REGINA BERNIUS: TRAUMA-INFORMED COUPLES THERAPIST
Hello, I am Regina.
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #144460), supervised by Amancay Ledezma (LCSW #109491). I am a wife and a mother, and through my own life experiences, I understand firsthand not only the joys but also the challenges of committed relationships and family life. Relationships are complex, and building a balanced, healthy, and secure bond is rarely easy. Through a systemic, attachment-focused approach, I help clients develop a healthier partnership, improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and live happier lives.
Early in my career, I chose to focus specifically on couples and relationship therapy, which allowed me to deepen expertise in this area. I have extensive training in leading evidence-based therapy approaches, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), to name a few. Drawing from these models, your treatment benefits from the expertise of a Gottman therapist, an EFT therapist, an RLT therapist, and a trauma therapist within a single, intentionally integrated session. Combined, these theories help clients interrupt painful conflict cycles, reduce shutdown and reactivity, improve day-to-day communication, and build emotionally connected bonds.
APPROACH OVERVIEW: HEALING RELATIONSHIPS & TRAUMA
I provide compassionate, trauma-informed relationship counseling grounded in evidence-based care. Services are offered in person in Orange County and through virtual therapy across California. As an attachment-focused therapist, my work is collaborative, client-centered, non-pathologizing, and strength-based.
My clinical practice draws from several renowned models, with these four forming the primary foundation: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Each approach offers a distinct lens (some focused on relational patterns, attachment, and skill-building, others on trauma resolution and nervous system regulation), creating a flexible, integrative framework tailored to clients’ unique needs.
Specializing in couples therapy with trauma-focused support, I combine these theories to provide a strong clinical foundation for improving relationship satisfaction, strengthening romantic bonds, and supporting both personal and relational well-being. Learn more about my approach here.
CREDENTIALS & ADDITIONAL TRAINING
• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, summa cum laude (2023) • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #144460 (current and active) • Psychological First Aid (2021) • Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (2021) • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm (2022) • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 2: Assessment, Intervention, and Comorbidities (2022) • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Fundamentals (2022) • Solution Focused Brief Therapy (2022) • Solution Based Counseling Practitioner (2022) • Therapy and Polyamory (2022) • Internal Family Systems Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems Across Clinical Applications (2022) • Transforming Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (2023) • Introduction to Discernment Counseling (2023) • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: 2-Day Intensive Training (2023) • Emotionally Focused Therapy with Neurodiverse Couples (2023) • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 3: Practicum Training (2023) • Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship (2023) • Coparenting Plan Mediator Certificate Course: Create a Peaceful, Effective Coparenting Strategy for Divorcing or Separating Clients (2023) • Emotionally Focused Therapy Core Skills (2024) • The Flash Technique: Basic Principles and Protocols (2024) • Accelerated Resolution Therapy - Basic (2025) • Relational Life Therapy - Level 1 (2025) • Relational Life Therapy - Level 2 (2025) • Accelerated Resolution Therapy - Advanced (2026)
BEYOND METHODS: WHAT MATTERS TO ME
While I am passionate about my work, I strive for a healthy work-life balance and treasure time spent with loved ones, especially in nature. Living in Coastal California, I often seek out moments at the beach. Time with family, watching the waves, breathing in the fresh, salty air, truly allows me to recharge and reflect with appreciation on what matters most.
I see relational closeness as a fundamental human need, but healthy, secure, and fulfilling relationships are not about achieving perfection. With authenticity, mindful gratitude, and professional expertise, I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they build a strong bond and improve their ability to navigate life’s challenges together. If you want an emotionally fulfilling, happier relationship, couples therapy with trauma-focused support might be the solution. Reach out when you are ready! I am here to support you!
My happy place...
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"Let us rise up and be thankful,
for if we didn't learn a lot, at least we learned a little,
and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick,
and if we got sick, at least we didn't die;
so, let us all be thankful."
~The Buddha~
