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“Go in the direction of where your peace is coming from.” ― C. JoyBell C.
Esther's Blog
I’m Esther Vanderwal, LCSW-C, and President of Serenity Place, LLC!
After nearly 30 years in the field of social work—and having walked alongside clients through grief, postpartum transitions, anxiety, relational strain, trauma, and everything in between—I’ve learned this: healing isn’t linear, but it is possible.
This space is an extension of the work I do in the therapy room. Here, I’ll be sharing reflections, tools, and insights drawn from both clinical experience and real human moments. Whether you’re a client, a fellow clinician, or someone simply seeking understanding, I hope these writings offer clarity, validation, and encouragement as you navigate your path.
Let’s talk about what it means to struggle, to grow, and to keep showing up for yourself and the people you love.
Warmly,
Esther Vanderwal
All Posts
Coverage Updates for Medication Management for Mental Health
Starting medication for your mental health shouldn’t be confusing. This post explains which insurance plans we can currently accept for medication management and what to expect if you’re on our waitlist. Learn whether we have openings for Tricare, Kaiser, or Champ VA, or when we’ll be in-network with plans like BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Medicaid, and Medicare. Clear updates, no surprises, just transparency while we finish credentialing.
Sophia Palma
Oct 292 min read
Integrating Care: How Medication Management Supports Mental Health
Serenity Place is expanding access to mental health care in Southern Maryland with NP Brittany Szaks. With over 20 years of experience in pediatric, emergency, and behavioral health settings, Brittany offers medication management and psychiatric evaluations that bridge medical and therapeutic care. Her compassionate and patient-centered approach helps patients feel supported and understood throughout their mental health journey.
Sophia Palma
Oct 212 min read
Nurse Practitioner Q&A
Have questions about seeing our nurse practitioner with Tricare, Champ VA, or Kaiser Permanente? We’ve put together a quick Q&A to help clarify what to expect and how coverage works.
Sophia Palma
Oct 61 min read
Therapy Myths vs. Facts: What You Really Need to Know
Therapy is often misunderstood. From “therapy is only for serious problems” to “it means you’re weak,” myths can prevent people from seeking support. Learn the facts about therapy and how it helps with growth, resilience, and mental health.
Sophia Palma
Sep 82 min read
When Your Mind Won’t Shut Off: Why Talking It Through Matters
Carrying the weight of constant thoughts alone is exhausting. With therapy online, you can talk through what’s on your mind and start to uncover what truly helps you feel more like yourself again.
Sophia Palma
Aug 292 min read
The Benefits of Virtual Therapy
Virtual therapy makes it easier to prioritize your mental health from the comfort of home. Learn how our licensed therapists can support you with stress, relationships, and life transitions through flexible online sessions.
Sophia Palma
Aug 201 min read
Rethinking Anxiety: From Roadblock to Resource
Anxiety doesn’t have to be the enemy. In a presentation at Grace Lutheran Church & School, James McDaniel, LMSW, and Dr. Amanda Leal, DSW, LCSW-C shared how reframing anxiety can turn it from a roadblock into a tool for growth, resilience, and empowerment—backed by science.
Sophia Palma
Aug 142 min read
Task Snacking: The Stress-Free Way to Tackle Big Projects
Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Task snacking is a stress-busting productivity strategy that turns big projects into small, manageable steps. Discover how breaking your work into quick “snacks” can help you beat procrastination, build momentum, and get more done, without burning out.
Sophia Palma
Aug 122 min read
Affordable Therapy Now Available with Our Supervised Interns
Therapy shouldn’t be out of reach. Our intern program offers quality, supervised counseling for just $25 per session — no insurance required. Learn how you can get started and connect with a therapist who’s here to support you.
Sophia Palma
Aug 111 min read
Understanding the Trauma Iceberg: What’s Beneath the Surface
Many trauma responses go unseen. What looks like anger, defiance, or withdrawal on the outside often hides deeper pain—like shame, fear, or depression. The “Trauma Iceberg” helps us understand that what’s visible is only part of the story. In this post, we explore how trauma manifests beneath the surface and why compassionate, trauma-informed care matters.
Sophia Palma
Aug 42 min read
Life After Letting Go
In this vulnerable continuation of her divorce journey, Esther explores what comes after the heartbreak: the quiet, often overlooked moments when healing begins. From simple home projects to reclaiming her identity, she shares how grief transforms into empowerment, and how silence—once deafening—can become sacred. This blog is an invitation to honor your healing, feel your grief fully, and begin to choose yourself again.
Esther Vanderwal
May 283 min read
One Breath at a Time: Finding My Way Through Divorce
In this raw and personal blog, Esther shares her experience of navigating the heartbreak and transformation of divorce. She reflects on the quiet ways abuse and loss of self can hide within marriage, the gut-wrenching grief of letting go, and the daily battle to keep breathing. With honesty and compassion, she invites readers into her process of healing—one breath, one wave, one moment at a time.
Esther Vanderwal
Apr 282 min read
Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Supporting Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
In this powerful and personal blog, Esther shares her deep professional and lived insight into the lifelong impacts of childhood sexual abuse. Drawing from her work at a Child Advocacy Center, she highlights the behavioral, emotional, and physical manifestations of trauma, explores the reasons behind misunderstood coping mechanisms, and advocates for trauma-informed support rooted in compassion—not judgment. This post calls for awareness, education, and empathy to help surviv
Esther Vanderwal
Jul 12, 20244 min read
The Power of Intentional Communication: Shaping Your Conversations
This blog explores how understanding and expressing our true intentions during conversations can lead to more meaningful, satisfying interactions. Esther shares relatable examples and practical insights into how unspoken expectations can derail communication—and how simple shifts in language can create clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and improve connection in both personal and professional relationships.
Esther Vanderwal
Oct 31, 20232 min read
Consciously Married: Nurturing Your Relationship Mindfully
In this insightful post, Esther introduces the concept of being “Consciously Married”—bringing mindfulness into your relationship to nurture love with intention. By assessing time spent together, daily effort, and your partner’s unique needs, couples can move beyond routine and create deeper connection. With real-life examples and thoughtful questions, she encourages readers to treat their marriage with the same deliberate care they give other priorities in life.
Esther Vanderwal
Oct 4, 20232 min read
The Bench
In this touching post, Esther reflects on the bench her children gave her for Mother's Day—a quiet space that honors her mother's memory and supports her own grief journey. Surrounded by flowers, birds, and family laughter, the bench has become a symbol of love, legacy, and the ripple effect of one life on many. She encourages others to create their own sacred spaces for remembrance, healing, and continued connection with those they’ve lost.
Esther Vanderwal
Jun 12, 20231 min read
A Humble Bean and Cheese Burrito
A simple bean and cheese burrito becomes the gateway to a rich tapestry of childhood memories in this heartfelt post. Esther reflects on summers spent in the Texas cotton fields, the quiet strength of her mother, and the imaginative escape found under a shade tree. Through the lens of food, she explores themes of family, sacrifice, resilience, and gratitude—reminding us that even the most ordinary things can hold extraordinary meaning.
Esther Vanderwal
Apr 10, 20232 min read
Hindsight 20/20
What would you change if you could see the past with the clarity you have now? In this reflective and deeply personal post, Esther explores how aging, trauma work, and parenting have shaped her self-awareness—and how hindsight brings not only understanding, but grace. Through honest reflection, she offers hope for those still wrestling with their own pasts: healing is possible, and every crooked step may still lead to a beautiful destination.
Esther Vanderwal
Dec 18, 20223 min read
Trauma and It’s After Effects
Trauma doesn’t end when the moment passes—it lingers in bodies, minds, and families, often spanning generations. In this deeply personal and powerful post, Esther shares a childhood memory, the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, and the urgent need to break cycles of pain. This is a call to face the hard truths, seek healing, and change the future—one life at a time.
Esther Vanderwal
Nov 10, 20223 min read
Are you a Super Hero?
What do superheroes and trauma survivors have in common? More than you think. In this inspiring post, Esther draws a powerful parallel between comic book origin stories and the journeys of real-life overcomers. Learn how trauma can become a turning point—not just for survival, but for strength, purpose, and healing.
Esther Vanderwal
Aug 7, 20221 min read
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