Serenity Behavioral Health Services

                Daily affirmations are simple, positive statements that empower and uplift the person speaking them. It is very easy to practice positive affirmations; just pick a phrase, say it, and repeat it 3 to 5 times a day. Affirmations help reprogram our minds away from negative, self-statements and unhelpful thoughts.  Creating an Affirmation Jar is a simple, fun way to bring daily affirmations into your life and home. Write out positive phrases, mantras, compliments, self-love, and kindness statements on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Place the jar by the door you use most. When you leave the house, take a slip of paper from the jar and use that as your affirmation for the day.

  Meditation is an enjoyable, inspiring way to achieve inner peace and has been part of the human culture for centuries. Guided meditation uses the power of visualization to effect positive, personal changes and reach a state of inner peace - and is the easiest way to meditate. In guided meditation, another person’s voice shapes the meditative experience and helps us to remain focused during the experience. Guided meditation sessions don’t have a set time associated with them. They can be short or long and can be practiced wherever you find yourself. Meditation sessions can help with stress, depression, self-esteem, relaxation, memory, patience, insomnia, and healing. So if the stress of the holidays is taking a toll on you, start your day a bit earlier with a guided meditation topic to help you take on the challenges of the day. (If you are new to meditation and need a bit of help starting on a meditative path, check out recordings found on apps, podcasts, online videos, CDs, and DVDs

 

  Our agency is a proud ally of the transgender community - but our nation has a long way to go in understanding and accepting this beautiful community. So far, 2021 marks the deadliest year on record for our transgender friends and family members. Trans Awareness Week sees organizations and allies bring visibility and support to transgender people and an awareness of issues the community faces. Even though we celebrate transgendered people this week, they need for all of us to be allies every day of the year. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) offers these tips for allies of Transgender People: You can’t tell if someone is transgender just by looking.
Don’t make assumptions about a transgender person’s sexual orientation. If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first. Don’t ask a transgender person what their ‘real name’ is. Understand the difference between ‘coming out’ as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and ‘coming out’ as transgender. Be careful about confiden

There is no instruction manual for “letting things go,” but you may find help by journaling. Journaling is a wellness practice that can help you break the cycle of worry and help diffuse the intensity of a feeling or anxiety. The act of getting stuff out of you and onto paper can be very therapeutic. Journaling can help you understand your feelings and sort out problems. Habits for Wellbeing lists these nine reasons for why journaling is important: 1. To develop self-awareness 2. To pay attention to what is going on internally 3. To provide focus 4. To be uniquely you 5. To think things through 6. To work through limiting/negative thoughts 7. To listen to yourself 8. To connect with your heart 9. To put down the burdens you carry There are no rules to journaling. You can journal in the morning or in the evening; you can journal every day, once a week, or once a month. It is entirely up to you. Maybe you find it hard to start? What should I write about? Fortunately with internet access,

A trigger is something that sets off a powerful memory and puts a person in the moments of the event where they experienced trauma. Triggers can cause irrational behavior, extreme emotion, and can affect our ability to think clearly. They can cause a physiological fight or flight reaction resulting in an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, pale skin, and dilated pupils.   Triggers revolve around the five senses of touch, smell, sight, taste, and sound. They are very personal and arise from a lifetime of experiences. So how can we manage our triggers and extreme emotions? 

 1. Understand that you have been triggered. This won’t make it stop - but it will help you start the process of shifting your state from extreme emotion back to calm. 2. Step away. If you remain, you run the risk of being retriggered and you may say or do something that you regret later. 3. Shift your state. Having a variety of ways to calm down is a good idea. Maybe go for a run, do yard work, walk the dog, get

  Merriam-Webster defines trust as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Trust is a crucial part of any relationship. It is an expectation and confidence that a certain behavior or response from another will occur. When that trust is broken our guard goes up and we shut ourselves off, which can lead to loneliness and isolation. So how can we move past our feelings of mistrust and learn to trust again? Allow time to grieve. Consider the reason why. Set boundaries. Be consistent as you move forward. Give a little and see what you get. Be patient. It is possible to rebuild trust after a betrayal. Whether it is worth it depends on the relationship and your feelings about what happened. Repairing trust takes time and communication; a therapist can help. You may find that your relationship comes out stronger than it was before.

  October 11th was National Coming Out Day. As an agency that celebrates the diversity of our communities, all of us at Serenity Behavioral Health Services would like to to give a shout of congratulations to any friends taking that day to be vulnerable to their families and friends by coming out. Welcome to the LGBTQ+ community!! We are always here if you need help navigating next steps or feelings and emotions while starting this new life journey. Love is Love.

  Are you underappreciated in your job as a licensed therapist? Do you want to work for an agency that values the time and education you have invested in becoming a therapist? Serenity Behavioral Health Services offers a generous salary and benefits package and provides free yearly CEU training, insurance credentialing, professional liability coverage and staffed billing, intake, marketing, and IT departments to find you clients that fit. We have 4 locations in the Columbus, OH area and we would love to talk to you! To find out more, visit: https://www.serenity-bhs.org/careers.html

  What started you on the path to helping others... In my experience, I don't think I have ever met anyone in my field who has ever told me that they just woke up one morning and thought about doing this for a living, but that it was a very specific path that led them here and I would have to say the same goes for me, as well. In fact, most if not all of my previous jobs growing up, and in young adulthood, had something to do with helping others. I remember being in my early teens and teaching at our family dance studio, specifically younger kids, ages 2-4. It may seem like a tall task, but I cannot tell you how satisfying it really is when they start to learn and retain the information. It also is a perfect way to teach younger children how to let loose and have fun. A lot of what we teach clients in adulthood, as well. But my biggest path that led me here was honestly my father. Growing up, my dad was in the air force reserves and went on a lot of deployments overseas. Without sh

  Yes, it is important to know if your workplace supports you and your mental health. Following is a wonderful article about what to look for when searching for a new job: https://www.calm.com/business/resources/blog/picking-mentally-healthy-workplace  

Codependency is an imbalanced relationship where one person assumes the responsibility for meeting another person’s needs to the exclusion of their own needs. Codependent relationships can occur between family members, friends, co-workers, and between romantic partners. Many codependent people find themselves repeating the same unhealthy relationship patterns despite their best intentions. Codependency traits include: Compulsive attention to someone. Codependent people feel like they can’t live without the other person. They may hiding feelings and thoughts to ensure the other person continues to like them. Fear of abandonment. Codependent people have a deep-seated fear that the other person is going to leave the relationship. Lack of external support systems. Codependent people rely entirely on someone else for their emotional needs. They don’t have many friends outside of their main relationship. Self-doubt. Codependent people don’t feel like their preferences are important enoug

  We are used to multitasking the requests of our boss, our teachers, our co-workers, and our friends and families; and generally do so without much thought. We block out time for these relationships every day.  And on many days, it feels like time is flying by at warp speed. We may not be thriving with bits of ourselves being accessed by so many. It is important to carve out moments of solitude to balance the needs of our inner self with our busy lives. Make it a point to block out 10 to 15 minutes of the day for just you. No phones, no computers, no tv, no book; no distractions, just you and your thoughts. You’ll find that embracing the practice of solitude is the best form of self-care. Over time, you’ll enjoy the long-term benefits of spending time alone including: reduced stress, better memory and problem-solving, improved self confidence, and you’ll experience less depression. And - you will be surprised at how refreshed and ready you are for facing a new day.

Negative thoughts left unchecked can gather mass like a snowball rolling downhill. Many times negative thoughts shape our actions. They can cause us to abandon an idea or an activity and they can put a dent in our overall sense of well-being and affect our self-esteem. If you frequently demean yourself by saying things like, “No one likes me,” “I am such a loser,” “I can’t do anything right,” “I am not good enough,” chances are good that it’s time rework your inner dialogue. Evaluating your thoughts can help turn a negative mindset towards a more positive mindset.  For instance: *Is the thought I am having helpful? Am I providing a solution? *Would I offer these thoughts as advice to a friend? *Do I have proof or just a gut feeling that what I think is true? *Can I cope with my worst case scenario? *Can I do anything about this right now? If yes, take action. If no, move on. Being optimistic and practicing positive self-talk can improve your health, reduce stress, and produce good feel

  Have you ever practiced a random act of kindness? Through social media, we have seen extravagant tips left for waitresses, cars presented to co-workers, groceries covered, and money handed out. A random act of kindness does not have to be a grand gesture. It can be a simple, thoughtful gesture; given without expectations of receiving anything in return. If you have received a Random Act of Kindness - isn’t it amazing how powerful and wonderful that memory is? And weren’t you immediately inspired to do the same for someone else? If we all practice kindness, kindness can be the norm.

Feeling confused by having a toxic person in your life? You are not alone. Many of us have experienced a toxic relationship at one time or another or we have had to work in a toxic environment. What is it about a toxic personality that is so difficult and exhausting to be around? Toxic people can be cruel, controlling, self-absorbed, criticizing, bullying, manipulating, and always seem to be immersed in drama. They can make a mountain out of a molehill and make you the reason for their discontent; they can turn a great day into a sour one. Creating emotional space from someone who is toxic is important. Recognize what issues are yours and what issues are theirs and don’t get drawn in. Set boundaries for yourself, decide what you will and will not tolerate and if possible, limit your time together. If you live with a toxic person, create an emotional safe space where you can get away from them and take a breather. Emotionally detach from them. In some cases, changing the subject or comp

  “ A fool is made more of a fool when their mouth is more open than their mind, ” — Anthony Liccione Thinking before speaking may save us from an uttered blunder, but putting this into practice and living it may actually be more beneficial than saving us from an embarrassing conversation contribution. Communicating correctly and speaking with intent helps us within our personal and business relationships. Being clear and decisive about what you mean when you say it, keeps others from having to interpret your intent. Words are powerful and cannot be unsaid or unheard once said; thinking first can lead to impactful conversations without regret or the need for apology. How to Think Before You Speak: Pause and think - think about what you are about to say and the repercussions it may have. Analyze and filter - is it appropriate, am I revealing too much? Pause and question to clarify - asking questions helps to provide appropriate responses Sometimes not responding is a good response -

  “We are all on a spectrum, whether you are gay, bi, straight - whether you are pan-sexual, demi-sexual, it doesn’t matter. To me, what matters is that you are happy and that you are satisfied in who and what you want to be.” - Scott Fralick I work with a lot of different clients and specialize in seeing clients from the LGBTQ+ community. I have some clients that are poly, some that are open, some that are questioning. I try to help everyone. I probably offer more self-disclosure than most therapists, I talk about my husband, I talk about polyamory, I talk about open relationships, and I am comfortable with that. Because I treat everyone like I would like to be treated, clients find it easy to have a rapport with me. I am always genuine and authentic and I provide a safe place for difficult discussions about sexuality, relationships, anxiety, grief, trauma, and identity role confusion. I also have experience working with couples on relationship issues and working with families to hel

  Maturity is generally recognized as a combination of age and experience; however, emotional maturity is a different animal. “Emotional maturity is when you do not rely on others to fulfill your needs physically, emotionally, or spiritually,” says licensed clinical psychologist Dara Bushman, PsyD. Being emotionally mature is an important therapeutic goal and it is an important ingredient to living a happy and meaningful life. But what does being emotionally mature mean? One of the founders of the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas, Dr. William C. Menninger, defines it as: The ability to deal constructively with reality The capacity to adapt to change A freedom from symptoms produced by tensions and anxieties The capacity to find more satisfaction in giving than receiving The capacity to relate to other people in a consistent manner with mutual satisfaction and helpfulness The capacity to direct one’s instinctive hostile energy into creative and constructive outlets The capacity to lov

Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline that provides trans peer support for trans people in crisis, for the trans community, by the trans community. Their principles include Peer Support, Community/Not Cops, Harm Reduction, Confidentiality and Anonymity, Equity Not Equality, Autonomy and Self Determination. They have over 600 trained operators to take your call. If you are in crisis or are questioning or just need someone to talk to, please call.

Hello! My name is Nelli LaValle. I am a licensed social worker and mental health therapist from Columbus, Ohio. I have bachelor's degrees from Ohio State University in English, Psychology, and Women's Studies as well as a master's degree in Social Work. Prior to beginning my journey as a therapist, I spent time volunteering with LGBTQ+ organizations such as Kaleidoscope Youth Center and TransOhio. I believe that therapy is beneficial for anyone but is particularly important in supporting vulnerable communities, and in order for therapy to be effective, individuals need to be able to feel safe and to feel seen by their therapist. I have experience working with a variety of individuals with identities across spectrums of gender and sexuality as well as a variety of non-traditional relationship structures. Anxiety and depression can be linked to the coming out process or ongoing issues navigating systems where gender and sexuality can limit access to resources, support, and sa

Most think of grief in association with a loved one who has passed. But we can also experience grief when we lose a job, when diagnosed with a life-changing illness, when our children leave home, when we lose a close relationship through divorce or separation, or when we lose a beloved pet. Grief can manifest emotionally as shock, sadness, guilt, anger, or fear and it can physically manifest as fatigue, nausea, weight loss, or insomnia. Should you seek professional help dealing with your grief? Perhaps. If grieving has negatively impacted your day-to-day living manifesting as depression, withdrawal, or alcohol/drug abuse, finding a support group or therapist is warranted. These professionals can assist you in sorting through difficult emotions and reactions. In all grieving situations, take care of yourself; there is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timetable for grieving.

Hello! My name is Aida Diallo. I am a mental health therapist and I grew up in Dakar and New York. I am multi-lingual, speaking fluent Wolof and French in addition to English. I graduated with a bachelor’s in Sociology from the City College of New York and a master’s in Social Work from New York University. Therapy is just not about talking to someone, it is more than that. Our mental health and well-being are important. Most of the time we are told to “be strong,” but being strong requires facing unwanted thoughts and feelings so that you can be the best version of yourself. Avoiding or “Mougnal” (translated as “just endure”) can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, especially when it comes to children.  Immigrating, adjusting to a new country, leaving friends and family behind, coping with a major life transition, acculturation issues, and bullying can leave you mentally worn-out and can affect your relationships and self-motivation. Therapy can be a place whe

Listening is a fundamental component of conversation. Being a good listener or becoming a better listener is an active process that includes showing you are listening, asking questions that encourage sharing, and understanding what is being said by the person speaking. Actively listening can help draw out details that otherwise may not have been shared and it is a helpful skill to develop in personal and business relationships. How can you be a better listener? Following are some helpful techniques that can help you get started on your journey to being a better listener. Show you are listening Focus on the conversation and remove distractions. Turn the television off or mute the sound. Put your phone away. If the area you are in is loud, move to a place where you can speak and hear each other. Listen for emotions and meaning, make eye contact, evaluate the tone of what is being said and body language associated with it. Be patient. Don’t interrupt with questions or comments that can le

Meditation teaches us to focus on the present, one breath or one step at a time. By quieting the mind and focusing thoughts, we can learn how to manage stress and change how we react to stressful situations. Benefits of meditation include restoring calm and inner peace, increasing self awareness, reducing negative thoughts, and improving patience and tolerance. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, decrease pain, improve sleep, and ease depression. There are many different forms of meditation, some may be more effective for you than others. Following is a brief overview of some of the best-known ways to meditate: Mindfulness Meditation combines concentration with awareness to remain present and in the moment. Spiritual Meditation benefits those who enjoy silence and who seek spiritual growth. Focused Meditation involves concentration using any of the five senses. Movement Meditation is good for those who find peace in action and prefer to let their minds

From the Oxford Dictionary, “group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a group of patients meet to describe and discuss their problems together under the supervision of a therapist.” Joining a group may initially seem intimidating, but groups can provide experiences and insights that individual therapy may not. Group members can offer suggestions on how to improve a situation or challenge and can follow-up with you at a later session providing you with support and opportunities to learn from others who are having, or have had similar experiences. Seeing and hearing others talk openly about their life challenges can help you realize that you are not alone.  Serenity Behavioral Health Services offers a variety of groups to address differing client needs, ages, and identifies. Our groups provide safe, affirming spaces that empower each participant through learning new skills and honoring each person’s experiences. If you are interested in joining a group or learning more about the

Our mission at Serenity Behavioral Health Services is to provide quality mental health services that encourage and support your journey toward personal serenity. Serenity to us means living a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life. Our therapists are committed to helping each client navigate the vulnerable points of their lives with compassion and clarity, so that they can return to a place of mental strength. We provide mental health services to children, adolescents and adults; and offer a holistic approach to each person we serve embracing a client-centered, and strength-oriented approach.   ​ We pride ourselves in embracing an all-inclusive practice, welcoming everyone with total respect to race, religion, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and socio-economic status.  And we seek to provide quality mental health counseling to a wide range of communities, including: GBLTQ, Deaf and Harding of Hearing, Developmental Disabilities and AOD Recovery. If you are

  While our health officials and government officials tackle getting our children back into schools, make no mistake, school closures, isolation, and stay-at-home orders have affected the children in our communities and alarming statistics are coming in regarding student/youth suicides. Suicides can be prevented if warning signs are detected and an appropriate intervention is conducted. It is important to recognize the warning signs of a suicidal youth. Following are nine red flag behavior signs to watch for in your child: Change in eating or sleeping habits Unexplained severe, violent, or rebellious behavior Withdrawal from family or friends Sexual promiscuity, truancy, and/or vandalism Drastic personality change Agitation, restlessness, distress, or panicky behavior Talking or writing about committing suicide - even jokingly Giving away prized possessions Doing worse in school
 If you notice any of these warning signs, please contact us. You may not be able to handle this situation o