About Me
I see therapy as a dynamic process that can help people feel freer and more engaged in the world as they’d like to be.
I have a special focus in working with those in creative fields and pursuits, adolescents and adults who identify as LGBTQIA+, and those seeking support for challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and attachment wounds. I bring special attention to the way identity and power impact us all, and welcome patients from all backgrounds.
How I Work
My approach is informed by contemporary psychoanalysis, family systems, DBT therapies, and my social work experience. I thus help people cope with but also better understand and put words to the full complexity of their emotions, moods, and thoughts—including those that uncover real-time in our work together. As the process unfolds, we’ll unearth patterns of relating and being that got you to where you are, but may now be limiting your further expansion. As you build greater self understanding, greater self compassion can hopefully follow.
Education and Training
I received my MSW from Smith College School for Social Work, where I studied relational psychotherapy and liberation health, and completed postgraduate training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the William Alanson White Institute. I hold a BA in Sociology from Wesleyan University.
Specializations
Anxiety: Excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings; sudden and intense feelings of panic; physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest or pleasure in activities; changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels; difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Shame: Feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, or self-loathing; excessive self-criticism; strong need for approval; avoidance of situations that trigger shame; engaging in harmful behaviors or addictions to cope.
Trauma: Experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, numbness, or dissociation related to traumatic events such as abuse, violence, accidents, disasters, or combat; difficulty feeling safe or trusting others; negative impact on self-worth and relationships.
Life transitions: Supporting individuals through significant life changes such as career shifts, relocation, relationship changes, or personal growth; managing the stress, uncertainty, and emotional upheaval that often accompany transitions; fostering resilience and adaptability; providing strategies to navigate new roles and environments successfully; promoting a positive outlook and a sense of control during periods of change.
LGBTQIA: Exploring topics related to sexuality, gender identity, and orientation; addressing challenges such as discrimination, coming out, and navigating relationships; providing a supportive space for self-exploration and affirmation; promoting mental health and well-being within the LGBTQIA community; fostering resilience and coping strategies; supporting individuals in building a strong and positive sense of identity and belonging.
Identity: Exploring and understanding various aspects of personal identity, including cultural, racial, gender, sexual, and social identities; addressing confusion or conflict related to identity development; supporting individuals in navigating identity-related challenges and transitions; promoting self-acceptance and authenticity; fostering a strong sense of self and belonging through therapeutic guidance and exploration; helping to integrate multiple facets of identity into a cohesive and empowered sense of self.
Career concerns: Feeling unfulfilled, dissatisfied, or stagnant in one’s job or career; lack of motivation, engagement, or sense of purpose; experiencing burnout, chronic stress, or work-life imbalance; concerns about job security or professional growth.
Discrimination: Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, or other aspects of identity; developing coping strategies and resilience; promoting self-advocacy and empowerment; exploring and challenging internalized biases and negative beliefs; fostering a sense of self-worth and belonging through therapeutic guidance and support.
Relationship challenges: Frequent conflicts, disagreements, or misunderstandings with a partner; feeling unheard, disrespected, or emotionally disconnected; struggling with jealousy, infidelity, or lack of trust; decreased intimacy and shared enjoyment.
Grief: Providing support through the emotional and psychological process of mourning and loss; addressing feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion; helping individuals navigate the stages of grief and find ways to honor and remember their loved ones; promoting healing and resilience through therapeutic techniques; assisting in the transition to a new normal and finding meaning and purpose after a significant loss.
Contact
To schedule a free phone consultation, contact me at sbernardpsychotherapy@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting you.