Author profile
Alicia Halwey-Bernardez

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez, Ph.D., LMSW

Professor, Therapist, Consultant Alicia Hawley-Bernardez is a trauma-informed therapist, professor, and educator whose work centers on healing after interpersonal harm, identity exploration, and resilience.
My Top Specialities and Expertise
  • Trauma
  • Abuse
  • Life Transitions

About Alicia

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez, Ph.D., LMSW, is a trauma-informed therapist, professor, and educator whose work centers on healing after interpersonal harm, identity exploration, and resilience.

She specializes in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotionally abusive relationships, and major life transitions, while also training future social workers through trauma-informed, relational teaching.

Across both clinical and academic spaces, Alicia prioritizes connection, empowerment, and helping people rebuild trust in themselves.

A Personal Message From Alicia

I believe healing and growth happen when people feel truly seen, believed, and supported. Whether I’m working with clients or teaching students, I focus on showing up with care, curiosity, and collaboration rather than judgment or quick fixes.

My goal is to create spaces where people can make sense of their experiences, reconnect with their own inner self, and move forward with more clarity and confidence. I’m especially passionate about trauma-informed practice and education, and about translating research into real-world work that feels human, accessible, and empowering.

Work Experience

  • 2025-Present – Therapist, Rooted Rebellion Counseling, PLLC
  • 2024-Present – Clinical Associate I, Inspired Practice, LLC
  • 2023-Present – Tenured Associate Professor, Our Lady of the Lake University
  • 2018-2023 – Assistant Professor of Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University
  • 2015 – Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Texas at Arlington
  • 2013-2016 – Adjunct Faculty, Texas Christian University
  • 2012-2013 – Victim Advocate Program Manager, Carrollton Police Department
  • 2010-2012 – Transitional Housing Coordinator & Family Services Case Manager, Hope’s Door

First- and Second-Author Publications

  • Evans, R., Hawley-Bernardez, A., Gibbons, G., & Cantu, A. (2024). Strength’s perspective: How social work students use mindfulness as a self-care strategy. Social Sciences.
  • Hawley-Bernardez, A., Patton, J., Bakke, C., & Gibbons, G. (2024). Addressing gun violence through social work education. Social Work Education.
  • Viverette, A., Hawley-Bernardez, A., & Evans, R. (2023). Social work students use of adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction as a stress management strategy. Journal of Social Work Education and Practice, 8(3).

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez, Ph.D., LMSW

Professor, Therapist, Consultant

Education

  • Ph.D. in Social Work – University of Texas at Arlington
  • MSW – University of Texas at Arlington
  • BSW – Texas Christian University

Expertise

  • Trauma-informed therapy
  • EMDR
  • Intimate partner violence & emotional abuse
  • Anxiety, depression & stress management
  • Identity exploration & self-trust
  • Life transitions & relational healing
  • Mindfulness-based approaches
  • Empowerment-oriented practice
  • Trauma-informed education
  • Qualitative research
  • Social work education & pedagogy

Experience

  • Tenured Associate Professor
  • Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist
  • Former Program Director
  • Victim Advocate Program Manager
  • Transitional Housing Coordinator
  • Researcher & Consultant
I believe meaningful healing and learning begin with genuine connection, trust, and compassion.

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Mental Health Counselor, Consultant
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