Evidence Based Therapy with a Heart Centered Approach!

Your Joisey therapist providing a safe, trauma informed space, anchored in Faith and guided by Clinical Interventions.

About me: Grace S. Ardila, MSW, LCSW

Hi, I’m Grace, a Mental Health Clinician based in New Joisey!! I specialize in supporting adults as they navigate depression, anxiety, chronic suicidality, trauma related to family, religious, or sexual abuse, the psychological impact of medical conditions, and major life transitions.

My clinical work integrates a direct, collaborative approach with several evidence based modalities, including Psychodynamic Therapy (exploring unconscious and subconscious patterns), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (addressing unhelpful thinking styles), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (focusing on what matters most in the present moment). I also offer Christian Counseling, thoughtfully integrating faith into the therapeutic process for clients who desire a spiritually informed approach to healing.

Having lived with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of three (shoutout to my insulin pump, Bob!), I deeply understand the emotional and psychological complexities of managing a chronic health condition. This lived experience shapes my compassion and clinical insight when working with clients facing medical or long term health challenges.

I am passionate about working with individuals ages 19 to 65 and am grateful to offer services in both English and Spanish, providing a safe espacio for clients to be seen, heard, and supported.

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, loving on my dogs, napping, building puzzles, exploring art museums and libraries, staying active at the gym, and serving at my local Church; a community I care about deeply.

I look forward to listening to your story and partnering with you to strengthen your self awareness, self esteem, and effective communication skills as you move toward healing and growth! :)

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Who I Work With:

English and Spanish speaking adults (ages 19 and older)
Adults experiencing high functioning depression, chronic suicidality, or persistent feelings of emptiness despite outward stability
Adults struggling with intense, pervasive anxiety, including rumination, hypervigilance, and chronic stress
Individuals diagnosed with or navigating personality disorders and longstanding relational or emotional patterns
Survivors of family, religious, and sexual abuse trauma
Recently diagnosed individuals with Type 1 Diabetes
Adults with Type 1 Diabetes experiencing self care burnout
Individuals navigating separation or divorce (individual therapy only)
Individuals experiencing major life transitions or identity shifts
Pastoral and ministerial leaders seeking confidential, compassionate mental health support
Individuals seeking psychiatric clinical immigration evaluations

Populations I Refer Out For:

Children and adolescents under the age of 19
Couples or relationship counseling
Court mandated services or forensic evaluations
Substance use concerns requiring specialized or intensive treatment
Eating disorder treatment as a primary focus
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) when it is the primary diagnosis
ADHD specific assessment or treatment requiring specialized certification
Neuropsychological testing (I do provide DSM-5 Diagnoses)
Inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Services requiring a higher level of care beyond outpatient psychotherapy, including treatment needs exceeding two sessions per week

Consultations for Those Who Carry Others

I offer virtual, one hour video consultations for Pastors, Clinicians, and Leaders seeking to strengthen the mental health support within their spaces.

These consultations are designed for:

Pastors and ministry leaders looking to improve mental health awareness, response, and referral processes within their communities
Clinicians seeking consultation around complex cases, including chronic health conditions and the emotional impact on clients
Organizations and teams wanting to cultivate environments that support and sustain mental health in a practical, meaningful way

Each session is collaborative, practical, and tailored to your specific needs, offering both clinical insight and real world application.

Rate: $ 150 per hour

Professional Background & Certifications

Years of Practice: 6 years (last updated April '26)

State Licensure

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - New Jersey
New Jersey Mental Health Screener (Certified)
New Jersey Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate
New Jersey Certified School Social Worker

Certifications & Trainings

Gambling Counseling Training Certificate
Story Informed Trauma Therapy
Attachment Based Intervention Specialist
Sex, Desire, and Attachment (Certificate)
- Advanced training focused on supporting clients healing from sexual abuse and addressing concerns related to desire and intimacy through an attachment informed, developmental lens rooted in early relational experiences.
Clinical Immigration Evaluations Certificate

Education

Rutgers University, Graduate School of Social Work (MSW)
New Brunswick, New Jersey
University of Valley Forge (BSW)
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

sONGS YOUR JOISEY THERAPIST LOVES....

One of my favorite songs is His Name by Urban Rescue. I love how it captures hope, faith, and the power of God’s presence in such a moving, uplifting way. Every time I hear it, I feel reminded of God’s faithfulness and the beauty of His story in our lives. He cares about your story too!

Another one of my favorite songs is A Little Bit Longer by the Jonas Brothers. I love how it honestly expresses vulnerability, struggle, and perseverance, especially because it was written about living with Type 1 Diabetes, something I’ve navigated since childhood. The song reminds me that even in difficult moments, sharing our stories and leaning on hope can be healing, and that sometimes music can articulate what words alone cannot.

One song that often comes to mind when thinking about trauma and healing is “Til It Happens to You” by Lady Gaga. It captures the weight of survivors’ experiences, particularly those impacted by sexual abuse, while also highlighting the importance of empathy, validation, and creating spaces where individuals feel safe enough to begin healing.