LCSW, 21 years of experience
I am Peggy Ann Serena Hemmer. I prefer to go by Serena. I have been providing clinically sound, creative, holistic counseling for children ages 3 and up, adults, couples, and families since 2004. Before my clinical work, I spent 9 years at the Ohio county and state departments of mental health and substance abuse. My mission is to assist clients to explore and discover their answers from within, and to remember, recover, and honor their true, authentic self so they can live life with greater ease and abundant joy! I graduated Summa cum Laude from Capital University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and received a Master of Social Work degree, from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. In Florida, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Certifications in Rational Hypnotherapy, Gottman Couple's Counseling, and Spiritual Life Coaching. Originally, I founded my private practice in 2006 in Central Ohio. I moved to Florida in 2013 and now practice as a Telehealth Therapist from my home in the sunny Saint Petersburg area. Along with my formal education and experience, I am certified in many holistic approaches. I am a Reiki Master Teacher, an Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, and an Access Bars Practitioner.
In our first session we introduce ourselves, and then I listen to your story, your needs, your challenges. I also like to get to know about your family of origin and your childhood. We may begin to develop your goals the first session, but we will really focus on that in your second session. I am here to listen, provide tools, and support you as you make healthy changes in your life. I feel it is an honor to be of service to you.
I bring my education, experience, and intuition to my practice, particularly my creativity. Having provided counseling for people of all ages, from all backgrounds, and socio-economic levels in residential treatment centers and private practice, I have acquired a broad awareness of the variety of challenges many people face and have witnessed the intrinsic ability we each have to overcome those challenges and, thrive.
Adult women and men, Seniors, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Recovery from Abuse/Trauma, Life Transitions, Chronic Pain, and Spiritual Life Coaching for those who request it.
Attachment theory counseling focuses on how early relationships with caregivers shape emotional patterns, self-image, and interpersonal behaviors. By identifying a person’s attachment style—secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—therapists help clients understand how these patterns influence current relationships and emotional regulation. Counseling creates a safe, trusting environment that mirrors a secure attachment, enabling healing through reflection, emotional expression, and development of healthier relational habits.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that helps people recognize and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. It’s based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected—so by identifying distorted or unhelpful thoughts, individuals can develop healthier behaviors and emotional responses. CBT is goal-oriented and practical, often involving exercises and strategies to manage challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress. It’s like giving your brain a structured tune-up, with tools you can carry into everyday life.