My Biography
I will provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can work toward your own personal empowerment to overcome your struggles.
"Sandra is an exceptional and knowledgeable LCSW supervisor, her passion is demonstrated throughout her teaching. I’ve been very blessed to have learned so much during our time of Supervision. Thanks Sandra for always being a person of integrity and for your consistent desire to continue to help those you supervise" - R (former supervisee, shared with permission).
Sandra Montes is a bilingual, Latina therapist and the owner of In Motion Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her education at Loyola University Chicago. She holds Professional Educator License in the state of IL (formerly Type 73) and is a certified alcohol and other drug counselor (CADC). She is also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
Sandra has worked with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings from inpatient units to a community mental health settings. Using a trauma-informed lens, Sandra has helped clients with depression, anxiety, and stress management. Sandra is a firm believer in strength based perspective and cognitive behavioral therapy. Sandra also believes in a spiritual and holistic perspective in therapy. She also has a focus on behavioral activation or "moving" helping clients become motivated to move their physical bodies to feel relief for their emotional states.
Sandra provides supervision to MSWs looking to become licensed clinicians. She is registered with NASW-IL as an approved clinical supervisor and provides reflective, culturally informed supervision towards licensure for MSW graduates. She has experience in case consultation and developing mental heath programming.
Sandra enjoys running and has completed several half marathons. She has coached and helped clients go from couch to 5k and beyond. She has special interest in helping clients address their emotional barriers in weight loss and weight management.
Qualifications
- Loyola University Chicago-BSW
- Loyola University Chicago- MSW
- LCSW State of IL
- EMDR trained
- NASW approved clinical supervisor
- Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor-CADC State of IL
- Professional Educator License- PEL, State of IL
Specialties
- Teens
- EMDR
- Bilingual/Bicultural
- Clinical Supervision
- Walk and Talk
- Yoga Nidra
- Latino/x Mental Health Issues