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empowering your path to wellness.

Sheli Bernstein-Goff

Trauma Warrior, Anxiety Slayer, Emotional Healer, Resistance Challenger
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Areas of expertise.

Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, Life Transitions, Domestic Violence, etc.

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Approach.

Cognitive Behavioral  Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

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I strongly believe that everyone is unique and everyone’s story is unique; therefore, different approaches are essential in working with a wide variety of people. As a result, I am well versed in techniques associated with evidenced based approaches that are client-centered, strengths-based and self-determined utilizing techniques, knowledge and skills from Trauma-Informed Practice, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness and/or Expressive Therapies (Art, Movement, Music).  I believe in collaboration and open communication using humor to bring harmony. As collaborators clients are the true drivers of their own treatment planning, goals and life choices.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor E. Frankl

Sheli Bernstein-Goff, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Appalachian Life Enrichment Counseling Center

about.

Mom for both 2 & 4 legged, Grandmom, Qi Gong practitioner, Spiritual Divinator, Resiliency Virtuoso

I am married to Rabbi Ronald Bernstein-Goff, a Vietnam Vet Chaplain and happily retired. We have 7 children, both adopted and biological as well, and 9 grandchildren. Currently living with us is Huckleberry, THE CORGI, our senior fur-baby.

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our clients as they navigate all of life’s opportunities for growth, celebrations , triumphs and about-faces. Understand the fortitude it takes to take that first step in contacting a helper and I am honored to a partner in those decisions. I am a true believer in the concept of “words shape beliefs” and in that vein, saying “I do not know” or “please help me” are some of the most powerful words one can say as vulnerability often leads to growth and healing.

Professional Background.

Sheli Bernstein-Goff earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at the Pennsylvania State University. She is licensed as an independent clinical social worker in West Virginia and a licensed clinical social worker in Florida. Both licenses are at their highest respective state levels, although her Florida license is currently on inactive status having lived in West Virginia for the last 22 years.

 

Sheli is a board-certified diplomat as a trauma/crisis/disaster specialist and a certified compassion fatigue specialist. Sheli served on many non-government organizations “firststrike” response teams for interventions with either first responders or traumatized civilians during disasters and critical incidents on the local, state, federal and international level, including a deployment to New York City in response to the World Trade Center attack. She facilitated CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) Services, which have included hurricanes, floods, terrorism, bio-terrorism, homicide, suicide, assault, and any Emergency Services Critical Incidents.  Ms. Bernstein-Goff continues to provide workshops, seminars and pre-incident education for first responders throughout the world. In 2011, She was honored by the U.S. Department of Justice with a Certificate of Appreciation.

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Sheli served on numerous local boards and was a case manager for Armed Services Emergency Services for the American Red Cross, River Valley Chapter.  She previously served on the West Virginia Attorney General Hate Crimes Task Force and the Racial Justice Coalition. As a volunteer with Give an Hour, she dedicated her therapeutic services to meeting the mental health needs of the troops and their families.

 

In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Bernstein-Goff is a retired professor of social work. She taught in both West Virginia and Ohio and was a tenured full professor. During her time as a professor, she was a member of the Council on Disability and Persons with Disabilities.

As Sheli says, “All this means is that I’ve been around the block a few times and offer creative ways to explore your true inner you. Come walk with me!”

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts, Social Welfare

    • Penn State University- University Park, PA

  • Master of Social

    • Florida State University- Tallahassee, FL    

    • Graduated Cum Laude                                  

Certifications

  • ​Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress Diplomate

  • Certified Traumatologist 

  • Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist 

  • Certified in Mass Disaster and Terrorism  

  • Certified in Emergency Services 

  • Board Diplomate Forensic  Counselor 

  • Clinically Certified Domestic Violence CounselorCertified Clinical Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CBT)      

  • Certified Clinical Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CBT)  

  • Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Diplomate              

Licenses
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