Dr. Howard Bernstein
I'm a registered doctoral psychologist with decades of experience counselling adults, children, adolescents and families. While I am supportive and empathetic, I am definitely not "the sit back and listen" therapist. If you are looking for a therapist with a wealth of experience, who is direct, action oriented and measures success by the changes that you make, then we should consider meeting.
PSYCHOLOGIST
How I work with you
I am trained in many modalities of psychotherapy and incorporate them into my personal style. No two people or their symptoms are the same. It is crucial to listen to the patient and formulate a treatment plan TOGETHER with the patient and therapist. A constant review and discussion about your needs and success is essential. I listen carefully, like an orchestra conductor, and try to pick out the notes and timing that require further work. Clients would clearly call me supportive, but that has never been enough for me. I will challenge you respectfully, direct you, and measure your success with you.
Individual therapy with adults
People enter therapy because they are hurting by being confused, anxious or depressed. Each patient has their own story. It is not just about listening, but rather helping people to understand where they are at and providing strategies to change. The privilege of being a service provider is never taken lightly. Your trust is crucial in the process. No matter who you choose to work with in therapy, trust your gut about the therapeutic relationship.
Individual therapy with adolescents
Adolescents can be extremely difficult to reach. Without them "buying in" to the therapy process little change will occur. I enjoy teens so much as a result of my own teenage struggles. They quickly learn that I am on their side and trust me to teach them "how to manage their parents". I keep parents informed with permission from their child through emails that go to the child and parents.
Family therapy
When we don't understand each other, a family can be extremely chaotic. Family therapy involves sharing feelings in order to facilitate change. I treat the family as the patient, rather than individuals within the family. Understanding and negotiation can be key factors in resolving family strife.
Couples counselling
Relationships are difficult. Couples counselling always includes two aspects: (1) the strengths and baggage that you personally bring into the relationship and (2) the combined history that you share together. My goal is always to help you improve your relationship but if you decide that your relationship needs to end, I will help facilitate as positive an ending as possible.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Happy clients
Copied from the website ratemd.com
TESTIMONIALS
A dad and sons with depression:
I saw Doctor B because of depression and anxiety, when I was a teenager. I am now the father of two teenage kids. I remember Doctor B as funny, smart but so down to earth. And he had an edge about him that wouldn’t let you off the hook. My teenage son developed a depression much like me so I called Doctor B. While he looks a little older, he is just the same. He had my son trusting him within 10 minutes. My son has never opened up before. He called my family doctor and got my son on SSRIs? and between the drugs and Doctor B's approach everything is back to normal in three months. I love that man.
A mom of three with anxiety issues:
I have dealt with anxiety for years. Dr. B. was the last of several therapists that I saw. He understood and diagnosed my problem in one session and call my GP to suggest a prescription. After only a few sessions my panic is gone and I can do things that I have never done before. I even took my first trip on a plane for 4 hours. Dr. B. is the most caring and knowledgeable person that I have ever met and his humour has such a disarming effect.
A mature man with health issues:
I had some ongoing health problems and my doctor thought it was in my head and suggested counselling. A have seen Dr. B. a few times and feel so much better. He suggested that the way I feel is affecting my physical health. The more we talked about this, the better I got. I am now going so see him only once in a while, as I have some tools to help me. He is so compassinoate and extremely funny in a very supportive manner. Thank you Howard.
A teenager with family problems:
Dr B is awesome. He is smart, funny and logiocal. He's an old guy but acts young and is really loke an old teenager. I was not getting along at home and after three times, things are way better. Dr B is magic.
ONLINE
Get help wherever you are
In addition to face-to-face counselling, I also offer online therapy. Ask about hybrid packages that include both in-person and online therapy.