Serenity Behavioral Health Services

  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...

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...

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...