MEET THE TEAMJerry Berndt, LCSW
Therapist
Jerry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in experiential and trauma-focused therapy. His approach draws heavily from Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), along with advanced training in experiential therapy and psychodrama through the International Society of Experiential Professionals. During his graduate training, Jerry completed his internship at a partner site of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Prior to joining Eva Carlston Academy, Jerry's background included emergency medical services, wilderness treatment, mental health services, and private practice. His experience in wilderness and experiential settings shaped his belief that therapy can be powerful when clients have opportunities to move beyond simply talking about change and begin experiencing and practicing it.
Jerry approaches therapy with curiosity, authenticity, and an appreciation for the experiences each client brings into the therapeutic relationship. He enjoys helping adolescents recognize patterns, build on their strengths, develop emotional flexibility, and experiment with healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
“I believe some of the most meaningful growth happens when we have the opportunity to experience something differently, not simply understand it differently. Therapy can be a place to take risks, discover strengths, and begin practicing a different way of moving through the world.”
Outside of his clinical work, Jerry enjoys traveling and learning about cultures. He studies Spanish and has traveled throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, including Haiti, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. At home in Utah, his family enjoys hosting exchange students, an experience that has strengthened his appreciation for culture, and seeing the world through new perspectives.