Justine Bernier

As a former professional athlete, teacher, and therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my work. My athletic background allows me to deeply understand the pressures of performance, teamwork, and resilience, while my teaching experience has given me insight into the developmental and emotional needs of children and teens. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across a wide range of ages, from young children to college athletes, and I am passionate about helping them overcome obstacles and thrive.

In my practice, I’ve seen challenges like low confidence, difficulty handling setbacks, behavioral struggles, and feelings of isolation. These can show up as withdrawal from activities, outbursts, or trouble balancing responsibilities and personal goals. For parents, it can be heartbreaking to watch a child or teen feel this way, especially when communication feels strained.

The foundation of my work is trust. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where children, teens, and young adults feel heard and empowered to explore their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies. For athletes, I offer a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health and sports performance, helping them achieve both personal and team goals.

I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness techniques, and play therapy for younger children. My background as a professional athlete, teacher, counselor, and cultural consultant with university soccer teams enables me to support individuals with a wide range of needs, including performance anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, and interpersonal relationships.

I know how important it is to find the right therapist for your child or family. That’s why I begin by meeting with the parent(s) or guardian(s) to better understand the situation before starting one-on-one work with your child or teen. Sessions are confidential and designed to build trust and foster growth at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

Therapy offers the tools and space to create lasting change, whether it’s developing social-emotional skills, navigating family dynamics, or overcoming challenges on the field or in the classroom. My goal is to help each individual thrive in their unique way.