About Dr. Bernard
Counseling
Dr. Bernard is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and works with individuals and families who desire a transformed life, working with adolescents and adults who deal with past issues such as overcoming self-destructive behavior, depression, managing stress, peer pressure, marital conflict, and relationship issues. He helps individuals find tools for unlocking their performance and to produce change...authentic change.
He has extensive experience helping parents and teenagers to improve their relationship by showing mutual respect, developing better communication skills, and resolving conflicts. His research and experience include working with trauma, abuse, and attachment need as well as preventing burnout both personally and professionally.
Dr. Bernard is actively involved in professional associations, including the US Army Reserves (Inactive), CALPCC, ACA, and NACSW. With licenses such as LPCC (California) and LPC (Virginia), along with certifications in NCC and CCMHC and experienced using EMDR.
Dr. L. Paul Bernard continues to make a lasting impact, combining his expertise in mental health, education, and clinical supervision.
Supervision
Dr. L. Paul Bernard has more than 30 years of experience in clinical counseling, church ministry, public education, and university teaching, and supervision. He was the Founding and Senior Pastor of TEN27 Church for over 12 years, a school counselor, a licensed mental health professional, and a professor at Azusa Pacific University, Liberty University and Bethel University.
Dr. Bernard has also experienced first-hand the depth of love and sacrifice of the foster care provider as the biological child of foster parents. This foundational experience established a core practice model for helping others who navigate through the child welfare and dependency system.
In 2021, Dr. Bernard served as the founding Director of the Clinical Training Program at Light Counseling. He specializes in Trauma-Informed Care, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, he worked as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician at Blackwater Counseling, focusing on overcoming self-destructive behavior and trauma.
Dr. L. Paul Bernard is an experienced mental health professional and educator, holding a Ph.D. in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. He is an Associate Professor at Liberty University, where he teaches clinical counseling and social work courses.
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Dr. L. Paul Bernard believes that everyone can lead a full and abundant life. His philosophy is rooted in the conviction that mental and emotional well-being is possible through total surrender, which can be a powerful tool for overcoming any challenge or obstacle. The clinical support and supervision of counseling residents is grounded in a distinctly Christian approach.
Services
Philosophy
Philosophy
Dr. Bernard offers counseling services and supervision to meet the unique needs of his clients. He provides individual therapy, family counseling, and group counseling. Additionally, he specializes in counseling for issues such as addiction, anger management, trauma recovery, and grief and loss. Dr. Bernard also offers supervision to support the next generation of counselors.
Approach
Philosophy
Approach
Dr. Bernard takes a client-centered, strengths-based approach, working together with clients to identify their goals and create a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Bernard emphasizes the importance of building a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship in counseling and supervision.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Corinthians 1:3–5