Marriage and Family Therapist | Therapy in Plantation and Online Across Florida
Step into your breakthrough and discover the serenity you deserve.
Desiree Barrionuevo, MS
Founder and Clinician of Serenity Collaborative Therapy
Welcome! I am glad you have found your way here. As a South Florida-based therapist, I am committed to empowering you, your partner, and your family to navigate life’s challenges and achieve meaningful breakthroughs. Whether facing a major life transition, struggling with relationship difficulties, or working through family conflict, I am here to guide you through it all.
Specializing in relationships and social-emotional learning, I help you foster deeper connections with yourself and those around you. My approach is deeply collaborative and personalized, designed to provide a supportive space where your well-being is prioritized. Together, we will explore your lived experiences, uncover your strengths, and develop strategies to bring you closer to the life you envision. I look forward to being part of your journey!
Where serenity meets collaboration.
Serenity Collaborative Therapy reflects my deep commitment to helping you experience the breakthrough you have longed for. Serenity embodies the peace, emotional balance, and healing I strive to help you achieve, while the collaborative piece is at the heart of my approach. Therapy is not about me giving you answers. It is about working together as partners to support you in unlocking the life you envision. True transformation happens in a supportive, collaborative space where you can process your lived experiences, tap into your strengths, and discover new ways to tackle challenges confidently. Through our work together, I will encourage you to actively engage in your growth within and outside therapy.
The journey is yours, and I will support you along the way.
The guiding principles of our work include–
Client-Centered
We will set and refine objectives, empowering you to find solutions that resonate with your needs. I will craft the therapeutic experience just for you.
Collaborative
Your goals, values, and vision will be central to our work. We will approach the process transparently and honestly to ensure it aligns with your priorities, helping you create the life you envision.
Empathic and Respectful
I will provide a safe space where you always feel heard. We will carefully explore aspects of your life, respecting your perspectives and supporting your well-being.
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Significant life changes like moving, starting a new job, or entering a new life stage can bring a mix of emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to adapt, I am here to guide you through it. We will navigate these transitions, helping you find clarity, resilience, and confidence to embrace what lies ahead.
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Struggles in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, can leave you feeling isolated and frustrated to overcome obstacles. With my collaborative approach, we will explore patterns, improve communication, and address the barriers keeping you from meaningful connections. I will help guide you toward fostering healthy, fulfilling relationships that align with your needs.
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Family relationships are central to our lives. Yet, it can often feel strained by misunderstandings, unresolved tensions, or misaligned expectations. I can help you and your family uncover deeper issues, improve communication, and rebuild trust, creating a stronger, more compassionate foundation to connect.
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Persistent feelings of worry, sadness, or hopelessness can make each day seem like a battle without any resolution in sight. As your therapist, I will help you explore the roots of your emotions and discover practical tools to manage these overwhelming feelings. We will work together toward reclaiming joy, balance, and peace in your life, as you deserve relief.
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Trauma can leave you feeling emotionally stuck, unsafe, or disconnected from yourself and others. In our work together, I will create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can process your lived experiences, regain control, and build tools to heal. You do not have to carry this weight alone but rather begin to release the tension it has over your life.
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Loss, in any form, can leave you feeling uneasy and make it difficult to process your emotions. I will honor what you have lost by providing a safe, supportive space for you to begin to process your grief at your pace toward healing. We will explore ways to navigate your pain while finding hope that can bring meaning to your life.
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Academic or workplace stress can feel relentless, leaving you unsure of how to manage the pressures. If you are struggling with focus, motivation, or balance, I can help you find ways to cope and thrive. We will work together to clarify your goals, strengthen your skills, and build confidence to succeed despite the obstacles.
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Understanding and managing your emotions is essential for growing into the best version of yourself to live the life you envision. As your therapist, I will guide you to build emotional awareness, resilience, and communication skills to connect with yourself and those around you. I will empower you to have the confidence to navigate challenges and start to thrive in your life.
I am here to support you through:
My breakthrough led me here to help you experience yours.
From a young age, I struggled with feelings of not belonging and internal pressure to excel. The pursuit of perfection led me to experience intense anxiety and depression during my adolescent years. Despite needing help, I resisted seeking therapy due to the stigma surrounding mental health. I mistakenly believed that therapy was for “crazy people,” not realizing how transformative it could be. Thankfully, I eventually sought professional help, and that decision saved and changed my life. Through therapy, I learned my self-worth, developed healthier coping strategies, and gained the tools I still use today. This life-changing experience inspired me to become a therapist. Today, I am honored to help people step into their breakthroughs and discover the serenity they deserve.
My mission is to guide you toward a life filled with serenity.
A glimpse into my life outside the office.
When not working with clients, I am at home with two lively, domestic short-haired cats who keep me on my toes. I am passionate about interior design and organization, creating serene spaces that bring peace of mind. As a true night owl, I have discovered that my creativity flows when morning birds are still asleep. In my downtime, I cherish moments with loved ones, binge-watch television shows, explore new places, and unwind the day with calming music.
As a South Florida native, I grew up in a large, blended, multicultural family, which taught me the value of embracing diverse perspectives. This exposure has greatly influenced my approach to therapy. I prioritize collaboration, encouraging clients to reflect on their lived experiences, explore new possibilities, and find paths to their growth.
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⟶ Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Nova Southeastern University.
⟶ Master of Science in Family Therapy degree with a concentration in solution-focused coaching from Nova Southeastern University.
⟶ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Florida Atlantic University.
⟶ Associate of Arts in General Studies degree from Broward College.
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My therapeutic approach centers on collaborative therapy, where we will work together as a team to explore your needs, set goals, and find meaningful solutions that feel right for you. I will encourage you to be fully involved in the therapeutic process, creating a space where you feel supported and empowered. This approach serves as the foundation for how I tailor support to your needs, integrating systemic interventions such as:
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to enhance overall well-being.
Humanistic emphasizes on personal growth and self-discovery in a supportive environment.
Mindfulness-based / strength-based builds on resilience and inner peace.
Motivational interviewing helps uncover your own motivation for positive change and goal achievement.
Narrative therapy assists in reframing and rewriting personal stories to facilitate meaningful change.
Play therapy utilizes play to help younger clients express their emotions and experiences.
Solution-focused brief therapy identifies existing strengths and resources to address present concerns.
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Past experiences have deepened my commitment to empowering clients. I have supported the community across various settings, including:
A non-profit organization where I provided trauma-informed care to youth in foster care, helping them and their families navigate challenges with compassion to relieve stressors.
A community mental health clinic where I guided individuals, couples, and families to process their lived experiences and uncover inner strengths to achieve their goals.
Schools in Broward County where I helped students address their mental health and academic needs to obtain a brighter future.
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I remain active in professional affiliations and take on opportunities to enhance my clinical knowledge and practice through:
Active Memberships
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) - I maintain membership with this national organization to stay at the forefront of the field's standards and practices.
Delta Kappa, Omicron Chapter - I hold membership with this local chapter that is a part of the International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society to connect with colleagues in the field.
Contributions
Chancellor’s Award - I was recognized as a graduating master's student by Nova Southeastern University for my dedication to scholarship, leadership, integrity, humanity, and loyalty to the profession.
Publication - I have offered clinical insights alongside colleagues about therapeutic practices, which was published in the Journal of Systemic Therapies.
Presentations & Workshops - I have collaborated with colleagues to provide clinical knowledge in the community locally and internationally.
Guest Speaking - I have shared clinical knowledge and experience with college students to empower the next generation of professionals in the field.