Bernadette Gurney is a Spanish bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who received her Bachelors' in Clinical Psychology from Mount. St. Mary’s University, and her Masters in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. Bernadette has worked with unaccompanied minors in shelters, families in the DCFS system, and children, adolescents and families who have experienced deep and painful trauma in their lives. Bernadette has a great deal of experience, focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, and mindfulness. Her patience and level of compassion in her work with all of her clients is well respected and she adds positive energy to the group culture at Valencia Relationship Institute. Bernadette has had training in Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, Play therapy, Solution Focused and working with different cultures and cultural identities. Bernadette’s focus is on allowing clients to work through their difficulties and traumas collaboratively with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental standpoint as a way for adults, children, teens, and families to assist themselves in their personal growth.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I usually discussing Confidentiality, the Limits to Confidentiality, paperwork, asking and answering questions along with the intake.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety and trauma. I find that giving clients psycho-education on things like anxiety and depression helps people to understand what they are feeling and experiencing. When there is a patient person explaining what they are experiencing and having a conversation about how to navigate through the challenges in a way that will be the most healthy for the client to grow.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Children & Teens, Adults, Family Counseling, Gender/Society issues, Trauma Focused, Bilingual Spanish

About Bernadette Gurney