Welcome to Keith Bernstein Therapy
My background is in literature and poetry and, like a great book or poem, one's life inevitably organizes around a series of themes. Some of these themes are ones we’ve chosen (our 'ideals', or our 'value system'), whereas others may be more opaque to us (our unconscious patterns from childhood, moments when we feel 'surprised' or 'confused' about how we reacted to a particular situation).
As your therapist, I'll work from a lens of respect, curiosity and (often) humor to help clarify and articulate the values that shape your life. I view self-understanding as the first step towards 'feeling better', as problems tend to shrink when we understand their origins and can give them the right name. Put another way, the road forward reveals itself when you understand more clearly how you came to be where you are right now.
I have helped clients with a wide range of issues: from career and relationship distress, to questions around sexuality and gender, to simply finding a way to 'be' in the world that feels authentic and unique.
I offer all prospective clients a free 20-minute consultation (via Zoom) to see if it feels like I might be the right fit. I strongly encourage all potential clients to meet with at least two other therapists to experience a range of personalities and ways of working-- hopefully this will provide a sense as to what kind of person feels right to you. Kick the tires, then trust your instinct.