Bernice Elizarraraz, MSW Intern

Bernice Elizarraraz is a dedicated second-year Master's Student Intern currently pursuing her degree in Social Work with a concentration in Adult and Mental Health Wellness at the University of Southern California (USC). With over a decade of invaluable experience, Bernice has passionately served diverse populations, including adults, youth, individuals with disabilities, Veterans, those experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals facing substance use challenges.

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As a bilingual professional fluent in Spanish, Bernice brings a unique cultural perspective to her work. She finds genuine fulfillment in addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, mood disorders, grief, and relationship conflicts.

 

Bernice specializes in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with a keen focus on cultural considerations, Problem Solving Therapy (PST), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Her client-centered and trauma-informed approach underscores her commitment to meeting the diverse needs of those seeking transformative change.

 

During her internship at Renewed Journey, Bernice has already made significant strides in her professional journey. She actively engages in assessments, collaborates on treatment plans, and leverages her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to facilitate individual therapy sessions. Her primary interest lies in empowering adults to acquire a reliable repertoire of coping strategies to navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress management.

 

Bernice's unwavering dedication, cultural competence, and passion for empowering individuals make her an invaluable asset to the field of mental health and well-being. Her commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of her clients is truly commendable, and she continues to evolve as a practitioner, making a lasting impact on the path to healing and growth.