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My Expertise

I focus on supporting individuals through various phases of life, addressing identity struggles, mental health needs, and significant life changes. My areas of expertise include: 

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Depression/Anxiety

Addressing mood imbalances, chronic worry, and overcoming avoidance behaviors.

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Personal Empowerment

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Unlocking potential, overcoming limiting beliefs, and embracing personal strengths.

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Coping Skills

Mastering mindfulness, emotional regulation, executive function, and stress management techniques.

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Domestic Violence Recovery

Supporting survivors in rebuilding self-esteem and creating a safe, healthy future.

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Generational Trauma

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Exploring patterns of intergenerational trauma, healing inherited emotional wounds, and breaking cycles.

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Setting Healthy Boundaries

Empowering individuals to say no, prioritize needs, and maintain healthy relationships.

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Women’s Mental Health

Supporting women navigating life challenges, including reproductive health, pregnancy and postpartum, and parenting stress.

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Work-Life Balance

and Perfectionism

Addressing burnout, balancing ambition with self-acceptance, and finding fulfillment while reducing fear of failure.

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Sexual Assault Healing

Trauma recovery, fostering emotional safety, and supporting holistic healing.

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Life Transitions

Navigating role changes like divorce, relocation, or empty-nest adjustment.

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Stress and Anxiety Management

Reducing panic symptoms, managing high-pressure situations, and building resilience.

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Parenting Support

Empowering parents with tools to support children’s emotional growth and manage parental stress.

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Adoption and

Foster Families

Navigating unique challenges, strengthening family bonds, and fostering resilience and understanding.

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Trauma and Resilience

Overcoming complex trauma, navigating dissociation, and fostering inner strength.

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Self-Compassion

Enhancing emotional wellness through self-kindness, acceptance, and forgiveness.

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Grief and Loss

Navigating life after loss, understanding grief stages, and finding paths to healing.

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Identity and

Self-Discovery​

Understanding intersectionality, cultural identity, and exploring life purposes.

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ADHD & Executive Function Support

Practical, actionable strategies to help improve executive function skills like time management, task initiation, and organization.

My Credentials

In addition to being a therapist, I’m a tenured associate professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, where I’ve been teaching since 2017. I’m currently completing my clinical hours toward my LCSW at Inspired Practice, further expanding my expertise in trauma-informed care. My professional background includes working at a domestic violence agency where I did individual and group counseling, and as a Victim Advocate for a police department, where I provided critical support to survivors of trauma and victims of crime.

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In my work with clients, I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to create a personalized and supportive experience. I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and trauma, always tailoring my approach to meet each person’s unique needs.

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Outside of therapy, I’m involved in research on topics such as gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, and mindfulness in education. I also volunteer with Moms Demand Action as the Be SMART lead in Tarrant County, advocating for secure firearm storage to help save children’s lives. I’m also a proud foster parent, mom to a spirited 6-year-old daughter and a loving 2-year-old foster son, and wife to an amazing husband. I’m also a huge TCU fan, a passionate photographer, and an avid reader.

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My goal is to provide compassionate, effective care that empowers you to heal, grow, and create the life you want.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Texas Christian University

My BSW provided a strong foundation in social work practice, emphasizing community engagement and case management. During this time, I discovered my passion for working with trauma survivors, setting the stage for my career in social work and education.

Education

2013-2017

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
in Social Work
University of Texas at Arlington

I earned my PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington, focusing on intimate partner violence, trauma recovery, and survivor advocacy. My dissertation explored the experiences of survivors who left abusive relationships.

2010-2011

Master of Science in
Social Work (MSSW)
University of Texas at Arlington

During my MSW studies, I honed skills in trauma-informed care, clinical practice, and advocacy. I gained hands-on experience in individual and group counseling, as well as program development for underserved populations.

2005-2009

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My Philosophy

"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care."

-- Theodore Roosevelt

This quote guides my approach, reminding me that empathy and compassion are the foundations of a strong therapeutic relationship.

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My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. By maintaining a client-centered approach, I foster inclusivity, respect, and transparency while maintaining confidentiality.

My Approach

My approach to therapy is all about collaboration and meeting you where you are. I tailor each session to your unique needs, using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness to guide the process. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and understood. 

Research and Contributions

Outside of my work as a therapist, I’m also a faculty member at a university where I’m passionate about teaching and research. My research explores topics like mindfulness in social work education, gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, and best practices for online teaching. I’m committed to advancing knowledge in these areas to help create safer, more compassionate communities and to support others in their healing journeys.

© 2024 by Dr. Alicia Hawley-Bernardez

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