A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from American University and a Master's degree in history from George Washington University. After graduation, I began a career in the historical research field—only to realize that path wasn’t what truly fulfilled me.
Like many therapists, it was my own transformative experience in therapy that inspired me to pursue a career as a therapist. Being held in a safe, shame-free, therapeutic relationship changed my life. My own personal therapy gave me firsthand understanding of how effective the therapeutic process can be and the power of the therapeutic relationship on the quality of the experience for the client. This personal insight continues to shape how I show up for my clients today—with compassion, empathy, and a deep respect for your autonomy.
I especially love working with women healing from trauma, grief, eating disorders and body image issues. I know how difficult recovery can be—and I’m here to help you process and move forward with greater self-compassion and a more regulated nervous system.
Therapy isn’t just my profession—it’s my passion. I continue to be committed to ongoing personal and professional growth and enjoy learning new therapeutic modalities that can support my clients in their healing journeys.
Currently, I’m working towards becoming an EMDRIA approved consultant, so I can support other therapists learning this revolutionary perspective and modality. I also volunteer with Physicians for Human Rights conducting evaluations for asylum seekers.
When I’m not working, you can usually find me cuddling with my dog Gertie, reading a great book or going to a ballet class
HOW I WORK
For lasting change, therapy must go beyond insight and self-awareness. I know that with evidence based tools and the heartfelt support of a safe therapeutic relationship, real change, healing and complete recovery are possible.
My approach to therapy is relational, evidence-based and neuro-informed. I work to create a safe, collaborative space, where you can meet and explore all parts of your self, without fear of shame or judgment. I balance warmth and compassion with directness to help support your goals.
As an EMDR therapist, I don’t see your struggles and symptoms as sources of shame or problems to be fixed. Instead, I honor the unique ways your nervous system devised to help you survive. Together, we’ll process through the experiences that cause your pain, rewire your nervous system, and work toward real, sustained change, based on your own personal goals and values.
Trauma, loss and stress are a part of the human experience and all human beings are capable of healing, our nervous systems are wired for it. I believe you already carry the strength and courage needed to heal and grow. Therapy is a space where those inner resources can be harnessed to support real, sustained change and build lasting resilience.
MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
I earned a Master's in Psychology from the New School for Social Research and a Master's of Social Work from New York University. I have previously worked at the Karen Horney Clinic and New York Counseling and Clinical Social Work, where I received training in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I have completed trainings in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment. I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and a Certified EMDR Therapist. I am currently an EMDR Consultant in Training.
I am licensed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Monica Bergnes, MA, LCSW
Modern, convenient online therapy for adults. in NY, NJ, CT, DC, MD, VA.
P: 202.256.5273 or 663.481.5716 E: monica@monicabergnestherapy.com