Services We Offer

If you’re feeling lost in life’s storm, or struggling to see a clear path forward, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you're facing grief, anxiety, relationship struggles, or past wounds that still weigh on your heart, we’re here to help you find steadier ground.

Our compassionate team has walked alongside many individuals, couples, and families through life’s most challenging moments. We specialize in strengthening relationships, easing the weight of grief and loss, managing anxiety and depression, and healing from trauma.

For couples, we provide guidance in deepening connection, resolving conflicts, and co-parenting with intention. And if you’re at a crossroads, unsure whether to move forward together or apart, we offer a safe and supportive space to help you navigate that decision with care—especially when children are involved.

No matter how turbulent life feels right now, you don’t have to weather the storm alone. Let us be a steady presence, helping you regain clarity, strength, and a sense of direction.

Services

We can also help you navigate:

Family Conflict – Helping families navigate tension, improve communication, and rebuild trust in challenging relationships.
Divorce & Separation – Guiding through separation's emotional and logistical aspects while supporting children and co-parenting dynamics.
Grief & Loss – Supporting individuals as they process the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a life transition, helping them find healing at their own pace.
Anxiety Disorders – Offering strategies to manage excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, and general feelings of unease.
Coping Skills & Emotional Resilience – Teaching practical techniques to handle stress, regulate emotions, and build inner strength.
Depression & Mood Disorders – Providing compassionate care for those experiencing sadness, hopelessness, mood swings, or emotional numbness.
Lifespan Changes & Transitions – Helping individuals adjust to major life shifts, such as career changes, retirement, or becoming empty nesters.
Parenting Support – Offering guidance for parents facing challenges with discipline, co-parenting, child development, or raising children with special needs.
Perinatal & Postpartum Depression – Supporting new parents struggling with emotional challenges before and after childbirth.
Relationship Issues – Strengthening connections, improving communication, and navigating challenges in romantic and family relationships.
Self-Esteem & Personal Growth – Helping individuals build confidence, self-worth, and a more positive self-image.
Healing from Sexual Abuse & Trauma – Providing a safe space for survivors to process their experiences, regain a sense of safety, and work toward healing.
Spiritual Exploration & Growth – Supporting individuals in navigating faith, existential questions, or integrating spirituality into their healing journey.
Trauma & PTSD Recovery – Offering trauma-informed care for those dealing with past or recent traumatic events, helping them regain a sense of control.
Women’s & Men’s Mental Health – Addressing gender-specific challenges related to societal expectations, identity, and well-being.
Adoption & Family Adjustments – Guiding adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees as they navigate complex emotions and relationships.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support – Helping individuals and families adjust to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes following a brain injury.
Chronic Illness & Pain Management – Supporting those with long-term health conditions, helping them cope with emotional and lifestyle changes.
Dissociative Disorders & Identity Challenges – Providing care for individuals experiencing dissociation, identity fragmentation, or struggles related to past trauma.

Crisis Resources

Types of Therapy We Offer

Parent Child Interaction Therapy

What is PCIT?

PCIT is a short-term, specialized behavior management program designed for young children experiencing behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and their families. PCIT teaches caregivers to manage their child’s difficult behaviors, while increasing their positive behaviors. PCIT works with the child and caregiver(s) together to improve behavior and reduce parenting stress.

How does it work?
PCIT consists of weekly sessions conducted in two treatment phases.

What is a PCIT Session Like?

PCIT is an exceptionally effective treatment backed by over 30 years of research. Live coaching is a hallmark of PCIT. The therapist observes the caregiver and child together, then provides coaching on the PCIT skills. Caregivers and therapists work together to manage challenging child behaviors.

Who is PCIT for?

Children ages 2½ to 7 who display any or all of the following:

Parent-child relational problems
Refusal and defiance of adult requests
Easy loss of temper
Purposeful annoyance of others
Destruction of property
Difficulty staying seated
Difficulty playing quietly
Difficulty taking turns

Who are appropriate caregivers for PCIT?

Biological parents
Foster Parents
Adoptive Parents
Legal Guardian
Grandparents
Kinship caregivers

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

An evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, short-term treatment model proven effective for children and adolescents (ages 3–18) who have experienced traumatic events. TF-CBT integrates cognitive-behavioral, attachment, and family systems principles to address the emotional and psychological impact of trauma.

This approach helps young clients develop skills to manage distressing thoughts and feelings, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and improve functioning at home, school, and in relationships. TF-CBT involves individual sessions with the child or adolescent, parallel caregiver sessions, and joint sessions to support healthy communication and connection.

Core components of TF-CBT include:

Psychoeducation about trauma and common reactions
Emotional regulation and relaxation skills
Cognitive coping and restructuring
Creation of a trauma narrative
In-vivo mastery of trauma reminders
Conjoint parent-child sessions
Enhancing safety and future development

TF-CBT has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety
Depression
Behavioral issues
Shame, guilt, and other trauma-related cognitions

At Serenity Place, our trained clinicians use TF-CBT to help young survivors of abuse, neglect, loss, and other traumatic experiences move toward resilience and recovery, while supporting caregivers as active partners in the healing process.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

Heal from trauma—without having to relive it in detail.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess painful memories, so they no longer feel overwhelming.

EMDR doesn’t erase the memory. Instead, it helps you hold it differently, without the intense emotional charge.

Many clients find EMDR helpful when they feel “stuck” in therapy or are overwhelmed by trauma they can’t talk about easily. It’s often used to treat:

PTSD and complex trauma
Anxiety and panic
Childhood abuse or neglect
Grief and loss
Sexual assault
First responder and military trauma
Phobias and performance anxiety

At Serenity Place, our trained EMDR therapists create a safe, structured space to help you work through painful experiences at your own pace. You won’t be rushed or pushed—we follow your lead and focus on building trust and emotional safety first.

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. EMDR can help you move forward with more peace, clarity, and control.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

A values-based, evidence-supported approach to psychological flexibility

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy grounded in behavioral science and relational frame theory. Rather than focusing on symptom elimination, ACT aims to increase psychological flexibility—the ability to be present with what is, and to take meaningful action guided by personal values.

ACT integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness and acceptance strategies to help individuals relate differently to difficult thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Clients are taught to notice and accept internal experiences rather than avoid or suppress them, and to commit to behavioral changes aligned with their values.

Core processes of ACT include:

Cognitive defusion: reducing the literal impact of unhelpful thoughts
Acceptance: making space for painful emotions without struggle
Contact with the present moment: cultivating mindful awareness
Self-as-context: recognizing the observing self beyond content
Values clarification: identifying what matters most
Committed action: taking steps toward meaningful goals

ACT has demonstrated efficacy across a wide range of clinical concerns, including:

Anxiety disorders
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Chronic pain and illness
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Life transitions and stress-related disorders

At Serenity Place, our clinicians use ACT to help clients move from experiential avoidance toward a more flexible, engaged, and values-driven life.

The Gottman Method

Research-based couples therapy for strengthening relationships

The Gottman Method is a structured, goal-oriented approach to couples therapy that is grounded in over four decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or fail. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method integrates therapeutic interventions with scientific insights to help couples increase connection, manage conflict, and build lasting intimacy.

At its core, the Gottman Method focuses on three key areas:

Friendship and emotional connection
Conflict management and communication skills
Creation of shared meaning and life purpose

Using the Gottman assessment process, couples identify strengths and areas of challenge. From there, therapy targets patterns such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling—known as the “Four Horsemen”—and replaces them with healthy communication strategies.

Common goals of Gottman Method therapy include:

Deepening emotional attunement and trust
Rebuilding intimacy and affection
Processing past hurts and relationship injuries
Managing perpetual and solvable conflicts
Enhancing empathy, appreciation, and shared goals

This method is highly effective for couples at any stage, from dating and premarital to long-term partnerships and marriages. It is also well-suited for couples navigating high-stress life events, parenting transitions, or the aftermath of betrayal.

At Serenity Place, our therapists trained in the Gottman Method offer a supportive and structured environment to help you strengthen your relationship, reconnect with your partner, and build the foundation for a meaningful and enduring connection.

Expressive Arts Therapy

Integrating creativity into the healing process

Expressive Arts Therapy is a multimodal therapeutic approach that engages the creative process as a pathway to explore emotions, resolve internal conflicts, and foster psychological growth. Rooted in the belief that expression can be a powerful vehicle for insight and transformation, this therapy utilizes various art forms—including visual arts, music, movement, writing, and drama—as tools for communication and self-discovery.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy does not require artistic skill or experience. Instead, the focus is on process rather than product. Through guided creative exploration, clients can access thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to articulate with words alone.

This modality can support individuals in:

Processing trauma and loss
Reducing anxiety and depression
Enhancing self-esteem and emotional resilience
Accessing and integrating unconscious material
Improving emotional regulation and insight

Expressive Arts Therapy is often used with children, adolescents, and adults who may benefit from alternative ways of engaging in therapy, particularly when verbal expression is limited or overwhelming. It is also effective as a complement to other evidence-based treatments, including trauma-informed care.

At Serenity Place, our therapists trained in Expressive Arts Therapy provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore and heal through creative expression. Whether you're navigating a specific life challenge or seeking deeper self-understanding, this integrative approach offers a unique and affirming path toward wellness.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Building skills for emotional regulation and relational stability

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals who struggle with intense emotions, interpersonal difficulties, and self-destructive behaviors. Originally developed for individuals with borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted and proven effective for a range of concerns, including mood disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance use.

DBT integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. The core of DBT lies in the dialectic—the ability to hold two seemingly opposite ideas at once, such as accepting yourself while also working toward change.

DBT targets key areas of functioning through four primary skill modules:

Mindfulness: Increasing awareness and presence in the current moment
Distress Tolerance: Managing crises without making them worse
Emotion Regulation: Identifying, understanding, and effectively responding to emotional experiences
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating relationships with clarity, boundaries, and self-respect

At Serenity Place, our clinicians trained in DBT work with clients to build meaningful, sustainable coping strategies while fostering self-compassion and behavioral change. DBT is particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, chronic invalidation, or patterns of emotional dysregulation.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

A structured approach to healing from trauma

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based cognitive-behavioral treatment designed specifically to address the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. Developed to help individuals recover from trauma—including military combat, sexual assault, childhood abuse, and other life-threatening events—CPT focuses on how trauma impacts thoughts and beliefs.

Traumatic experiences can fundamentally shift how a person views themselves, others, and the world. CPT helps clients examine and reframe unhelpful or distorted beliefs—often called “stuck points”—that contribute to ongoing emotional pain and avoidance.

Key components of CPT include:

Identifying and challenging trauma-related beliefs about safety, trust, control, self-worth, and intimacy
Reducing avoidance and emotional numbing through structured cognitive work
Processing traumatic memories in a way that promotes understanding, not re-traumatization
Rebuilding a sense of identity and meaning after trauma

CPT is typically delivered over 12–16 sessions and follows a clear, goal-oriented structure that can be tailored to individual needs. It is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and numerous national trauma organizations as a gold-standard treatment for PTSD.

At Serenity Place, our trained clinicians offer CPT in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment, helping clients regain control of their lives and move forward with clarity and self-compassion.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

A compassionate and evidence-based approach to healing the whole self

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy that views the mind as made up of distinct "parts," each with its thoughts, emotions, and roles. Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS operates on the belief that all parts are inherently valuable and that healing occurs when individuals can access their core Self, a calm, curious, and compassionate internal presence.

In IFS, parts often fall into roles such as protectors, managers, or exiles—strategies the mind uses to cope with pain, trauma, or overwhelming emotions. Rather than trying to eliminate these parts, IFS helps clients develop a respectful relationship with them, uncover their function, and bring harmony to the internal system.

Core goals of IFS therapy include:

Identifying and understanding protective and wounded parts
Reducing internal conflict and promoting self-leadership
Healing emotional wounds by unburdening exiled parts
Cultivating lasting internal balance, integration, and self-compassion

IFS is effective in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more. It provides a non-pathologizing framework that honors each client’s inner experience while guiding them toward deep emotional insight and lasting change.

At Serenity Place, our trained clinicians offer IFS-informed therapy to help you reconnect with your Self and foster internal healing through curiosity, connection, and compassion.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

Stabilizing mood by restoring rhythm and connection

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment developed specifically for individuals with mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. IPSRT integrates principles from interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) with strategies aimed at stabilizing daily rhythms, including sleep, eating, and activity patterns—areas commonly disrupted in mood disorders.

The core premise of IPSRT is that biological rhythms and interpersonal stressors are closely linked to mood stability. By helping clients create regular routines and address interpersonal challenges, IPSRT aims to reduce the risk of mood episode recurrence and improve overall functioning.

Key components of IPSRT include:

Tracking and stabilizing daily routines, such as sleep/wake cycles, meals, and social activity
Identifying interpersonal stressors (e.g., role transitions, conflicts, grief) and building healthier communication and coping skills
Increasing insight into how disruptions in rhythm and relationships impact mood
Supporting adherence to treatment and promoting long-term mood stability

IPSRT has demonstrated effectiveness in both acute symptom reduction and long-term relapse prevention, particularly for individuals managing bipolar I or II disorder. It empowers clients to regain control of their schedules, navigate life stressors more effectively, and reduce mood instability.

At Serenity Place, our clinicians offer IPSRT-informed care to help you build structure, strengthen relationships, and support your emotional and psychological well-being.

The Process for Getting Started

1

You call or email our office for an appointment. What happens next?

After you call or email our office, we will ask you for some information, such as your insurance provider, whether the appointment is for yourself, and whether you would like to have virtual or in-person appointments. From there, we will give you an estimate* on how long it will be until we can get you scheduled. We will also ask you for any times or days of the week that work best for you, but please keep in mind that evening and afternoon appointments are very high-demand and may result in longer wait times.

*There is no specific timeline for therapy, so estimates are based on current trends.

2

Great! I'm waiting for a call back about an appointment. What happens after that?

Next, we give you a call when there is an available appointment. We will tell you who the therapist is, the time, and once we confirm that you would like that spot, we place a hold on the appointment. We then send you a secure email asking for some personal information such as your date of birth, insurance information, ID card, etc- make sure to fill these out and respond to the email to confirm your appointment. From there, we will send you a link to the portal where you can fill out the additional forms you need to complete in order to be seen. Not filling out the forms and responding to the intake email in the requested amount of time will result in the hold being taken off of the appointment, and you can reach back out to request a new appointment.

3

Forms. Forms. Forms!

The next step after getting an appointment scheduled is to fill out all the forms and respond to the email. Not filling out the forms and responding to the intake email in the requested amount of time will result in the hold being taken off of the appointment, and you can reach back out to request a new appointment.

4

My appointment is today. What happens now?

Great! Thanks for: filling out all your forms, completing your consents, and e-mailing our scheduling team back. 24 hours before your appointment, you will recieve an appointment reminder. If it is a virtual session, you will recieve a link to the session along with the reminder. You can download the Telehealth by SimplePractice app, or simply join the appointment from your browser. Make sure to click "YES" to any pop-ups asking for permission to use the camera and microphone. If you have any technical difficulties, reach out to the front office at 301-690-8008.

Take the first step toward feeling better.
Reach out today to get started with therapy!

Once you reach out, we’ll get in touch to talk through your goals and help you find a therapist who’s a good fit. We’ll walk you through everything from scheduling to paperwork.

More About Us

Services We Offer