Dr Jessica Bernardi
Summary
Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in complex presentations across hospital and community settings. Developed a comprehensive complex PTSD program while supervising clinical staff and delivering evidence-based interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Skilled in preparing medico-legal reports and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Clinical Psychologist & Supervisor
Charles Street Clinic
01.2018 - Current
- Supervised psychologists, providing guidance and support to enhance clinical practice
- Delivered cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive processing therapy to clients in individual sessions.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to inform treatment planning and risk management
- Work with trauma, violence, and complex presentations
- Prepare medico-legal reports for courts and tribunals
Clinical Psychologist
Albert Road Clinic
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Developed complex PTSD program (inpatient/outpatient)
- Facilitated therapeutic groups for depression, anxiety, BPD, PTSD, enhancing patient coping strategies and support
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized treatment formulations, guiding patient care
- Collaborated within multidisciplinary hospital team to provide integrated patient care and treatment plans
Education
Doctor of Psychology - Clinical Psychology
Monash University
Bachelor of Psychology - Honours, Distinction
Deakin University
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Crisis intervention
- Group therapy facilitation
- Clinical supervision
- Risk assessment and management
- Evidence-based interventions
- Medico-legal report writing
- Forensic report writing
- Behavioural analysis
- Structured formulation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- WPATH assessments
A H P R A Registration
PSY0001964604
Publications
- Day, A., Richardson, T., Bowen, E., Bernardi, J., 2014, Intimate partner violence in prisoners: Toward effective assessment and intervention., Aggression and Violent Behavior, 19, 5, 579–583
- Bernardi, J., Day, A., 2015, Intimate partner violence perpetrator subtypes and their developmental origins: Implications for prevention and intervention., Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 36, 3, 371–379
- Bernardi, J., Day, A., Bowen, E., 2017, Associations between paternal relationships, anger, alcohol, and intimate partner violence in a prison sample., International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 61, 9, 1063–1070
- Bernardi, J., Engelbrecht, A., Jobson, L., 2018, The impact of culture on cognitive appraisals: Implications for the development, maintenance, and treatment of PTSD., Clinical Psychologist
- Bernardi, J., Jobson, L., 2019, Investigating the moderating role of culture on the relationship between appraisals and symptoms of PTSD., Clinical Psychological Science
- Bernardi, J., Dahiya, M., Jobson, L., 2019, Culturally modified cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A pilot study., Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
Forensic Relevant Experience
- Research in intimate partner violence and offender populations
- Experience with offender reintegration (VACRO)
- Understanding of behavioural drivers of offending
- Extensive medico-legal reporting
Key Capabilities
- Risk assessment and structured formulation
- Evidence-based interventions (CPT, DBT, CBT)
- Group therapy program facilitation
- Medico-legal and forensic report writing
- Behavioural analysis of aggression and violence
- Clinical supervision
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
Accomplishments
- 2014: Awarded Honours writing scholarship, Deakin University, Victoria.
- 2015-2018: Australian Postgraduate Award, Monash University, Victoria.
Timeline
Principal Clinical Psychologist & Supervisor
Charles Street Clinic
01.2018 - Current
Clinical Psychologist
Albert Road Clinic
01.2017 - 01.2021
Doctor of Psychology - Clinical Psychology
Monash University
Bachelor of Psychology - Honours, Distinction
Deakin University