Dr. Bernadine Knittel , LPC

Dr. Bernadine Knittel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Colorado who brings a deep background in school-based counseling and higher education to her clinical work. A Colorado native, she earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and a PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University, and she continues to teach and supervise as a part-time adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado. Her professional experience includes extensive work with high school and middle school students, assisting with academic planning, social and emotional development, and post-secondary transition needs.

As a former educator with many years in the field, she pairs practical school counseling experience with clinical supervision of trainees in both school and clinical settings. In practice she partners with clients to hear their stories, identify meaningful and achievable goals, and address obstacles that interfere with personal and academic growth. She approaches the therapeutic relationship with compassion, empathy, and sensitivity, and integrates a range of evidence-informed methods including Solution-Focused techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Therapy. Dr. Knittel emphasizes collaboration and goal-setting to support clients toward productive, meaningful lives.

Therapeutic approaches and how they translate to online care

Dr. Knittel uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people accept difficult feelings while committing to actions that align with their values - it can be useful for anxiety, life transitions, and persistent stress. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the client’s perspective guides the work - this approach supports self-exploration, self-esteem, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Knittel works with clients to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and adapts methods over time so the therapy fits the person, not the other way around.

Online therapy with a licensed professional offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and additional support may be available via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and access therapists from different locations while preserving the therapeutic relationship and the tailored clinical approaches described above.