Healing doesn’t begin with fixing what’s “wrong” — it begins with feeling safe, understood, and supported.

Hello, I am Kristina Bernat, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 18 years of experience in the behavioral health field, and my work is rooted in trauma-informed care. Throughout my career, I’ve supported individuals across a wide range of social service and mental health settings, which has given me a deep appreciation for how complex — and deeply personal — healing can be.

Much of my work focuses on supporting individuals navigating the effects of trauma and chronic stress, particularly how these experiences impact the nervous system, emotional regulation, and sense of safety in the body. Trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts — it lives in our physiology, shaping how we respond to the world, to relationships, and to ourselves. My approach honors that reality.

I use evidence-based, trauma-informed practices that are thoughtfully tailored to each person’s unique experiences, needs, and pace. Therapy with me is not about pushing through or reliving experiences before you’re ready. Instead, we focus on creating a compassionate, grounded space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered — a space where your nervous system can begin to soften and recalibrate.

I specialize in working with women, recognizing that gender, lived experience, and systemic stressors often shape how trauma is experienced and carried. Many women come to therapy feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode — doing everything they can to keep going while quietly struggling beneath the surface. You are not alone in this, and there is nothing weak or broken about you.

My role is to walk alongside you as you reconnect with your inner strength, build tools for regulation and resilience, and develop new ways of responding to stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Together, we work toward healing that feels sustainable — not just coping, but creating space for safety, connection, and hope.

Your mental health matters. Your experiences matter. And you deserve support that honors your story.

If you’re ready to explore what healing could look like for you, I invite you to reach out when it feels right.