Serena Lee (she/her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

Let's discover and love all parts of yourself, heal wounds from past trauma, and forge a path towards clarity, peace, and authenticity!

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Santa Barbara, CA

About My Clients

If you've ever experienced trauma, then you know first hand the ways it often casts shadows on your everyday life. I am especially skilled in working with adults and young adults, often BIPOC, who have endured childhood trauma, physical/sexual/spiritual abuse, and chaotic family dynamics, among many other types of life adversities. I also specialize in treating individuals who have dissociative experiences and identities (DID/OSDD), CPTSD, OCD, borderline personality traits, and more.

My Background and Approach

My work as a therapist is sacred because I have been on the other side of the couch, so to speak. I am well acquainted with the challenges that trauma and mental health poses on our lives, both as a clinician and as a survivor. With nearly 6 years of experience working closely with those healing from complex trauma, I bear witness to the powerful transformation that can happen when we commit to our healing and self-reflection. In therapy, we can work on building inner safety, learn grounding techniques to manage triggers, and create a space where grief and peace can co-exist. Our sessions won't stay at discussing the "day to day" stuff, but in fact explore roots of your pain and discern how you would like to redefine your life beyond trauma. My training in trauma treatment alongside my own lived experience allows me to lean into discomfort, which frees us from the power it has over us and gives us an opportunity to experience our own self-empowerment. Let's heal one step at a time!

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My personal values and beliefs include: 1) Depathologizing labels and symptoms using a trauma informed lens: I hold the balance between the relief of naming a pain that can now be addressed and healed, alongside the continued need to fight back the very sources of pain to begin with. This is why I also uphold an anti-oppressive and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens and value intersectionality of social justice. 2) Empathy, curiosity, gentle challenging, and empowerment intertwined: My style is simply to be my authentic self in session, and I encourage that from you too! You will find me laughing with you, gently holding space for silence, and "going there with you". 3) Honoring the whole self, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually: I pay attention to how all aspects of your identity and lived experiences contribute to your healing process. I commit to attuning to your unique needs, struggles, and hopes with empathy, curiosity, and groundedness.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Christianity
  • Interfaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 5 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $190/session

Info

Email Serena
1625 State St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Reach out to Serena