Posts

Emotional Reguatlion. Deciding when and how to feel and express our emotions

Image
    Emotional Regulation: d eciding when and how to feel and express our emotions    The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions in a way that helps you respond effectively to life’s challenges is extremely important. Struggling with this can show up as intense reactions, feeling overwhelmed, or difficulty bouncing back after stressful situations. Emotional dysregulation can be caused by:   Stress and everyday life pressures   Past trauma or adverse experiences   Chronic anxiety or depression   Emotional regulation does not mean  ignoring or suppressing feelings. It means  understanding them and responding in healthy, balanced ways. Some strategies to help regulate emotions include:   Pausing to breathe before reacting   Identifying and labeling what you are feeling   Challenging unhelpful thoughts   Practicing self-compassion   Working with a therapist can help you uncover triggers, build t...

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Destonie Cormier, DSW, LISW-S to Serenity Behavioral Health Services!

Image
  From a young age, Dr. Cormier witnessed the profound impact of trauma and grief as loved ones returned from war with limited access to care. At just 19, she made it her mission to support service members and veterans navigating those challenges. Over the past 12+ years, her work has expanded to include first responders —police officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections officers, and medical professionals—alongside individuals coping with depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma from interpersonal violence, accidents, medical diagnoses, and more. She also has deep experience in hospice care and end-of-life support. Dr. Cormier takes an active, person-centered approach in therapy, offering real-time tools and feedback that help clients build practical skills and regain a sense of control. With advanced training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, she empowers people to reconnect with themselves and move forward with purpose. Please join us in giving...

Do you struggle with being present?

Image
Do you ever find yourself moving through the day on autopilot, distracted and pulled in a hundred different directions? In our fast-paced world, it can feel nearly impossible to slow down and stay grounded in the here and now. Between work, family responsibilities, and the constant demands of modern technology, many of us struggle to truly be present. Every ping from our phone, every new notification, and every call for our attention pulls us away from the moment unfolding right in front of us.   Yet, being present isn’t just a luxury— it’s essential for our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. When we learn to shift our focus away from constant multitasking and endless distractions, we create space to notice the small, meaningful details of life: the warmth of the sun on our face, the taste of our morning coffee, the sound of laughter in a conversation. These simple moments have the power to bring us back into alignment with ourselves and the world around us.  ...

Unsolicited Client Review - Medication Management Services

Image
We are so grateful for the talented clinicians here at Serenity Behavioral Health Services - and we are always humbled to hear the experiences clients have while navigating the tough parts of their lives. Recently, a client reached out to our staff to share their experience after meeting with our psychiatric nurse practitioner, Johnny Williamson. Following is what they sent: "Working with Dr. Johnny Williamson has been a life-changing experience. From the very first appointment, it was clear how deeply he cares about his patients—not just as clients, but as people. He brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and genuine compassion that makes you feel seen, heard, and respected. What sets Dr. Williamson apart is his ability to truly listen. He doesn’t rush through appointments or rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, he takes the time to understand your unique story, your goals, and your struggles, always meeting you where you are. Whether you’re navigating a crisis...

Life doesn’t come with a map.

Image
  Life doesn't come with a map. Some days you’re thriving. Other days, you’re just trying to breathe through the curve.    At Serenity Behavioral Health Services, our therapists walk with you through the hard parts—when anxiety feels louder than your voice, when trauma still whispers in the quiet, when connection feels just out of reach.    Our therapists and medication management team don’t just listen—they empower. We honor your story while teaching the skills to help you rewrite the next chapter.    Inclusive. Affirming. Healing. Mind. Body. Spirit.    We welcome: • Children, teens, and adults • LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families • Those coping with trauma, addiction, or stress • People navigating communication & intimacy in relationships • Our Deaf and hard of hearing community    No matter who you are or what you’ve been through—you belong here.   We have offices in Columbus, Dublin, and Westerville, OH. Ne...
Image
Medication management is much more than writing a prescription. It’s a thoughtful, personalized process that puts your well-being at the center. It starts with understanding your unique needs — from your medical history to how you're feeling day to day. From there, we work to find the right medication and the right dosage, always with care and attention.   Regular check-ins help us monitor how things are going, look out for any side effects, and make adjustments if needed. We also make sure your medications work well together and don’t cause unexpected interactions.   It’s a process built on trust, communication, and compassion — because your health and well-being matter. We’re here to support you, every step of the way. Contact us at 614-948-3273 to ask questions or to get started. 

Meet Victoria Fellows, LSW – the newest addition to our team!

Image
Looking for a therapist who truly gets you? Victoria creates a safe, affirming space where you can explore your story, reclaim your strength, and build the life you want—on your terms. Her approach? Rooted in compassion, grounded in evidence. Whether you’re navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, or simply seeking clarity, Victoria offers real tools for lasting change—not just a space to vent. Her Specialties: Trauma and PTSD Depression and Anxiety Religious Trauma & Childhood Neglect LGBTQIA+ Affirming | Kink-Informed | Sex-Positive Support for Nontraditional Relationship Styles With a background in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused work, feminist theory, and more, she tailors therapy to you. Because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ready to reconnect with your most powerful relationship—the one with yourself? Let's talk. Call 614-948-3273 to schedule with Victoria at our 623 Park Meadow Road, Suite H, Westerville, OH location today. #TherapistThatGet...