Change your Life!
Your life can evolve and change so that you may find freedom and peace!
My mission is to assist you to explore and discover your own answers from within, and to remember, recover and honor your true, authentic self so you can live life with greater ease and abundant joy.
Let me guide you to transform your-Self and your life.
Hello,
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. Prior to my clinical work, I spent 10 years at the county and state departments of mental health and substance abuse.
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. Knowing youth express themselves through art, and play, I weave Expressive Arts modalities into sessions with youth and their families. I was provided an opportunity to establish an Expressive Arts Clinical Program at a behavioral health residential center for youth. Certified in Rational Hypnotherapy, I am able to guide clients to relief from anxiety, phobias, and addictions.
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. As an ordained metaphysical, New Thought minister and certified Spiritual Life Coach I assist clients, who are seeking, to explore and expand their values, spirituality, and faith.
I bring my education, experience, and intuition to my practice and particularly my creativity in my work with adolescents and adults. 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 to thrive.
Originally, I founded my private practice in 2006 in Worthington, Ohio, and later moved it to Westerville, Ohio. Because I incorporate my background and experience in dance, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, drama, visual arts, and pottery, I was sought after to provide therapy for children as well as adults and couples. 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, an Access Bars Practitioner and taught Qi Gong and Tai Chi for the State of Ohio Employees. Currently, my practice is located in sunny Saint Petersburg, Florida.
During my career, I have developed and presented a variety of workshops for families and providers. Including:
Ohio Department of Health - Birth to Three Conference -“Maternal Depression and Effects on Infants”- Co-Presenter
Ohio Department of Aging Governor’s Conference on Aging - “Advantages of Tai Chi”, Presenter
Ohio Department of Mental Health Millennium Conference - “Moving through Recovery”- Presenter
“Use of Expressive Arts and Play in Counseling Adolescent Youth in a Children’s Residential Center”- Presenter
“Bullies, Bullied, Bully Victims”- Presenter
“Separation, Attachment, and Placement”- Foster and Adopted Children Presenter
Cancer Support Community Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C-Co-Presenter -“Distress Screening”
My publications include:
I Am Me, I Am, A Pearl's Wisdom Book. Hemmer, P. A. Serena(2020). https://www.amazon.com/Am-Me-Pearls-Wisdom-Books/dp/B08JJLMSB7.
I Don't Need Counseling. https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/i-don-t-need-counseling.
Is My Child Too Young for Counseling. https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/is-my-child-too-young-for-counseling.
The Empowerment of Homeless Women: Implications for Future Advocacy Issues
Seventh Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship. College of Arts and Sciences. Capital University.
Herndon, P. (former name) and Scherocman, J. (2002)
Depression: Developmental Considerations from Birth to Eighteen
Sixth Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship. College of Arts and Sciences. Capital University.
Herndon, P. (former name) Stattmiller, L., and Wernicke, C., (2001)
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Trichotillomania, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Hypnotherapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
FL LCSW SW 14761
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Rev. Peggy Ann "Serena" Hemmer. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Serena is the BEST - professional, knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate - I've been in therapy for years and she is hands down the best provider I have ever had!
Written on Jul 11, 2024 after therapy with Peggy Ann "Serena" for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Serena has been excellent. She is easy to talk to, understands my concerns, provides helpful suggestions and suggests good exercises that don't feel like busy work. She has gotten me to reflect on my situations in life and look them from a different point of view, which has helped to ease my anxiety.
Written on Apr 10, 2024 after therapy with Peggy Ann "Serena" for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management
Rev. Hemmer has been a perfect match for me. BetterHelp's questionnaire really helped align me with the right therapist, so that is very appreciated. She is warm, kind, very spirtual and has immediately given me tools that are already helping me refrain my mindset. I look forward to the progress I believe I'll make with her guidance!
Written on Jan 23, 2024 after therapy with Peggy Ann "Serena" for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
Serena has been a guiding force for me now for years. Truly a blessing from God, she has been there for me in the darkest of times and continues to help me radiate from the inside out. She has helped me discover myself and show up in this world healed and authentic. I owe so much to her and her endless care and support.
Written on Jan 11, 2024 after therapy with Peggy Ann "Serena" for 2 years and 8 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Serena is absolutely amazing! If you are also a spiritual person looking for a path to a better you, her unmatched expertise provides you with insights on how to be your best self. She listens and her welcoming aura helps you feel comfortable to just talk. She truly is the best and I can't thank her enough!
Written on Nov 09, 2023 after therapy with Peggy Ann "Serena" for 9 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have worked with Serena for over a year now and have found support in my daily life. Serena’s compassionate care and positive reminders to embrace all of me has been a blessing. I am grateful for our time together! If you’re seeking support and tools to manage your life, I recommend seeking out Serena.
Written on Apr 25, 2023 after therapy with Peggy Ann "Serena" for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes