About Us

Bernard Ivin, LCSW , Founder

Bernard Ivin, LCSW ,
Founder - Strength for Change

Bernard Ivin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). He established Strength for Change in 2001 to train other therapists in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and make the therapy more readily available within the communities he served. His passion for CBT comes from his application of the therapy in overcoming personal difficulties and witnessing its transformative power in the lives of his clients. Bernard provides ongoing clinical support to all Strength for Change therapists. If you have feedback or concerns regarding your therapist or treatment at Strength for Change, contact him at (973) 668-9577 or sfccounselingservices@gmail.com.

Bernard Ivin, LCSW - Full Bio

Bernard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of numerous mental health conditions. He was fortunate to receive some of his training in CBT from two of the therapy’s founding fathers: Dr. Aaron Beck and Dr. Albert Ellis. To date, Bernard has treated over 1300 clients.

Bernard’s passion for CBT started when he was in his twenties and struggling with personal difficulties. Through his application of CBT, Bernard overcame his personal difficulties and went on to achieve many of his life’s goals. In the process, he gained a deep empathy for the pain and suffering of others and became an advocate for CBT and the importance of evidence-based mental health treatment.

In addition to his clinical work, Bernard has authored the following materials: A Parent’s Handbook – The Essential Guide To Obtaining Counseling Services For Your Child, Relationship Centered Parenting, The 1-2-3 Succeed Program – Helping The Capable, But Unmotivated Student, and The Emotional Toolkit. All his materials are available to the public at zero cost, with the goal of helping those who are unable to access his services directly. To view his materials, click the Resources tab on your menu bar.

Personal Statement

“After two-plus decades in private practice, I have learned that the human spirit is strong, resilient, and capable of greatness. It is this knowledge that keeps me eternally optimistic. Given the opportunity, I will do everything in my power to help you discover this truth for yourself.”

Credentials

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of New Jersey
  • Masters in Clinical Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
  • BA, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
  • Certified Clinical Supervisor
  • Certified School Social Worker, State of New Jersey
  • Certified Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapist
  • Extensive Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
  • Extensive Training in Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment
  • Extensive Training in Interpersonal & Marital Therapy

Relevant Work Experiences

20-plus Years of Clinical Experience

  •  2001-Present: Program Director, Clinician, Strength for Change, LLC, Mt. Arlington, NJ
  • Clinician, Family Services of Morris County, Flanders, NJ
  • Student Assistance Coordinator, Mountain Lakes & Randolph School Districts, NJ
  • Crisis Counselor, New York City Board of Education, Bronx, NJ
  • Mental Health Associate, Fair Oaks Hospital, Summit, NJ

Clients

  • Individual, Couples, & Family Treatment
  • Adolescents/Teenagers (10 to 17) and Their Families
  • Adults (18 to 75)

Presenting Difficulties

  • Depression (Major Depression, Dysthymia, Bi-Polar Disorders)
  • Anxiety (Social Anxiety, General Anxiety, Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Sexual Abuse, Natural Disasters, Accidents, the Death of a Loved One)
  • ADHD (Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type, Combined Type)
  • Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia)
  • Substance Abuse Disorders (All Forms of Addictive Behavior)
  • Marital Problems
  • Life Stressors (Family, Academic/Learning, Social, Employment, and Developmental Problems)

Treatment Philosophy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Supplemental Therapies

  • Motivational Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy
  • Gottman Marital Therapy
  • Family & Parent Coaching Therapy
  • Network Therapy for the Treatment of Substance Abuse
  • Motivational Interviewing


Please note that our therapists are independent contractors and not employees of Strength for Change, LLC. Each therapist is independently licensed and insured and takes sole responsibility for their clients and the quality of care.

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