Gracie Berntsen, APCC

Gracie Berntsen is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor at Advanced Health Care. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at California State University, Long Beach and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling at Alliant International University. While completing her graduate degree, Gracie was a substitute teacher for 3 years in the La Mesa-Spring Valley and Poway school districts supporting students in general and special education.
Gracie began her clinical work with an internship at the San Diego Center for Children Academy, a non-public school with students from first grade through transitions (aged 22). There, Gracie conducted individual and group psychotherapy, as well as playing an active role in the classrooms and with the Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. Gracie then worked in the Lakeside school district providing therapy for elementary aged students and identifying outside support for at risk students. Gracie went on to work at High Tech High providing individual therapy, class lessons, crisis intervention and case management for high school students and their families. 
Gracie has also volunteered with The Elizabeth Hospice counseling family members of individuals on hospice through bereavement and grief counseling. She helped lead Camp Spero, a weekend of activities and bonding for grieving children. Gracie also co-facilitated a miscarriage/infant loss weekly process group where she discovered a passion for helping clients navigate women’s health issues. Gracie is interested in helping women going through infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. 
Gracie has a passion for helping clients create positive change and live a life aligned with their values. She has experience working with a diverse client population such as clients with ADHD, anxiety, Autism, depression, grief, self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, trauma and much more. Gracie aims to create a safe and supportive space for clients to share about themselves and their needs while gaining insight and resources. She believes the client is the expert in their story, and the therapist is there to help guide them and untangle their stressors with them.  Gracie utilizes strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy, while maintaining a trauma informed lens and cultural humility. Outside of the therapy office, Gracie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and enjoying the beautiful sunshine and scenery that San Diego offers. 
At this time, Gracie Berntsen, APCC works under the direct supervision of Dr. Sarah Ray, Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Bindhu Davis, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as she gains hours toward licensure.
Pronouns: she/her/hers