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.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
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.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Having studied and practiced many holistic approaches to health and well-being, as well as a variety of life philosophies, my approach to therapy is from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Primarily a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, I sometimes weave Expressive Arts and other modalities into sessions. Certified in Rational Hypnotherapy, I am able to guide clients to relief from anxiety, phobias, and addictions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
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.