Meet Serena
I specialize in working with patients who have experienced overwhelming childhood, relational, and complex trauma over their lifetime. I approach the therapeutic relationship with a curiosity of your lived experience, gentle understanding, and actively work with you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I use humor throughout the session and hold respectful space for your individual process.
Some sessions may be emotionally challenging, while others will provide you with valuable insights and a sense of peace. I wholeheartedly believe in your capacity to tap into internal resources, overcome challenges and find healing.
I believe you are the expert on your own life.
Throughout our work together, my focus is on supporting you as you embark on a journey of self-discovery.
I view our time together as a collaborative process where I actively participate in your healing journey. I meet you exactly where you are, always checking in with your inner knowing and therapy goals. Together, we create a safe and supportive space, and I firmly believe in your body and mind's natural ability to heal – our work is simply to unlock that potential.
Some sessions will feel tough, where we’ll explore deep, sometimes painful emotions or experiences that you may have been avoiding. I’ll be right there with you, facing those difficult moments together. Nothing will surprise me, and we’ll work through it step by step, knowing that this is often where the most growth and healing happen.
At times, we’ll explore and question old beliefs or narratives you’ve been holding onto, revisit past experiences to reframe them, or practice becoming more aware of your body’s signals. Our journey will be shaped by your desired pace and goals for personal growth.
Clients describe me as both safe + grounding
Our time together will give you a safe and supportive place to talk through what’s on your mind and work through the challenges you’re facing. We’ll explore what’s holding you back, build strategies to help you move forward, and find ways to create the changes you want in your life.
My goal is to help you transform negative internal narratives and find inner peace.
Together, we will:
Understand patterned ways of thinking and behaving that are holding you back
Learn skills to manage unwanted emotions
Heal from past and present pain
Learn ways to maintain the change
I would be honored to join your journey.
I work well with clients who:
Are motivated and open-minded — they’re the ones who often see the most progress from our work together.
Feel ready to start making their own wellbeing a priority
Actively work to create change and willing to do the work to get there
Want to incorporate the mind and body in their healing process
Want to understand themselves on a deeper level
Methods I use:
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a holistic therapy that helps reduce the impact of painful memories and experiences. By using tapping or eye movements, it bridges both sides of your brain to process and reframe emotions and memories.
One of the best things about EMDR is that you don’t need to relive or even share all the details of your experiences. This method works with your brain’s natural ability to heal itself; I’m simply here to guide you through the process.
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Somatic therapy helps connect the mind and body to support healing and well-being. When we experience stress or trauma, the body can hold onto that tension, almost like a tightly wound knot. By using techniques such as mindful breathing, intentional movement, and heightened body awareness, somatic therapy encourages the release of this tension, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
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Parts work therapy is a way of understanding the different sides of yourself. These sides, or "parts," can include things like a part that worries a lot, a part that tries to protect you, or a part that is critical of you. The therapy helps you connect with these parts and understand why they act the way they do. By doing this, you can learn to feel more at peace with yourself and solve any inner struggles you might have.
Education + Training
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LPCC - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (MN & CO)
LADC - Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MN & CO)
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EMDR
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Trauma Systems Therapy Certified (TST)
Somatic based therapies
Ego State Interventions
Sandra Paulsen’s ACTASIF model for treating dissociative disorders
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Master’s of Professional Counseling - Grand Canyon University, AZ
Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology - Arizona State University, AZ