Colleen Bernhardt
I'm here to meet you exactly where you are and help you recognize that you are not alone. I'm a therapist who has been in the trenches myself, and come out on the other side with hope. I'm here to walk beside you during the tough times and give you tools to overcome the challenges you are facing. There are strategies you can use to help you come out stronger than you believed.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My approach is down to earth and compassionate, but direct. The first session will be information gathering as I ask questions to get to know you and understand what you are hoping to get out of therapy. Together, we will establish goals that are tailored to your needs. You are truly the expert in your own life, and I'm here as a sounding board to help you find a direction forward that feels right to you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have five years of experience working with individuals from all walks of life. I use brainspotting to help clients process difficult experiences on a deeper level. I'm LGBTQ affirming and am passionate about helping those from marginalized communities. I recognize that the most important factor in treatment outcomes is the relationship between the client and the therapist - and that is why I recommend finding a therapist who makes you feel welcome, seen, and heard.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
If you're struggling with stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship problems, you've come to the right place. I use evidence-based approaches (CBT & DBT) to help tackle negative thinking patterns and difficulty managing emotions. I'm also passionate about attachment theory and love helping clients learn about their attachment style to improve their relationships.
Location
VirtualMy treatment methods
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is used to process difficult experiences using the gaze of your eyes to focus on a particular spot. It can help with anxiety, trauma, or areas where clients feel stuck. Brainspotting can help with processing on a deeper level than talk therapy because it uses the eyes to access the part of the brain.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients unpack negative thinking patterns that may be contributing to their anxiety or depression. Together, we identify where thoughts may have become distorted and reframe them to create a more positive outlook.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help with managing intense, difficult emotions. DBT uses distress tolerance to help clients cope with emotion regulation.