Hello & welcome!

I’m Dawn Bernard and I am a Registered Social Worker & Registered Psychotherapist, Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have been working in various adult mental health settings since 2005 and continue to be amazed at people’s incredible resiliency and ability to heal from the most difficult of circumstances.

Early-on in my career I recognized that the impact of individual and collective trauma is often at the root of many of the physical and mental health struggles we experience. Most of the ‘symptoms’ that bring people to therapy are actually coping strategies that our brains and bodies have developed to protect us, even though they cause us pain and/or suffering. Understanding what happened TO us is essential in trauma-informed therapy and creates a foundation for self-understanding and self-compassion.

My approach draws from somatic (body-based) approaches to healing, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Somatically Informed Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. I also incorporate strategies from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Compassion-Based Approaches. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, I integrate various therapeutic strategies based on your individual and unique circumstances.

Clients have told me that they feel safe with me, not judged, and that they appreciate my friendly, down-to-earth approach. They’ve also told me that they know I sincerely care about them and I cherish that - because I do. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is fundamental to successful therapy and I aim to be present, authentic, curious, playful, non-judgmental and respectful, working together as your ally and partner in healing.

It's not easy to reach out for help; I know - I've been there. It takes an authentic connection with a person who 'sees' and hears you for therapy to be meaningful and effective. Wishing you the best on your search for that right person. Perhaps that's me.