Speaker's Kit
BOOK Bernadine for lectures, keynote addresses, and workshops
Current Topics for Speaking Events
Therapy Abuse and Exploitation: What is it; How to recognize it: Bernadine goes through what therapy abuse is, what the grooming process looks like, what happens when the survivor recognize the abuse, how predatory therapists react to disclosures, and what therapeutic issues subsequent therapists will face.
Therapeutic Issues for Survivors of Abusive Therapists: How they groom their victims. What the abusive therapist does when that relationship is over. The fallout for the survivor. Issues around healing. How to survive.
Bernadine is also available for speaking engagements including lectures, workshops, keynote, podcast, radio, print, and TV.
Therapy Abuse and Exploitation: What is it; How to recognize it: Bernadine goes through what therapy abuse is, what the grooming process looks like, what happens when the survivor recognize the abuse, how predatory therapists react to disclosures, and what therapeutic issues subsequent therapists will face.
Therapeutic Issues for Survivors of Abusive Therapists: How they groom their victims. What the abusive therapist does when that relationship is over. The fallout for the survivor. Issues around healing. How to survive.
Bernadine is also available for speaking engagements including lectures, workshops, keynote, podcast, radio, print, and TV.
SHORT BIO
Bernadine Fox is a graduate of Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design (now ECU). She is an award-winning mental health advocate with 30+ years experience working with metnal health consumers. She is a visual artist (portfolio), writer, social activist, and public speaker in Vancouver BC who constructs narratives that explore various social issues in need of voice. For the past four years, Bernadine has produced and hosted an on-air radio syndicated program Re-Threading Madness (formerly Both Sides Now)that gives agency and voice to mental health consumers which is now heard around the globe. Bernadine Fox endured sexual and physical abuse as a child, and later at the hands of her therapist and abuser. Despite the lifelong trauma, PTSD, Chronic Fatigue and Osteoarthritis, she selflessly chooses to share her story and use her voice to shed light on the issues of mental health and abuse of power. Bernadine is the the author of Coming to Voice: Surviving an Abusive Therapist (2018). She currently volunteers for TELL, an organization that provides resources and support for those healing from exploitation by their therapists or doctors. Fox raises her 2 spirited grandchild and resides in a forest with three cats and a few ghosts.
Bernadine lives and works on the ancestral and unceded traditional territories of the ), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As a white settler, she extends her gratitude and appreciation to the Indigenous people who have cared for this land from time immemorial.
LONG BIO
Introduction for Bernadine Fox
Bernadine is an award-winning mental health advocate with over 30 years experience working with mental health consumers in a variety of roles. She is a visual artist who uses oral, visual (art), and written language to talk about hard social issues. She is the author of Coming to Voice: Surviving an Abusive Therapist and is the radio host for the syndicated radio program Re-Threading Madness (Vancouver Coop Radio, CFRO 100.5FM) which is heard all over the world.
Bernadine is an award-winning mental health advocate with over 30 years experience working with mental health consumers in a variety of roles. She is a visual artist who uses oral, visual (art), and written language to talk about hard social issues. She is the author of Coming to Voice: Surviving an Abusive Therapist and is the radio host for the syndicated radio program Re-Threading Madness (Vancouver Coop Radio, CFRO 100.5FM) which is heard all over the world.
Why Bernadine?
Few people can talk about mental health like Bernadine does. She has lived on one side of the issue and worked on the other and with that she is able to navigate the fence that exists between them with ease taking complex topics and making them readily understandable for everyone.
Bernadine believes that the way to address therapy abuse and exploitation is two pronged: 1) provide clear information to all mental health consumers and support to victims of therapists who are exploiting their clients and 2) provide therapeutic communities with clear, non-sensational information on what is therapy abuse and how it progresses to exploitation so that they can identify and deal appropriately with offenders.
Books
What People Say About Bernadine's Lectures, Workshops ...
In the nearly four decades that I have been doing this work, I have never met anyone as energetic, creative, and determined as Bernadine, this despite her horrendous history of childhood and domestic abuse, having been sex-trafficked as early as age 9, having struggled with dissociative identity disorder (D.I.D), and having suffered a prolonged period of emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation at the hands of an esteemed mental health professional, one who, through Bernadine’s efforts, was ultimately unmasked as a monster. ... The people who reach out to us are overwhelmingly traumatized and despondent. Many are actively suicidal. In her on-line work with them, Bernadine has shown herself to be empathic, kind, wise and level-headed. Victims feel reassured in their contact with her—and many believe that if she has been able to survive, they can as well. She is also an insightful and reliable collaborator when her sister Responders request thoughts and ideas as to how to handle a particular situation. Without question, Bernadine has used her own experience and courageous recovery generously and intelligently to help others.
Jan Wohlberg/TELL
****
Gallery Gachet 's motto is Art is a means of survival (Yoko Ono). Bernadine embodies this in her personal work but also in her dedication as a teacher to helping others through art and self expression. Her artwork reflects her commitment to educate viewers about mental health and de-stigmatize those with lived experiences. Thus, over many years she has touched the lives of many people and continues to do so. She has been a consistent and dedicated supporter of our gallery's mission over many years being thus instrumental in our artist run center getting recognized as a leading artist run center this year by receiving the runner up Lacey Prize from the National Art Gallery of Canada. ... [Bernadine] exemplifies resilience in overcoming challenges and transforming this knowledge to help others learn and cope in order to survive and heal.
Bruce Ray, President/Gallery Gachet
****
Bernadine’s natural ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, facilitate difficult conversations, and articulate experiences and perspectives often misrepresented by mainstream media are behind the show’s success. Bernadine bravely goes outside her comfort zone every day, whether it’s learning how to operate a radio studio from the ground up, or speaking her truth to power, particularly when it comes to the negative impact on mental health consumers due to lack of industry regulation.
Bryan McKinnon/Vancouver Coop Radio
****
continued in drop down menu below...
In the nearly four decades that I have been doing this work, I have never met anyone as energetic, creative, and determined as Bernadine, this despite her horrendous history of childhood and domestic abuse, having been sex-trafficked as early as age 9, having struggled with dissociative identity disorder (D.I.D), and having suffered a prolonged period of emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation at the hands of an esteemed mental health professional, one who, through Bernadine’s efforts, was ultimately unmasked as a monster. ... The people who reach out to us are overwhelmingly traumatized and despondent. Many are actively suicidal. In her on-line work with them, Bernadine has shown herself to be empathic, kind, wise and level-headed. Victims feel reassured in their contact with her—and many believe that if she has been able to survive, they can as well. She is also an insightful and reliable collaborator when her sister Responders request thoughts and ideas as to how to handle a particular situation. Without question, Bernadine has used her own experience and courageous recovery generously and intelligently to help others.
Jan Wohlberg/TELL
****
Gallery Gachet 's motto is Art is a means of survival (Yoko Ono). Bernadine embodies this in her personal work but also in her dedication as a teacher to helping others through art and self expression. Her artwork reflects her commitment to educate viewers about mental health and de-stigmatize those with lived experiences. Thus, over many years she has touched the lives of many people and continues to do so. She has been a consistent and dedicated supporter of our gallery's mission over many years being thus instrumental in our artist run center getting recognized as a leading artist run center this year by receiving the runner up Lacey Prize from the National Art Gallery of Canada. ... [Bernadine] exemplifies resilience in overcoming challenges and transforming this knowledge to help others learn and cope in order to survive and heal.
Bruce Ray, President/Gallery Gachet
****
Bernadine’s natural ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people, facilitate difficult conversations, and articulate experiences and perspectives often misrepresented by mainstream media are behind the show’s success. Bernadine bravely goes outside her comfort zone every day, whether it’s learning how to operate a radio studio from the ground up, or speaking her truth to power, particularly when it comes to the negative impact on mental health consumers due to lack of industry regulation.
Bryan McKinnon/Vancouver Coop Radio
****
continued in drop down menu below...
What People Say About Bernadine's Lectures, workshops... (cont.)
cont....
****
You touched hearts. You changed minds. You showed how art and professionalism make a difference. And everyone had a look at what real courage looks like.
Anonymous
****
Excellent
Anonymous ****
Bernadine took what seemed like complicated material and laid it out in a a simple, straightforward, and level-headed manner. Grateful.
Anonymous
****
Bernadine is a living example of the resiliency so needed in times of crisis and uncertainty that people are facing now. ... I’ve known her as an artist and a mental health advocate. She exemplifies a level of compassion and deep understanding of healing from trauma not just surviving
but thriving despite the challenges life presents to us. She has integrated these skills into initiating change within organizations, informing gaps in the justice system in BC, supporting and developing resources across a broad scope of community needs.
Haruko Okano, Britannia Art Gallery
****
Articulate and moving. Profound
Anonymous
****
After Bernadine's presentation: "I am prepared to support and work to make regulation of counselors a reality in British Columbia."
Anonymous
****
Bernadine’s style was very affirming and open—she provided very useful, clear information that validated and challenged me to learn more.
Anonymous
****
You touched hearts. You changed minds. You showed how art and professionalism make a difference. And everyone had a look at what real courage looks like.
Anonymous
****
Excellent
Anonymous ****
Bernadine took what seemed like complicated material and laid it out in a a simple, straightforward, and level-headed manner. Grateful.
Anonymous
****
Bernadine is a living example of the resiliency so needed in times of crisis and uncertainty that people are facing now. ... I’ve known her as an artist and a mental health advocate. She exemplifies a level of compassion and deep understanding of healing from trauma not just surviving
but thriving despite the challenges life presents to us. She has integrated these skills into initiating change within organizations, informing gaps in the justice system in BC, supporting and developing resources across a broad scope of community needs.
Haruko Okano, Britannia Art Gallery
****
Articulate and moving. Profound
Anonymous
****
After Bernadine's presentation: "I am prepared to support and work to make regulation of counselors a reality in British Columbia."
Anonymous
****
Bernadine’s style was very affirming and open—she provided very useful, clear information that validated and challenged me to learn more.
Anonymous
How Bernadine can promote your event
I will post your event on all my social media platforms for 1 month to 2 weeks leading up to the event. (see below)
Links to Bernadine's social media
SUGGESTED HASHTAGS FOR BERNADINE
#mentalhealth #DID #multiplepersonality #plural #abuseintherapy #metoo #mentalhealthawareness #sexualabuse #sexualassault #abuse #domesticviolence #survivor #rape #trauma #sexualviolence #childabuse #ptsd #rapeculture #emotionalabuse #rapevictim #feminism #rapesurvivor #consent #womenempowerment #sexualharassment #feminist #domesticabuse #healing #women #physicalabuse #awareness #nomeansno #abusesurvivor #cptsd #ReThreadingMadness #bothsidesnow #VancouverCoopRadio #CFRO #BernadineFox #radioshow #podcast #publicaffairs #youtube #selfcare #selflove #anxiety #mentalhealthmatters #depression #health #mindfulness #loveyourself #inspiration #mindset #wellbeing #recovery #ptsd #art #trauma #mentalhealthsupport #growth #mentalhealthadvocate #humantrafficking #stigma
Suggested questions for bernadine
- What is Therapy Abuse: what is it not?
- What are the ethical boundaries therapists must follow?
- How do predatory therapists groom their victims: checklists?
- What does the predatory therapists do/react when victim discloses or makes a complaint?
- What are the consequences to the client who is victimized by a therapist?
- Making a complaint, filing a police reports, or advancing a civil suit: issues.
- What are the therapeutic issues that a subsequent therapist will need to address with a survivor?
- Where can people get resources?
Previous Speaking Engagements: (partial since late 80s)
Association of Co-Operative Counselling Therapists
Gibsons Town Hall Meeting, Gibsons, BC (Surviving Predatory Therapists)
Gallery Gachet (various artist talks and symposiums)
Canadian Psychiatric Association: Art & Health,
Elizabeth Fry Society,
Vancouver Crisis Line,
Northwest Region Study Group, Bellingham, WA,
Barbra Schiefler Commemorative Clinic, Toronto
International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation, Vancouver/Victoria
(cont. in drop down menu below)
Association of Co-Operative Counselling Therapists
Gibsons Town Hall Meeting, Gibsons, BC (Surviving Predatory Therapists)
Gallery Gachet (various artist talks and symposiums)
Canadian Psychiatric Association: Art & Health,
Elizabeth Fry Society,
Vancouver Crisis Line,
Northwest Region Study Group, Bellingham, WA,
Barbra Schiefler Commemorative Clinic, Toronto
International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation, Vancouver/Victoria
(cont. in drop down menu below)
Previous speaking Engagements cont.
Symposium on Sexual Abuse, Victoria
Fraser Valley Mental Health Services, Surrey
UBC School of Social Work,
VISACS, Vancouver Incest and Sexual Assault Centre Society,
Justice Institute of B.C.
Battered Women’s Support Services,
Vancouver Child Protection Services, Richmond
Ombudsman’s Office, Victoria
Burnaby Arts Guild
Engaging Disability, University of Victoria
Greater Vancouver Mental Health,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
BC/Yukon Transition House Association, Vancouver
Nanaimo Social Services, Parksville
Denial, Dissociation and Defensiveness, Victoria
Symposium on Sexual Abuse, Victoria
Phoenix Transition House, Prince George
Intersect and the Native Friendship Society, Prince George
Duncan/Cowichan WAVAW
KickstArt, Vancouver
Fraser Valley Mental Health Services, Surrey
UBC School of Social Work,
VISACS, Vancouver Incest and Sexual Assault Centre Society,
Justice Institute of B.C.
Battered Women’s Support Services,
Vancouver Child Protection Services, Richmond
Ombudsman’s Office, Victoria
Burnaby Arts Guild
Engaging Disability, University of Victoria
Greater Vancouver Mental Health,
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
BC/Yukon Transition House Association, Vancouver
Nanaimo Social Services, Parksville
Denial, Dissociation and Defensiveness, Victoria
Symposium on Sexual Abuse, Victoria
Phoenix Transition House, Prince George
Intersect and the Native Friendship Society, Prince George
Duncan/Cowichan WAVAW
KickstArt, Vancouver
