Stephanie Bernasconi, LMHC, QS
Child & Family Therapist
Specialties: Child therapy (2 years and older), Anxiety, ADHD, Play Therapy, Sand tray, Parenting, Faith-based, Trauma
- Fostering a safe place to explore, discover, and reflect. Encouraging making mistakes, healthy risk-taking, and unlimited possibilities to play.
Play is more than just imagination—it's communication. I strive to help children using the power of play to explore, navigate, and discover their emotions. I use an empathetic approach to create a safe space for children to process their experiences and challenges. There is not one right way to play; whether it is through art, music, building, video games, or sensory exploration.
Through my work with children, I also support parents in working collaboratively to enhance the family as a system. There is more than one way to connect, and understanding the goal of your child's behavior can help us respond in a way that helps validate emotions and encourage positive problem-solving skills. Parenting is not a narrow path; it is a journey of exploration, awareness, and reflection. I help create an inviting space to work as a team in processing your goals for your family life.
I also work with children and parents who have experienced various forms of trauma. It can feel difficult to rewire our brains from activating our fight or flight response when we have been conditioned to do so. It is possible for children and adults to overcome trauma, gain insight into their conditioned responses, and develop new regulation skills.
With our society heavily connected with impressions of what our life 'should' look like and steps to 'handle' our children, it can feel as if we are inadequate as parents, not 'measuring up' to what our media feed displays. My approach is working collaboratively in this journey called life. Together, we will grow in our courage to be imperfect, develop healthy risk-taking, create positive connections, and understand our contribution through our efforts.
Education
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling- Lynn University
- B.S. Psychology- Lynn University
Certifications:
- Registered Play Therapist™
- Certified Adlerian Play Therapist
- Filial Therapy
- Familial Encouraging Connection Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Qualified Supervisor
Specialty Trainings:
- Sandtray Therapy
- AUT Play
- Client Centered Play Therapy
- Trauma Yoga
- Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy
- Infant Mental Health
- CORE Competency Training- Domestic Violence Survivors
Relevant Experience
- Play Therapist, Healing with Play Inc.
- Child and Family Therapy Supervisor, Women In Distress
- Child and Family Therapist, Women In Distress
Professional Memberships:
- Association for Play Therapy
- North American Society for Adlerian Psychology
Presentations:
- North American Society for Adlerian Psychology
- Empowering the Survivor: Using Adlerian Play Therapy with Domestic Violence Survivors, 2025
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