(she/her)
My name is Peggy Ann Serena Hemmer, but I prefer to be called Serena. Since 2004, I have been providing clinically sound, creative, and holistic counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children aged three and up. Before my clinical practice, I spent nine years with the Ohio county and state departments of mental health and substance abuse. I am dedicated to empowering clients to discover their inner wisdom, reclaim their authentic selves, and cultivate lives rich in ease and joy. My credentials include a Bachelor of Social Work degree, earned Summa Cum Laude from Capital University, and a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Florida, I hold certifications in Rational Hypnotherapy, Gottman Couples Counseling, and Spiritual Life Coaching. Having established my private practice in Central Ohio in 2006, I relocated to Florida in 2013 and now provide Telehealth Therapy services from my home in the Saint Petersburg area. Complementing my formal education and experience, I am certified in various holistic modalities, including Reiki Master Teacher, Advanced Theta Healing Practitioner, and Access Bars Practitioner.
In our first session, we'll begin by introducing ourselves, and I'll listen to your story, needs, and challenges. I'll also learn about your family background and childhood. We may start developing goals, but we'll focus on them more in our second session. I'm here to listen, provide tools, and support you as you make healthy changes. It's an honor to serve you.
I am a compassionate and creative therapist with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic levels in residential treatment centers and private practice. Through this diverse experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges people face and a profound belief in the innate capacity for growth and resilience within each individual. I integrate my education, experience, and intuition into my practice to help clients navigate their unique journeys toward thriving.
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.
I identify as
Cash - $100 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Florida Blue - Medicare
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Attachment-based
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 (CBT)
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.