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PH Portrait of Rev. Peggy Ann "Serena" Hemmer

Rev. Peggy Ann "Serena" Hemmer

Relationship-aware therapist for life changes

LCSW Florida

Experience
21 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Gottman Method, Attachment-Based Therapy
Languages
English

About Peggy

Rev. Peggy Ann "Serena" Hemmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma, depression, parenting questions, and intimacy concerns.

Background and approach

She also supports those managing sleep problems, anger, self-esteem struggles, career transitions, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Serena uses approaches that fit each person's situation to make therapy practical and understandable.

Serena blends talk-based work with approaches that attend to relationships and emotional patterns. She draws on the Gottman Method for relationship-focused work and on attachment-based ideas to help people understand how early bonds affect current relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tools are used when practical skills for mood, impulse control, or anxiety are needed. Her background includes more than two decades in mental health settings and community programs before moving into independent practice.

Serena earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree summa cum laude from Capital University and a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. She is a Florida LCSW.

Sessions may include creative and experiential elements when they help - such as movement, simple art exercises, or mindful practices - especially with adolescents and adults who respond well to nonverbal methods. She also integrates coaching-oriented conversations for people working on life transitions or goal-focused change.

Serena aims to be straightforward and compassionate in sessions. She works with each person to set clear goals and practical steps.

Her style is supportive and collaborative, focused on helping people find sustainable ways to cope and move forward.

How these approaches translate to online care

Serena often draws on the Gottman Method to look at interaction patterns and communication habits in relationships, helping partners notice small behaviors that cause repeated conflict and learn new ways to connect. Attachment-Based Therapy is used to explore how early relationship experiences shape current reactions and to build more supported responses in close relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides practical tools to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors for anxiety, depression, and mood regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will assess goals, needs, and preferences and then suggest methods that fit. Sessions are collaborative, and approaches are adjusted over time based on what helps most for the client's situation.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits for this clinician's work. Video calls let partners and individuals practice communication skills face-to-face when live interaction matters. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging support ongoing coaching, quick skill reminders, or brief check-ins between sessions. These options increase flexibility and make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting concerns, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career change, ADHD, and related challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth, mixing talk therapy with skill-building. She uses practical exercises and sometimes creative activities to help people apply what they learn.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 21 years of experience in mental health, including work in public mental health and residential settings before practicing in personal care.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodHypnotherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Licensed in

Florida

Languages

English