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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
Emotional Wellness
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
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
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
Socializing for Health
Social connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a biological need. In this post, Esther reminds us that, like food and exercise, human interaction is essential to our well-being. On the heels of pandemic isolation, she challenges us to step outside, smile, and engage with others—for the sake of our mental health and theirs.
Esther Vanderwal
Apr 28, 20221 min read
Tangled Webs
Lying may start small—especially in childhood—but its consequences can grow rapidly, binding us in webs that are hard to escape. In this reflection, Esther explores the developmental roots of deception, the shame that often fuels it, and the importance of choosing truth, even when it’s hard. With spiritual insight and practical wisdom, she also reminds us of the power of forgiveness—for both the deceived and the deceiver.
Esther Vanderwal and Mitzie Beavert
Jul 31, 20214 min read
Transitions
Transitions have a way of shaking up our well-worn paths, whether it’s a muddy detour or a sudden dead end. In this thoughtful reflection, Esther explores how our brains—and our relationships—respond to unexpected change. Drawing from personal experience, she shows how different reactions to stress can still lead to growth, connection, and a new way forward. If you're feeling stuck in transition, you’re not alone—and you have tools to navigate through.
Esther Vanderwal
Jul 15, 20213 min read
Doors
Life often presents us with doors—opportunities, choices, or turning points—and how we respond to them can shape our path. In this reflection, we explore the difference between doors that open naturally versus those we try to force. What if resistance is a sign to pause, not push? And what if ease is an invitation to step into something aligned? Read on for insight into recognizing life’s subtle signals and how to navigate the next door.
Esther Vanderwal
Apr 21, 20211 min read
Shame Versus Guilt
Drawing from The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown, this blog unpacks the powerful distinction between shame and guilt—and why it matters. Shame targets the self; guilt targets behavior. Understanding the difference can impact how we heal, how we parent, and how we support others. Learn how shifting from a shame-based lens to a guilt-based framework can support mental health, resilience, and long-term change.
Esther Vanderwal
Apr 5, 20212 min read
Navigating Pandemic Stress
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new and heightened stressors into our lives. This blog explores strategies for reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of control during uncertain times—from creating routines and limiting news exposure to practicing mindfulness and reaching out for social support.
Katie Tippett
Jan 19, 20213 min read
The Oneness of Single Life
Being single—especially over 35—comes with unique emotional and social challenges. This post explores the quiet complexities of single life and introduces a new group designed to foster support, community, and connection without expectations.
Esther Vanderwal
Jan 31, 20202 min read
Actively Aging
Aging doesn’t mean stepping back—it means showing up differently. This post challenges the outdated narrative of growing older as a passive decline, and celebrates what it means to age with energy, purpose, and bold participation in life.
Esther Vanderwal
Jan 1, 20202 min read
Beauty Between the Lines
With age comes a shift in what we see—and what we cherish. This post reflects on the grace that lives beneath the surface, the wisdom forged through fire, and the quiet beauty that comes from growing older and seeing more clearly.
Esther Vanderwal
Nov 19, 20192 min read
When to See a Therapist
You don’t need a diagnosis to talk to a therapist. Whether you're facing relationship issues, life stress, or just feeling stuck, therapy can help. This post clears up common misconceptions about when—and why—to reach out for support.
Esther Vanderwal
Jan 7, 20191 min read
Life Changes
Life changes—joyful or painful—can hit us harder than we expect. Whether it’s sending a child to college or simply watching time pass, this post reflects on the beauty and grief of transitions, and why even good change can be hard.
Esther Vanderwal
Aug 17, 20182 min read
Self Care
In a world that praises selflessness, we often forget to save anything for ourselves. This post is your reminder: take the last slice, refill your lamp, and embrace self-care—not as luxury, but as necessity.
Esther Vanderwal
Aug 10, 20181 min read
Anxiety: A picture is worth thousand words
Sometimes words fall short—but images speak clearly. These drawings from a teen client powerfully capture the inner experience of anxiety. Take a moment to look closely. You might see yourself in them.
Esther Vanderwal
Jun 16, 20171 min read
Anger V. Sadness
Anger often masks what’s harder to feel: sadness. In a world that discourages vulnerability, many express pain through anger instead. This post explores why sadness matters, and how safe spaces can help us move from guarded to genuinely connected.
Esther Vanderwal
Apr 10, 20172 min read
Loneliness
Loneliness impacts both mental and physical health—and it's more common than we think. As social beings, we thrive on connection. This post shares proactive steps to ease loneliness and build meaningful relationships.
Esther Vanderwal
Feb 5, 20171 min read
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