Meet Serena

I have dedicated my therapist journey to discovering ways to understand and heal from trauma, and I hope to share that with you.

Areas of expertise, common struggles, and populations I am especially skilled in working with:

  • Childhood trauma and dysfunctional/complex family dynamics

  • PTSD and Complex PTSD

  • Dissociative experiences and identities (DID/OSDD, plural systems)

  • Spiritual trauma and abuse

  • Borderline personality disorder and traits, including struggles with suicidal ideation, self-harming, and “self-sabotaging” behaviors

  • Anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as people pleasing and perfectionism

  • Depression and bipolar disorders, along with intense mood swings

  • BIPOC and Asian American experience, including racial trauma, immigrant experience, third culture kids, etc

  • Young adults and students experiencing life transitions’

  • Chronic pain and fibromyalgia

  • Grief/loss

  • and more!

What helped us survive in the past seems not to work any longer in our present reality.

The good news is that not only can effects of trauma reverse, but the cultivation of post-traumatic growth can lead to even greater resilience, inspiring us to live more authentically and intentionally!

With the right support, you can reclaim who you are as someone who thrives and not just survives.

Learn more about my therapeutic styles and techniques

Therapy Services

About Serena

Welcome, friend! My name is Serena (she/her) and I am a Taiwanese-American licensed clinical social worker passionate about healing trauma. I provide telehealth therapy for clients across California and Illinois through telehealth therapy!

My work as a therapist is especially 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. More than that, I bear witness to the powerful transformation that can happen when we commit to our healing and self-reflection. I won’t be a clinician on the other side; rather, I’ll be by your side exploring with you. We can cultivate these values in our work together.

Fun facts:

  • I love to rock climb, a pillar in my own self-care!

  • I am passionate about writing songs that capture unique human experiences and stories (check out Aliens at Rest Music!)

  • I am married to my incredible husband who is an associate pastor of a progressive church denomination. Together, we work towards creating safe spaces for young folks to ask large questions, and to foster hearts for social justice among all generations.

Have questions about how services work at Soul Tea Therapy?

What to Expect

  • Values and approaches integrated into therapy

  • De-pathologize labels and symptoms using a trauma informed lens

  • Empathy, curiosity, gentle challenging, and empowerment intertwined

  • Honoring the whole self, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually

  • Anti-oppressive and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens

  • Recognition of intersectionality and importance of social justice

Past Experiences and Training

  • Current: LCSW #121160, licensed in the state of CA

    Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical Practice Specialization from Azusa Pacific University

    Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, Westmont College

    • Clinician and intake coordinator providing individual and group therapy for underserved clients at a non-profit clinic

    • Group facilitator for private practice serving Asian Americans

    • School-based counselor

    • Case manager for API youth and families

    • Group home care staff serving foster youth

    • Level 2 Trained, Level 3 certification in progress: Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors (Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment) by Janina Fisher

    • Level 1 Training, Level 2 in progress: EMDR for BIPOC clinicians by Lisa Hayes at the Institute of Creative Mindfulness

    • Introduction to Dissociation and the MID, and Integrating the MID into Clinical Practice by D. Michael Coy and Jennifer A. Madere

    • Techniques for Creatively and Compassionately Addressing the Impulse to Self-Harm and Relapse by Lisa Ferentz

    • How the Body Carries Racialized Trauma: A Therapeutic Pathway to Resilience & Healing by Resmaa Menakem

    • Dialectical behavioral therapy skills training course

    • Suicide Risk Assessment & Intervention Certificate

    • Guest lecturer on dialectical behavioral therapy at Azusa Pacific University for Micro Theory class (2022-2025)

    • Trammel, R. T., & Lee, S. C. (2022). Insights from pastors on Christian mindfulness: What social workers can learn about spiritual integration in mindfulness. Social Work & Christianity.

    • Lee, S. C., & Rawlings, M. A. (2022). Healing from trauma through psychoeducation: Understanding young adult client group experiences. Social Work with Groups.https://doi.org/10.1080/01609513.2021.2024109

    • Pastors and Mindfulness: Results of a Qualitative Study Presentation at the Annual Conference of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (2021)

    • Guest writer at Inheritance Magazine (2016-2021)

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