- Attachment work
- CBT techniques
- Expressive arts
About Peggy
Rev. Peggy Ann "Serena" Hemmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 21 years of practice. She works with adults and adolescents on common struggles such as stress, anxiety, anger, relationships, trauma, depression, parenting, and sleep problems. Serena combines clinical methods with creative ways to help people notice patterns and try new behaviors.
Serena uses a mix of talk-based and experiential approaches. She draws on attachment ideas to look at relationship patterns and on cognitive behavioral tools to change unhelpful thinking. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills are used for emotion regulation and distress tolerance. She also uses expressive arts with young people and those who benefit from nonverbal work.
Her background includes work in county and state mental health and substance abuse systems before private practice. She brings lived experience of community and residential settings to her clinical work. Serena trained in several approaches and holds certifications listed in her biography.
Clients can expect help identifying triggers, practicing new coping skills, and building better communication. Sessions may include straightforward skill coaching, reflective conversation, and creative exercises when helpful. She also integrates spiritual life coaching for clients who want that exploration.
Serena holds a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Capital University. She is based in Florida and continues to work with people on issues from impulse control and anger to long-term relationship patterns.
How her approaches translate to online work
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationships shape reactions and trust. Online sessions can be used to map those patterns, practice new responses, and rehearse communication between sessions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying new, practical behaviors. In remote sessions this often means setting clear practice tasks, reviewing progress, and using brief skill coaching during the appointment.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. A therapist can teach and role-play these skills online, then help clients adapt them to daily situations.
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't worked before, then suggest methods to try. Sessions can adjust over time as needs change.
Confirm which session formats are offered before booking, since the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example shorter check-ins can be scheduled during a work break, phone-only meetings use less bandwidth, and video sessions let the therapist demonstrate skills and watch interactions. These practical benefits help therapy stay consistent alongside other commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, relationship strain, trauma, depression, parenting, sleep issues, and related concerns listed in her profile.
How would you describe the therapy style?
She blends talk therapy with skill teaching and creative exercises. That can include attachment-focused work, CBT tools, DBT skills, and expressive arts where useful.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 21 years of experience, including work in county and state mental health and substance abuse services before private practice.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, FL LCSW, and practices in Florida.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the biography.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.