Bernadette Wittschen, MSSW, LICSW

After over 10 years of providing individual and group therapy to children ages 3 – 15 in local schools, Bernadette now sees clients part-time at The Sibley Group in our Capitol Hill office. Bernadette brings years of specialized experience to TSG from her work with children, teens, families, and parents. She has expertise in Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Depression, Oppositional Defiance, learning disabilities and neurodiversity, and attachment concerns.

Bernadette believes that healing and growth happen within the context of relationships. She meets clients where they are within the context of their environment, seeking to fully understand their experiences in their home, school, and community. She strives to create a safe, comforting environment where children and teens can be themselves experience joy while exploring their feelings And addressing challenges.

In her work with teens and adults, Bernadette draws from evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping), to support cognitive restructuring. She is an expert in helping children and teens manage complex emotions and relationship dynamics that come with their development, including family, school, and community-based stressors. Bernadette is trained in non-directive play therapy and sand tray therapy, which she uses with children and teens to help them safely express and resolve experiences and emotions. She provides practical treatment, including working closely with parents and schools by providing specific strategies to promote healing.

Bernadette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC. She received her BA from Northeastern University and her MSW from Columbia University.