Women | Couples | Executive Coaching | Divorce | Family | Dating | Emotional IQ
Could it be possible that I could love people for a living? That question has become the heartbeat of my work.
I remember several moments in graduate school when professors would discuss how change occurs in an individual or family system. As I sat through those classes, I came to realize that internal changes are the result of two experiences: great pain and great love. All too often the world is a source of great pain. I wanted my practice to be the source of great love. Could it be possible that I could love people for a living? That question has become the heartbeat of my work.
I went through a period of significant loss several years ago, and the pain seemed unbearable. Old patterns and ideas were destroyed at a fundamental level. I couldn’t help but see others—and, more importantly, myself—in dramatically different ways. Pain had changed me.
Clients often come to my office because they are in pain. If left unattended, pain alone will force change in many individuals and families. In my own life and practice, I have discovered that another person’s love is an invaluable gift during times like these. Love can be the difference between shame and empowerment, bitterness and hope, emptiness and worthiness.
Many of us focus on our own inadequacies, which causes us to make decisions from a place of fear rather than strength. The remedy? Understanding our own worth.
From the moment you reach out to me, I hope you’ll begin to recognize the unique place of importance you occupy in your family, your career, and even in my office. Feeling worthy of love is the baseline of mental and emotional health, and certainly a continuous journey for most of us. I make a conscious effort to infuse my entire practice with this principle in mind.
As your therapist, I will listen and offer new perspectives. I will be patient and non-judgemental. I will work hard to help you view the valley as a place of growth. With empathy and understanding, I will strive to impart hope. I won’t hesitate to use my own life experience and valuable education to spotlight recurring patterns that may be holding you back.
I am fortunate to help teens navigate the high school experience through individual sessions, group work, and speaking engagements. I love to help women find their voice, whether it be alone in my office, with a family member, or in their career. I help couples regain a sense of connection without sacrificing their independence. I value sitting with men as they practice vulnerability and authenticity. And I equip parents to strike the delicate balance of giving freedom and responsibility to their children.
I know all too well the hardships of divorce, raising children, remarriage, blending families, and redefining family roles and systems over time. Ironically, the one thing we can count on in life is change. Having a therapist who is on your “life team” is priceless. I would certainly consider it a privilege to be a part of your growth process.
and Accreditation
I was a resident assistant to 75 girls in undergrad and I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Psychology and English from Liberty University in 1999. I taught for a few years in both elementary and middle school settings and then completed my Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, where I specialized in working with individuals, couples, and families. I have extensive experience working within the mental health community facilitating groups, conducting assessments, counseling individuals, and performing crisis intervention. I hold an active License in Professional Counseling and am also a board-approved Counselor Supervisor for the state of Texas.
Additionally, I am honored to serve on the Advisory Board for SMU’s Digital Accelerator Program and am a graduate of Leadership North Texas and Leadership Richardson. I received training in Collaborative Law and am an active member of Collaborative Divorce Texas and Collaborative Law Dallas. I am also a member of the Texas Counseling Association, Texas Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, Texas Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, Texas Counselors for Social Justice, and Dallas Metro Counseling Association.
In 2014, I was named an Outstanding Women of Today Honoree for Small Business by Altrusa Richardson. In 2017, I became a candidate for a seat on the Richardson City Council and started a non-profit organization, Together Richardson, which aims to collaborate with many local charities and neighborhoods by raising awareness about community needs and solving problems together in a non-partisan way. In 2018, I acquired Richardson Living Magazine, a local publication that tells the stories of the diverse city of Richardson, Texas.
Hal Barkley, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Dispute Resolution and Counseling, and Faculty Member, SMU
“Life is hard; not all the time, but usually more often than we would like. Because she understands this, Cory Montfort is quietly becoming one of the preeminent counselors in the north Texas area. She possesses a rare ability to connect with people when life has become difficult, to sense the origins of their pain, and then to reach out and hold their hand as new beginnings are discovered.”
Gay McAlister, Ph.D., LPC-S, Director, SMU Program in Counseling
“What qualities do you want in a counselor? Most people want someone who is trustworthy, dependable, empathic, and with sound clinical skills. Those traits describe Cory Montfort perfectly. She offers insight, maturity, compassion, and understanding grounded in professionalism and integrity. Cory is a counseling professional with a breadth of experience and depth of discernment. As the counselor I would choose for myself, I offer my highest recommendation for Cory Montfort.”
Dr. Jackie Keish, Psychotherapist and Owner, Southlake Counseling and Neurofeedback Center
“Cory is very approachable as a counselor, often making her clients feel comfortable from the first session going forward. Her life skills, as well as her professional training and ethical core, sets her apart as an outstanding therapist. I recommend Cory to anyone looking for assistance with life issues.”
George Shake, MS, JD, Partner at Duffee and Eitzen Family Law
“Cory Montfort and The Montfort Group have helped so many clients from my law firm. Divorce and custody disputes are some of the most stressful events a person can experience. For our clients, the difference between just getting through something like this, versus actually making choices for yourself and your children and feeling happy and healthy is often The Montfort Group.”
Dr. Angela Stillman, LMFT, LPC, Therapist at Southlake Counseling and Neurofeedback Center
“Cory Montfort is the kind of colleague that anyone would want to have. She is dedicated to her work, exhibits true professionalism, and is enjoyable to work with. Not only is she a great colleague, she is also a wonderful counselor. She is knowledgeable, helpful, caring, and warm. Any client that walks through her door is a lucky person to have found such a gem of a counselor!”
Renae Cobb, LPC, Jungian Analyst, IAAP, Owner at Renae Cobb Counseling
“Cory possesses a unique combination of gifts and skills that allow her to excel as both a professional counselor and an administrator. Her life experience and deep empathy give her the ability to connect with children and adults and relate to them no matter where they are encountering difficulties. Cory also draws on broad experience in the school and professional realm that enables her to utilize her talents in the areas of case management and administration. Knowing and working with Cory has been my privilege.
Nishendu M. Vasavada, MD, PA, Psychiatrist, Owner at Lakeside Life Center
“Cory is a great therapist who understands when a psychiatric referral should be made. Her clients like her a lot and she works well with couples and teens.”
Maryellen Dabal, MA, LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Private Practice
“Cory has a clear passion for what she does and demonstrates a genuine care for others. She is dedicated to her clients and to her fellow colleagues. I value her perspective on situations and would not hesitate to turn to her for guidance or reassurance.”
Dr. Angela Martilik, LPC-S, Forensic Psychologist and Mediator
“Cory's professionalism and firm grasp of psychotherapy theory and technique make her an easy choice for client referrals. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking a skilled therapist.”