Grace Montes

Hi, I’m Grace! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, but you might also call me a guru, confidant, or helper. Seeking out help is a huge first step, and I am so happy that you have made your way to our website! I have been there myself, and now I want to help you. I have over a decade of experience helping individuals work through their unique struggles. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, angst, or self-doubt, I believe that self-awareness and courage are powerful catalysts that lead to transformation. Our therapeutic relationship will be unique and collaborative. “Kind, funny, tough” summarizes my approach to every session. You can expect me to listen non-judgmentally to your stories. I will help you feel safe, and guide you in our therapeutic process. I will meet you where you are in terms of your desire to change. But, I will also challenge you and explore the obstacles that hold you back from living the life you want. My passion for learning and for community were combined when I entered my first class of Introduction to Psychology. I have always been fascinated by human behavior and I truly enjoy helping others, so combining these two seemed fitting. In my journey to becoming a professional counselor, I had to adapt, restore, become, optimize and rebuild. Going through these phases were not always clear or easy but becoming a counselor has been rewarding and meaningful. It is because of this personal experience that I know how rewarding it can be when you make it through to the other side of these transformative challenges. I enjoy working with older adolescents and adults in either individual or group settings. My areas of expertise include life transitions, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. In my time off, I enjoy traveling, spending time with loved ones, reading, and watching movies. Experience and Qualifications Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from New Jersey City University Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the College of Saint Elizabeth, with a concentration in Forensic Psychology Advanced Counselor Training Certificate to provide clinical supervision for counselors seeking to attain their license Works as a Quality Management Specialist for a mental health organization Prior experience in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, traumatic reactions and sexual assault Fluent in Spanish