Comprehensive, Supportive Care for Individuals, Couples, and Families across the Lifespan
Dr. Dagmar Bernstein is a Licensed Psychologist who provides compassionate psychological treatment for children, adults, couples, and families. She employs an individualized and integrative approach, blending evidence-based techniques with the unique characteristics and needs of each client. Dr. Bernstein collaborates closely with her clients to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, helping them enhance their skills, improve coping, and achieve meaningful life changes.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Bernstein has extensive experience in individual, family, and group therapy, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She addresses a wide range of social, behavioral, and emotional issues, including:
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Anxiety Disorders: Separation anxiety, health anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, selective mutism, specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Mood Disorders: Including depression and stress-related challenges.
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Family and Parenting Concerns: Family conflict, behavioral issues, adjustment to illness, separation, and divorce.
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Loss, Grief, and Chronic Health Issues: Support for navigating significant life transitions and health challenges.
Attachment-Based Work with Couples and Families
Dr. Bernstein incorporates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples and families build stronger, healthier relationships. She approaches these dynamics from an attachment perspective, focusing on improving patterns and connections within dyads or family systems. Dr. Bernstein utilizes evidence-based strategies to address relationship difficulties and enhance emotional bonds.
Educational Background and Clinical Training
Dr. Bernstein earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Simon Fraser University, where she received training in both child and adult assessment and therapy. Her diverse clinical background includes:
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Training at: BC Children’s Hospital, Ministry for Children and Family Development, and the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre.
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Residency: A full-time CPA/APA-accredited pre-doctoral residency in Clinical Health Psychology through the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. Rotations included children’s anxiety disorders, family and couples therapy, play therapy, complex child assessments, adult eating disorders, and chronic pain management.
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Post-Doctoral Training: At the Vancouver Couples and Family Institute and the Institute of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). From 2010 to 2016, Dr. Bernstein provided outreach and telehealth services to the remote communities of Bella Bella and Bella Coola, demonstrating her commitment to making mental health care accessible.
Professional Roles and Contributions
In addition to her private practice at the North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic, Dr. Bernstein is a Clinical Associate at the Clinical Psychology Centre at Simon Fraser University, where she supervises the work of graduate students in clinical psychology. She is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA).
Personal Approach and Interests
Dr. Bernstein values her clients' trust and resilience in the therapeutic process and finds her work deeply meaningful. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her grandchildren, cooking, dancing, travelling, and indulging in her love for reading and great food. Dr. Bernstein’s warm, integrative approach and dedication to evidence-based care make her a trusted and compassionate guide for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges.
