The Compassionate Counselor Award, a Freedom Express Award, honors the dedication of therapists, psychologists, and counselors who support survivors. These professionals weave empathy, expertise, and care, creating environments where healing thrives. The award highlights those who embody the heart and soul of counseling. It promotes guiding survivors from the shadows of their past toward hope and healing.
To ensure this award goes to the most deserving, nominees must meet specific qualifications. They hold degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields from accredited institutions. They also must possess valid licensure or be under supervision to practice in their regions. Nominees have at least three years of experience working directly with survivors of cults, coercive control, or related trauma. They employ innovative therapeutic approaches tailored to survivors’ unique challenges and continually pursue further education focused on trauma-informed care. Additionally, they actively participate in support groups, workshops, or community events to raise awareness and provide resources. Nominees strictly adhere to ethical guidelines, with no valid record of misconduct.
2023 Recipient of the Compassionate Counselor Award
We are thrilled to announce Rachel Bernstein as the recipient of the Compassionate Counselor Award. This esteemed recognition honors Rachel’s exceptional dedication. It also honors her unwavering commitment to supporting survivors of cults, coercive control, and related traumatic experiences. Rachel’s work exemplifies the highest standards of empathy, expertise, and care, creating an environment where healing thrives.
Rachel Bernstein has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1991. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. She is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. With over three decades of experience, Rachel has tirelessly supported survivors, empowering them to reclaim their lives. Her nominator praises her “exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment,” highlighting her “deep understanding of trauma and empathetic approach” and her “innovative therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of survivors.”
Works
As the host of the weekly podcast “IndoctriNation,” Rachel shares insights and interviews experts on cults and coercive control. She offers educational resources on her website, including articles, blog posts, and downloadable PDFs, helping survivors and their loved ones navigate recovery. Rachel’s nominator also emphasizes her “passionate advocacy and tireless efforts” in raising awareness through speaking engagements, workshops, and media appearances.
Rachel Bernstein’s dedication, expertise, and compassion make her a truly deserving recipient of the Compassionate Counselor Award. Her work has guided countless survivors toward healing and empowerment. We wholeheartedly congratulate Rachel on this well-deserved honor.
About Rachel Bernstein
Rachel Bernstein is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in practice since 1991, and a credentialed General and Special Education teacher. For over 30 years, she has run support groups for former cult members and their families and has provided counseling for this population including those who have been a relationships with narcissists.
She’s on the board of the International Cultic Studies Association and presents at their yearly conferences. She is the host of her weekly podcast, IndoctriNation, hosting guests who are speaking about having been in systems of control and sharing their stories of escape and healing.
Rachel also provides other free resources besides her podcast, including webinars and workshops, and downloadable PDFs on her website on a variety of subjects helping people who are wondering why they stayed in a bad situation for so long, what will help them heal after leaving an emotionally or spiritually abusive partnership, and how families can address the issues of their loved ones who have been harmed by those who have taken advantage of them.
Rachel has made many media appearances, including being on camera for a number of cult documentaries and a consultant from behind the scenes for cult-related shows . She also helps train people to do this work, and to learn how to facilitate healthy support groups for those who have been abused within group settings and have been understandably too afraid to participate in a support group for their healing.
She provides support for adults with special needs throughout the year through volunteer work and by hosting a yearly summer camp at her home.
And she is also a proud mom of three kids. Her website is: https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/index.html