Bernadette Forbeck, pre-licensed therapist


As a play therapist, I believe that children have an incredible ability to see what many adults overlook. While grown-ups are often consumed by the demands of life, children notice the in-between moments. They feel deeply, and they are more perceptive than we realize. I am here to sit with your child, to truly see them, and to support you as a parent in understanding & meeting their needs.

I work closely with parents, offering guidance & insight into parenting skills that allow you to see the things you might not realize need to change. Together we can create a space where your child feels seen, heard, & supported. My goal is simple: to provide real, compassionate care that helps children and families thrive.


Locations: Smyrna, Virtual

Rates: $125 per 30m play therapy session, sliding scale available

Contact: Bernadette@CumberlandCenters.org, 770.742.9212

Specialties: Play therapy, couples

Other Areas: Single parenting, HSP (highly sensitive personality)


About Me: We all go through seasons when we feel like everything is going our way. We feel light and on top of the world. We also go through seasons when we feel that we cannot handle ‘one more thing’ – these are very real experiences. Having someone to ‘see’ us in these moments can be helpful, whether you are 2 or 102.

I believe children don’t choose the situations they’re brought into, but they do carry the weight of those circumstances. My approach is centered around recognizing that every child is an individual who deserves to be understoord and cared for in the moment–not based on adult expectations, but based on what the child needs right now.

My style is fluid. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy conbined with appropriate interventions for each client to meet them where they are. I assist clients with identifying underlying emotions to assist in growing and healing.

Licensure: Bernadette practices as a pre-licensed therapist, under the supervision of Janet Hodges (LPC011484).

Education: Master of Arts in Counseling from Concordia University, the Townsend Institute.

Trainings/Certifications:

  • Trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy

  • Trained in the Townsend Model

  • Trained in Gottman Method Levels 1 & 2

  • Trained in Flash Trauma Technique