Dr. Bernadine Knittel, LPC

Dr. Bernadine Knittel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Colorado who combines extensive school-based experience with academic teaching and clinical supervision. Much of her background comes from serving high school students, where she supported academic planning, social and emotional development, and post-secondary preparation, and she has also worked with middle school students in similar roles. As an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado she teaches a variety of courses and supervises students working in both school and clinical settings.

Born and raised in Colorado, she earned a Master of Science in School Counseling and a PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University. Although retired from full-time K-12 education after a long career, she continues to contribute as a part-time adjunct professor and remains engaged in clinical practice. Dr. Knittel views counseling as a partnership and centers work around listening to each person’s story, identifying meaningful and achievable goals, and supporting clients as they address barriers to where they want to be.

Her practice draws on a range of counseling theories, including Solution Focused approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Therapy, and she brings compassion, empathy, and sensitivity to the therapeutic relationship.

Evidence informed approaches for online counseling

Dr. Knittel integrates several evidence informed approaches that translate well to remote work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and it emphasizes values driven action to support meaningful life changes - it can be useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical, skills based work, making it effective for mood concerns, anxiety, and coping strategies. Client centered therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the therapist offers empathy and support while the client leads the pace and content of change.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Dr. Knittel collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and needs. She combines techniques and tailors sessions so clients receive a personalized plan rather than a one size fits all model.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text based messaging, allowing clients to work with licensed professionals from locations that suit their schedules. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and fit therapy into a busy life.