Therapy; February 2024- Present
Member, Association for Play Therapy (APT)
Member, Wisconsin Association for Play Therapy (WIAPT)
Member, Minnesota Association for Play Therapy (MNAPT)
Member, Zero to Three
Member, Infant and Early Childhood Division of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH-IEC)
Member, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH)
Member, World Association of Sand Therapy Professionals

Philosophy & Approach

First and foremost, all are welcome here! I love working with children and their families from all walks of life, and work hard to establish and maintain a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship. I understand that people have multiple aspects of their identity that are important, and I aim to understand and respect them.

When working with children, I find it important to meet them where they are at developmentally. Play Therapy allows for this as play is children’s natural form of communication. After meeting with caregivers to assess presenting concerns, I then work to support children in expressing feelings, learning life skills, and experiencing an overall sense of healing through the therapeutic power of play!

I have interest and passion in working with children ages birth through 12-years-old who struggle with, or whose lives are impacted by any of the following. Additionally, I enjoy celebrating and supporting those with a neurodivergent identity.

Attachment
Sibling/Peer Conflict
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma
Anger Management
Self-Esteem Issues
Self-Harm
Grief/Loss
Divorce Reaction
Life Cycle Stages
Defiance
Transitions Within Daily Life
Regression
Family Stress

A special note to caregivers: One of my core beliefs as a therapist is that the caregiver-child relationship is one of the most important building blocks of life. Therefore, your participation in your child’s healing process will be vital and I do not work with children in isolation. I am going to ask for your commitment to meet with me at times without your child present. My goal in these sessions is to support you in your parenting journey. We might explore your history in order to do this or I might recommend that you work with your own therapist as well. While holding space for you, I will also partner with you in order to actively implement positive and healthy change for your child, yourself, and your family.