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Our Expertise Serein Counseling LLC is committed to providing quality Mental Health Services as Florida's leading experts in anxiety and trauma treatment. Our Practice designs and implementing personalized treatment plans utilizing Trauma Informed Therapy through the use of evidence based treatment modalities. Our therapists have received extensive training and continuing education to ensure successful treatment outcomes. We use bottom-up approaches, which means we focus on your physical body as much as we focus on your mind to help build connections, reduce dissociation, and help you feel safer in your body and the environment. ​ At Serein Counseling, our goal is to help you understand and take control, manage your anxiety, reduce panic attacks, heal from trauma and feel better about your life. As a team of licensed trauma-informed and highly trained therapists. Our treatment includes Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy ( EMDR) , Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) , Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure & response prevention therapy (ERP). ​ Our expertise is treating common to complex Anxiety Disorders ,-including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Health Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and OCD., as well as Complex and unresolved Trauma & PTSD, Depression . TRAUMA TREATMENT EMDR: Trauma therapy through a neurobiological mind body approach ANXIETY & OCD TREATMENT Treatment for anxiety through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR DEPRESSION TREATMENT Evidence based treatments to help you get your life back thought EMDR and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Counseling Services Services ANXIETY Learn more EMDR Learn more TRAUMA Learn more ACT Learn more DEPRESSION Learn more LIFE COACHING Learn more Schedule a Free Consult

Chelsea McClellan, M.S "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" - Zen Cho Areas of expertise ​ Academic Coaching Career Coaching Goal identification and implementation Identifying limiting beliefs Systems implementation Action-based life planning Accountability Specific Behavioral changes Stress reduction Acceptance and commitment coaching Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ADHD Coaching Treatment Modality Hi, my name is Chelsea McClellan and I am an ADHD Life Coach who specializes in proven behavioral interventions and systems that work for individuals struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). My approach is individualized and tailored to meet your needs. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify what's important to you, identify barriers, and implement mental and behavioral strategies that have been proven to work. I am a highly empathetic person who incorporates mindfulness and stress-relieving strategies to increase self-awareness and tackle whatever challenges you’re facing while cultivating self-compassion and resilience. ​ I have a deep passion for helping others and my experience in life and career coaching over the past ten years have afforded me the chance to learn and grow both personally and professionally to better help others. My hope is that, with mindful change, you may feel reconnected and committed to yourself and re-ignite your passion for life. ​ Coaching differs from therapy as the goal is not to assess and heal past hurts and work on healing a mental health disorder. Coaching sessions are a partnership to help you with: Planning Time management Goal setting Impulse control Prioritization memory improvement Organization and developing systems that work for you Motivation and help with executive dysfunction Increase self-esteem ​ I hope that I can be a positive and motivating part of your journey! ​ ​

Acerca de Acceptance and Commitment Therapy What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically based treatment approach. The goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility leading to improved mental health outcomes and symptom reduction. There are 6 components that play a role in our psychological flexibility including: Values, Acceptance, Defusion, Contact with the present moment, committed action, and self-as context. When we increase psychological flexibility we change the way our mind views and responds to stimuli from our environment, increasing our window of tolerance, reducing triggers, and increasing self-awareness and life satisfaction. The components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Acceptance: Acceptance involves the active and aware embrace of those private events, thoughts, feelings from the past or present without attempts to change their frequency or form, especially when doing so would cause psychological harm. Acceptance means we accept what comes up and we learn to let go of trying to change or alter them but rather learn to work with them through the rest of the ACT components below. Defusion: through this technique we attempt to change the undesirable functions (the way we interact) with our thoughts and other private events, rather than trying to alter their form , frequency or situational sensitivity . For example, we practice remembering that thoughts are thoughts and don't need meaning. An unpleasant "negative" thought is named as such and treated as an externally observed event trough various techniques and told to help diminish its impact and the connection to ourselves. One example of this is to label the process of thinking : “I am having the thought (insert scary, intrusive or unpleasant thought” This helps reduce the literal quality of the thought and therefore weakening it. Values : ACT uses a variety of exercises to help a client choose life directions in various domains (e.g. family, career, spirituality) while undermining verbal processes that might lead to choices based on avoidance, social compliance, or fusion. ​ Contact with the present moment : in ACT we practice non-judgmental contact with psychological and environmental events as they occur. The goal is to help you experience the world more directly as to be able to show up to life our your values. We do this through practice of various mindfulness, defusion, and grounding techniques. ​ Self as context : We learn perspective taking, practice awareness of self and others in relation to the world. working to become aware of one’s own flow of experiences without attachment to them or an investment in which particular experiences occur. This helps us develop empathy both to ourselves and others ​ Committed action: This includes the actions (goals and steps) you can take to help you live a more meaningful life in line with your personal values. Application of skills such as exposure, communication, boundary setting, goal setting, etc. Unlike values, which remain constant and never achieved, concrete goals that are values consistent can be achieved. We will work on setting short, medium, and long-term behavior change goals. ​ Watch the video below for an example on how we use ACT for intrusive, anxious, or overthinking thoughts.

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Acerca de Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Schedule a Free Consult What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically based treatment approach. The goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility leading to improved mental health outcomes and symptom reduction. There are 6 components that play a role in our psychological flexibility including: Values, Acceptance, Defusion, Contact with the present moment, committed action, and self-as context. When we increase psychological flexibility we change the way our mind views and responds to stimuli from our environment, increasing our window of tolerance, reducing triggers, and increasing self-awareness and life satisfaction. The components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Acceptance: Acceptance involves the active and aware embrace of those private events, thoughts, and feelings from the past or present without attempts to change their frequency or form, especially when doing so would cause psychological harm. Acceptance means we accept what comes up and we learn to let go of trying to change or alter them but rather learn to work with them through the rest of the ACT components below. Defusion: through this technique we attempt to change the undesirable functions (the way we interact) with our thoughts and other private events, rather than trying to alter their form , frequency or situational sensitivity . For example, we practice remembering that thoughts are thoughts and don't need meaning. An unpleasant "negative" thought is named as such and treated as an externally observed event trough various techniques and told to help diminish its impact and the connection to ourselves. One example of this is to label the process of thinking : “I am having the thought (insert scary, intrusive or unpleasant thought” This helps reduce the literal quality of the thought and therefore weakening it. Values : ACT uses a variety of exercises to help a client choose life directions in various domains (e.g. family, career, spirituality) while undermining verbal processes that might lead to choices based on avoidance, social compliance, or fusion. ​ Contact with the present moment : in ACT we practice non-judgmental contact with psychological and environmental events as they occur. The goal is to help you experience the world more directly as to be able to show up to life our your values. We do this through practice of various mindfulness, defusion, and grounding techniques. ​ Self as context : We learn perspective taking, practice awareness of self and others in relation to the world. working to become aware of one’s own flow of experiences without attachment to them or an investment in which particular experiences occur. This helps us develop empathy both to ourselves and others ​ Committed action: This includes the actions (goals and steps) you can take to help you live a more meaningful life in line with your personal values. Application of skills such as exposure, communication, boundary setting, goal setting, etc. Unlike values, which remain constant and never achieved, concrete goals that are values consistent can be achieved. We will work on setting short, medium, and long-term behavior change goals. ​ Watch the video below for an example on how we use ACT for intrusive, anxious, or overthinking thoughts. Schedule a Free Consult

Acerca de Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) Schedule a Free Consult What is EMDR? Our brains have a natural system for processing information and experiences so that we can keep what we need for wisdom, learning, and growth and let the rest go. But sometimes disturbing experiences overwhelm that processing system, or we don’t have the information we need for our brains to make sense of what happened in a healthy way. Then, our brains and bodies hold on to all the pieces of the old experience, which can get triggered by reminders in our present life. The eye movements and other right-left stimulation in EMDR activate your brain’s information processing system in the security of my office so you can successfully process the experience and let go of what’s not useful to you. ​ The Great thing about EMDR is that you don't have to talk about your trauma, you will not be asked to retell your story, and you will process through eye movements, taping, auditory processing, and other somatic ways. Of course, you are welcome to share what you would like, but that is completely your choice. ​ The components of EMDR Exploration of resources: Before jumping into the processing phases of EMDR, It's important to understand the role that internal & external resources have played throughout your history...to see how you are relating to them now...and to build stronger connections with the resources you need most to meet your goals in therapy and in life. Internal resources are the invisible things we carry with us inside our minds, bodies, and hearts. They include positive memories of times we felt loved, strong, safe, happy, or capable. They can also include the healthy coping, connection, faith, and courage that got us through hard times -- along with the wisdom and resilience we gained from those difficult experiences. Some of us did not have the circumstances we needed as children to build a lot of strong internal resources, so therapy will include identifying what still needs to be developed and noticing what’s there that needs to be remembered and strengthened. External Resources are the people, practices, and things we can rely on to help us feel better and function better. These can include access to finances, a safe and stable home, friends, family, and community support, healthy activities, a career, and education/information. Sometimes we don’t have all the external resources we need, and sometimes we have trouble using the available resources. It’s not always easy to ask for help or to trust that we’ll get the help we need. Still, we focus on building external resources to do our inner work more safely and effectively. Collaborative treatment plan: Through EMDR, your treatment plan will be created along sing your therapist as you both identify the target memories and or experiences, symptoms, and situations that are causing you the most distress. You will also set goals and then choose which goal to start with. The treatment plan will include the following: Presenting Issue: These are the things that are bothering you in your life, for example: Anxiety while driving Presenting triggers: These are the things that cause your anxiety to spike, for example, driving on a highway or driving alone. Future goals: These are the ways you hope to feel and be in the future due to therapy. For example: Feel okay while driving alone or at night. Assessing the issue : During this phase of EMDR, your therapist will ask you a few questions to help get the memory activated and ready for reprocessing. These questions are to identify how these memories have caused you to develop negative thoughts and feelings about yourself. ​ Desensitization: Then, in the next phase of EMDR, you'll begin the eye movements (tones or tactile stimulation). Your job is just to notice the thoughts, emotions, images, and body sensations from this and other related memories as they go by. From time to time, your therapist will stop to ask what you’re noticing. Your brain is the driver and already knows what to do. You’re along for the ride but can tell your therapist if you have questions, need support, or want to stop anytime. Ideally, you’ll feel like you’ve got one foot in the room with me and one foot in the memory network you’re working on. ​ Installation: In this phase of EMDR, you will use eye movements (tones or tactile stimulation) to help strengthen the positive and more adaptive thoughts, feelings, and sensations you developed during the desensitization phase. ​ Future Template: Once we have fully processed a memory or experience and you have reached a more adaptive response to it, we will the final step in EMDR. Here we will use light eye movements (tones or tactile stimulation) to help you plan for the future and get your brain ready to feel more confident and secure. Schedule a Free Consult

Meet The Team & Schedule a Free Consult Meet The Team Micheline Maalouf, LMHC, NCC, M.S. She/Her Founder/Owner/Clinical Director Learn More Alicia Shepherd, M.S. She/They Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern Learn More Britany Balch Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern Learn More Chelsea McClellan, M.S. She/Her Chelsea McClellan, M.S. Trinidy Bowers She/Her Life Coach Intake Coordinator/Administrative Manager Learn More Learn More Trauma and Anxiety Experts Micheline Maalouf, LMHC, NCC, M.S. She/Her Licensed Mental Health Counselor ​ Founder/Owner/Clinical Director Learn More Britany Balch, LMFT M.S. She/Her Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Learn More She/Her Chiara Molla, R.M.H.C.I M.S. ​ Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern Learn More Rebecca Rodriguez, LMHC, M.S. She/Her Licensed Mental Health Counselor Learn More Susana Tamez She/Her Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern Learn More Chelsea McClellan, M.S. She/Her ADHD Coach Learn More Trinidy Bowers B.S. She/Her Intake Coordinator & Office Manager Learn More

Acerca de Polyvagal Informed Psychotherapy Schedule a Free Consult Polyvagal Informed Psychotherapy The Polyvagal Theory was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and gave us detailed insight into our nervous system and its role in our mental and physical well-being. ​ We are all wired for connection and safety, so when events that threaten connections or safety arise, our nervous system activates to reestablish safety. The autonomic nervous system is our personal surveillance system, always on guard and asking, “Is this safe?” Its goal is to protect us by sensing safety and risk, listening momentarily to what is happening in and around our bodies and our connections to others. ​ Our nervous system's listening and assessing happens far below awareness and far away from our conscious control. Our nervous system's awareness comes from something called neuroception, which is the perception of our autonomic nervous system and not our mind. Once our minds become aware of the various physical states we are experiencing, we begin to make meaning out of these signs and create meaning behind our day-to-day lives. The Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system is split into two branches: The sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic branch is found in the middle part of the spinal cord and represents the pathway that prepares us for action. It responds to danger cues and triggers the release of adrenaline, which fuels the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system has two pathways, The dorsal vagus, and the ventral vagus. The nerve travels in two directions: downward through the lungs, heart, diaphragm, and stomach and upward to connect with nerves in the neck, throat, eyes, and ears. The ventral vagal pathway responds to safety cues and supports feeling safely engaged and socially connected. This is our rest and digest state, where we feel free, connected, open to new experiences, and connected to the world. When people refer to activating the vagus nerve to feel relaxed, this is the branch they are referring to. The dorsal vagal pathway responds to cues of extreme danger. It takes us out of connection and awareness and into a protective state of collapse. This is our shutdown mode, where we feel disconnected, dissociated, depressed, and numb. ​ ​ Schedule a Free Consult

Trinidy Bowers “Instead of raising children who turn out okay despite their childhood, lets raise children who turn out extraordinary because of their childhood” - L.R. Knost Areas of expertise ​ Consultation and client placement Scheduling Office management E-mail inquiries Payroll Insurance & superbills Hi! I am Trinidy Bowers (she/her) and I am the Intake Coordinator and Office Manager here at Serein Counseling. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Florida State University. Mental health wellness and awareness is a passion of mine and I am so happy to be in this role to connect you with a therapist that is just right for you. I have a main focus to work with children and teens once I receive my Masters degree. I personally experience the physical impact that trauma and anxiety have on the body; so I truly believe in the work that our therapists are doing at Serein. Know that you are not alone in this journey. I’ll be the joyful voice you hear when you call into the office and I can not wait to speak with you! Outside of work I’m a wife and mother, sports enthusiast, escapee to the beach, specialty coffee fiend, and furniture refinisher. ​

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Susana Tamez, RMHCI, M.S. Therapeutic Areas of Expertise: ​ Trauma Complex trauma​ PTSD Attachment trauma Borderline Personality Anxiety ​ Generalized anxiety Social Anxiety Panic attacks Health anxiety Relationship issues Attachment issues Breakups Relational transitions Family transitions Communication ​​ Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions: ​ ​TRAUMA/POLYVAGAL INFORMED: ​​ ​ Somatic Psychotherapy Mindfulness-based psychotherapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Cognitive Behavioral therapy Dialectical behavioral therapy Hello there! My name is Rebecca (she/her) ​ Hi there! My name is Susana Tamez (she/her) Growing up in a Latino household - mental health and therapy wasn’t easily accessible to me. I am incredibly passionate about mental health, and I am committed to making therapy more accessible for marginalized communities. I utilize a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. I strive to meet the individual where they are while creating a safe and trusting space, free from judgment. My style of therapy includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and psycho-education. I love to learn, so I am always reading and researching other therapeutic interventions to best serve the individuals I work with - I am a true believer that every individual is unique. Fun facts about me: I was born and raised in South Florida but have lived in multiple parts of Florida over the years. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, watching football, and working out. When I’m not in session, you can find me at a bookstore, record store, or on a random beach. ​ - Susana