Amy Bernier, a white woman with short, dark curly hair pulled back in a headband, smiles widely at the viewer. She is wearing a floral blouse and silver jewelry. A brick wall is visible in the background.

Hi! I’m Amy Bernier (LCSW), a cancer survivor and therapist supporting other cancer survivors in caregivers throughout Connecticut.

I take a relational and strengths-based approach to my work, meaning I focus on our shared strengths. Whether you’re seeing me for individual therapy, family therapy, or group therapy, we are building community around our common experiences – and shared resilience.

Shared Strength Logo, which reads "Support & Community for Survivors and Caregivers"

You are more courageous than you know, and you have so much strength and wisdom already inside you. And there is even more to be found in community with other survivors and caregivers.

All cancer experiences are unique, but you are not alone in your fight, even if it often feels that way. I created shared strength so that you could share your story and take your power back.

“People often don’t know what strength resides within them until they are in a situation where they have to reach deep. You are not powerless, merely unaware of your power.”

—John Mark Green

Shared Strength Logo

In addition to my lived experience as a cancer survivor, I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My training and my specific approach are designed to meet you where you are and help you create the change you need throughout your cancer journey:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Relational Approach

  • Strengths-Based Perspective

Amy Bernier, a white woman with short, dark curly hair pulled back in a headband, smiles widely at the viewer. She is wearing a floral blouse and silver jewelry. A brick wall is visible in the background.

I share that I’m a cancer survivor because, yes, I understand the challenges, grief, and loss intuitively. But, just like you, I am a full person outside of this identity, too, and these pieces of us deserve to be celebrated!

Here are just a few parts of my authentic self. I hope you’ll bring yours to our work together, too.

I love being around people, but I’m an introvert first.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exercising, listening to music, cooking, and watching sports.

Last, but not least, I often use humor because laughing is good for the soul – both in therapy and outside of it!