Hi, my name is Judith Serrano and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Family Systems Therapy, to create a safe space where we can work together to explore and resolve personal and relational issues. My goal is to support you in developing healthy coping skills, enhancing emotional well-being, and achieving the goals that are most important to you.
In your first session, you can expect to have a warm and welcoming environment where you’ll feel safe to share your thoughts and concerns. We'll start by discussing your reasons for seeking therapy, any specific challenges you’re facing, and your goals for our work together. I'll also take some time to gather important background information, such as your personal history, relationships, and any relevant life experiences.
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can openly explore their thoughts and emotions. This allows for deeper self-awareness and meaningful progress. I am also deeply empathetic and strive to understand my clients' experiences from their perspective, which helps build a strong therapeutic relationship. Another strength is my flexibility and adaptability, I tailor my approach to each individual, couple, or family, recognizing that everyone’s needs and challenges are unique. Whether working through trauma, relationship issues, or personal growth, I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques to best support each client’s journey.
I am best positioned to serve individuals, couples, and families who are facing challenges in their relationships, emotional well-being, or life transitions. This includes individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, or past experiences that impact their current mental health and functioning. Couples navigating communication struggles, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, or adjusting to major life changes, such as marriage, parenthood, or separation. Families seeking to improve communication, strengthen bonds, and resolve conflicts that may arise from parenting challenges, blended family dynamics, or intergenerational issues. I also specialize in working with those who have experienced trauma or adversity, including childhood trauma, relationship trauma, or loss, and are looking to heal and move forward.
CBT involves using a structured, goal-oriented framework to guide clients through a process of understanding and changing their thinking patterns and behaviors. The treatment is often time-limited and collaborative, with a strong focus on teaching clients the skills to manage their own mental health.
DBT is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions, improve their relationships, and build skills for a more balanced life. It's highly structured and skills-based, with a strong emphasis on validation and acceptance.
The main goal of ACT is not to get rid of difficult thoughts or feelings, but to change how you relate to them so they don’t control your behavior or prevent you from living a meaningful life.
The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships within the family unit.
The goal of utilizing TF CBT with children is to reduce the negative emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of trauma while also strengthening coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing family support.