In-Person in Falls Church, VA 22046
Online in Virginia
As a LGBTQ+, first-generation Filipina woman, I know how meaningful it is to feel understood and accepted without having to explain every part of your identity. I strive to create a warm, affirming space where you can show up exactly as you are. Whether you’re healing from difficult family relationships, navigating grief, exploring your identity, working through relationship concerns, or processing life’s unexpected challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. My hope is that therapy feels like a place where you can be honest, feel supported, and leave each session with a greater understanding of yourself and the confidence to move toward the life you want.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, LGBTQ+, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
Approach Description: My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique story. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and build the tools needed to move toward the life you want. I draw from CBT, DBT, ACT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and person-centered principles to help clients process difficult emotions, heal from past experiences, improve relationships, and develop healthier ways of coping. Whether we’re working through trauma, grief, anxiety, relationship concerns, or identity exploration, my goal is to create a space where you feel supported, empowered, and accepted exactly as you are.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $185
- Out of Network
Education & Credentials
Allison Bernardo Resident in Counseling
- Female
- License # 0704018239
- Licensed in Virginia
- Practicing Since 2025
Education: - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at St. John’s University
- Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University
Allison Bernardo Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Falls Church, VA 22046
- Available Online for residents of Virginia
- Online Therapy Details: I offer online therapy via Simple Practice
Our practice is dedicated to providing a welcoming, inclusive space where individuals from all backgrounds can feel seen, heard, and supported. We offer therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, life transitions, and identity exploration. We proudly provide LGBTQ+-affirming care and recognize that healing looks different for everyone. Our goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical coping skills, and build a life that feels authentic, connected, and aligned with your values.