“I can honestly say I’ve never experienced care like this before. From the first session, I felt like they really saw me and wanted to understand what was going on beneath the surface. They don’t just focus on symptoms—they look at how the brain, body, and even gut health all connect, which made so much sense once I started seeing changes.” – R.U.
91% of our clients report measurable improvement within their first 5 sessions.
Contact us today and take back your life!
A brief, supportive conversation to help you understand next steps.
Founder
Mail: nicole@serenitywellnesscc.com
Experience: Since 2015
In person/Telehealth Options: Offering In-Person services
Ages seen: 16 & up
Populations: Adolescents and Adults
Days/Hours Available: Monday: 8am-5pm, Wednesday: 8am-5pm, Thursday 9am-4pm Virtual by Appointment (times vary)
You may understand why you feel the way you do and still find yourself repeating the same patterns. You may appear capable and successful to others while privately feeling anxious, depressed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next.
Sometimes the ways we have learned to cope continue working on the outside but no longer feel sustainable on the inside.
I work primarily with young adults through older adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, midlife transitions, cancer-related distress, persistent or treatment-resistant symptoms, and periods of feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. I also work with individuals seeking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and those looking for thoughtful, grounded support before or after psychedelic experiences.
My goal is to create a space where you can feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to explore what is underneath the surface, and empowered to participate actively in your own healing.
Many of the people who reach out to me have spent years being strong, dependable, and successful on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain on the inside.
They may have built meaningful careers, cared for their families, supported everyone around them, or spent years trying to better understand themselves. Yet despite everything they have accomplished or learned, something still does not feel settled.
You may be experiencing:
You do not need to arrive with a perfect explanation of what is wrong. Therapy can begin with the recognition that something needs attention and that you no longer want to carry it alone.
My style is warm, compassionate, collaborative, and engaged. I believe people need a place where they can feel deeply understood, but I also believe therapy should help you move beyond repeatedly telling the same story without experiencing meaningful change.
I will listen carefully, help you recognize patterns, offer education when it is useful, and ask honest questions that invite deeper reflection. At times, I may gently challenge a belief or response that is keeping you stuck. That challenge is never about judgment or forcing change. It is about helping you see yourself and your choices more clearly.
I do not approach therapy as the expert on your life. You bring your history, values, intuition, cultural experiences, beliefs, and hopes into the room. I bring clinical knowledge, curiosity, structure, and a willingness to walk beside you as we determine what may be most helpful.
Our work is individualized. We may spend time understanding your story, noticing what happens in your body, processing unresolved experiences, strengthening emotional flexibility, clarifying your values, practicing boundaries, or creating concrete changes in your daily life. The direction of therapy is shaped collaboratively and adjusted as your needs evolve.
Symptoms matter. Anxiety, depression, emotional shutdown, intrusive thoughts, sleep difficulties, relationship conflict, and physical tension can all significantly affect daily life. At the same time, I am often curious about what may be happening beneath those symptoms.
Anxiety may be trying to prevent danger or rejection. Perfectionism may have developed as a way to create safety. Emotional numbness may have protected you during an overwhelming time. Overfunctioning may have helped you feel needed or in control. A part of you may be exhausted by a pattern that another part still believes is necessary.
Rather than viewing these responses as personal failures, we can begin to understand what they have been trying to do for you and whether they are still serving you.
My root-cause, mind-body-spirit approach considers the whole person. This may include your personal history, relationships, nervous system, physical health, environment, beliefs, values, spirituality, and sense of meaning. Mind-body-spirit work does not require you to hold any particular spiritual or religious belief. It means making room for the full complexity of who you are rather than reducing your experience to a diagnosis or list of symptoms.
I draw from several therapeutic approaches and select them thoughtfully based on the individual rather than expecting every client to fit into one model.
ACT can help you relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while staying connected to what matters most. Acceptance does not mean approval or giving up; it means making room for your experience without letting it control every decision.
EMDR may help the brain and body process experiences that still feel emotionally present. Trauma work is approached carefully, with an emphasis on preparation, trust, emotional safety, and your individual pace.
IFS offers a compassionate way to understand the different parts of yourself, including the parts that feel protective, fearful, angry, or stuck. This work can support greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and inner connection.
Mindfulness and body awareness can help you notice physical sensations, emotional shifts, and nervous-system responses with greater curiosity. This awareness can create more space and choice in how you respond.
When clinically appropriate, I support clients through preparation, dosing sessions, and integration in collaboration with a qualified medical provider. KAP is approached thoughtfully, with attention to safety, expectations, emotional support, and translating insights into daily life.
A central belief in my work is that each person has an Inner Healing Intelligence—a natural capacity to move toward greater understanding, connection, and wholeness when the right support is present.
My role is not to give you all the answers, but to help create a safe and supportive environment where you can understand your patterns, reconnect with your values, and listen more closely to your own inner wisdom.
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2015 and am the founder of Serenity Wellness and Counseling Center in Cypress, Texas.
My professional training includes:
In addition to my clinical work, I currently serve as a Lead Therapist for multiple clinical research studies exploring psychedelic-assisted approaches to mental health treatment.
My research experience includes two separate studies at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center under Dr. Moran Amit. One study supports individuals with advanced cancer who are experiencing depression or anxiety, while the second focuses on cancer survivors experiencing depression or anxiety.
I also serve as a Lead Therapist in CYBIN-sponsored clinical research studying CYB003 as an adjunctive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder.
Within these structured research environments, I support participants through therapeutic preparation, dosing-day care, and post-experience integration. This work has deepened my understanding of depression, anxiety, trauma, cancer-related emotional distress, nonordinary states of consciousness, and the importance of providing careful, ethical, and highly individualized support.
Investigational psychedelic treatments remain an area of active clinical research and are not presented as established or guaranteed treatments.
My path into this work has been shaped not only by professional education, but also by personal experiences with trauma, loss, family mental health challenges, and my own healing.
Those experiences have deepened my respect for the vulnerability it takes to seek support and reinforced my belief that people are more than what has happened to them. I understand that healing is rarely linear and that insight alone does not always create change.
Outside of my professional work, I value time with my family, connection with animals and nature, reading, learning, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. These parts of my life help keep me grounded and connected to the same values I encourage clients to explore: presence, authenticity, compassion, meaning, and connection.
You do not need to know exactly what kind of therapy you need before reaching out. You also do not need to have the perfect words to explain what you are experiencing.
I am currently accepting consultation requests from prospective clients. A consultation provides an opportunity for me to learn more about what you are navigating, answer questions about my approach, and explore whether working together may be a good fit.
Reaching out does not commit you to a particular treatment. It is simply a place to begin the conversation.
Benefits:
My decision to become a therapist was driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives and help them through their struggles. Having experienced trauma as a child and witnessed the mental health challenges of my family members, including the devastating impact of suicide, I am committed to supporting others in navigating difficult times and overcoming their mental health issues. I have a natural ability to listen empathetically and provide evidence-based tools to address the root causes of their concerns. I am passionate about continuing to learn and grow in my knowledge so that I can offer the best possible support to help others improve their mental health and wellbeing.
If I could teach the world one skill or technique in therapy to improve their lives, it would be the power of cognitive skills and self-reflection. Our thoughts play a significant role in shaping our emotions and behaviors, and by developing an awareness of our thinking patterns, we can begin to challenge and reframe unhelpful or negative thoughts.
Through cognitive skills, we can examine our thinking styles, identify cognitive distortions, and explore the root causes of those patterns. By gaining insight into our thoughts, we can better understand how they influence our feelings and actions, and ultimately make positive changes in our lives.
Journaling is another valuable tool that can enhance self-reflection. By writing down our thoughts and experiences, we create a space for self-expression and gain clarity about our emotions and concerns. Journaling allows us to examine patterns, track progress, and gain valuable insights into ourselves.
Lastly, mindfulness is an essential skill that can transform our lives. By cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, we can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques can help us stay grounded in the present and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity.
Ultimately, the skill or technique that would be most beneficial varies from person to person, as it depends on their specific needs and goals. However, the combination of cognitive skills, journaling, and mindfulness can provide a solid foundation for self-awareness, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
Yes, I have personally been in counseling, and it has been a transformative experience for me. Initially, I didn’t have the knowledge or resources to seek therapy at a young age, but this gap in my own support system became a driving force in my decision to pursue a career in helping others.
I didn’t begin my own therapy until after receiving training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Learning about the benefits of this technique and witnessing the profound transformations it facilitated in my clients prompted me to explore its potential for my own healing journey. Through EMDR therapy, I was able to delve into and work through some of the root causes that had been contributing to my flight or freeze response. This process allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and make significant strides towards personal growth and healing.
In addition to EMDR, I have also experienced tremendous growth through LENS neurofeedback. This non-invasive technique has helped me manage and overcome anxiety without the use of medication. I have noticed significant improvements in my sleep patterns, reduction in anxiety symptoms, and a greater ability to navigate and calm my overthinking mind.
My personal experiences with therapy and the techniques I employ in my practice have provided me with invaluable insights into the power of healing and self-discovery. They have strengthened my empathy, deepened my understanding of the therapeutic process, and reinforced my commitment to helping others on their own transformative journeys.
Oh, it’s a tough choice to recommend just one book, as there are so many valuable resources that I find impactful for my clients. However, if I had to narrow it down, I would suggest “Feeling Good” by Dr. David Burns. This book offers practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help challenge and reframe negative thoughts, manage emotions, and cultivate a more positive mindset.
In addition to “Feeling Good,” there are several other books that I often find myself recommending to clients. “Rewire Your Anxious Brain” by Catherine M. Pittman and Elizabeth M. Karle provides insightful strategies for managing anxiety and overcoming intrusive thoughts. “The Greatness Mindset” by Luke Thompson offers guidance on developing a growth mindset and unleashing one’s full potential.
For those interested in personal development and self-improvement, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne can be a thought-provoking read, emphasizing the power of positive thinking and manifestation. Another book that has resonated with me is “The Boy Who Was Raised by Dogs” by Bruce Perry, which explores the profound impact of early experiences on human development and resilience.
Lastly, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k” by Mark Manson provides a refreshing perspective on embracing authenticity, letting go of perfectionism, and focusing on what truly matters in life.
Ultimately, the choice of book will depend on your specific interests and needs, and I’m here to help guide you towards the most relevant and beneficial resources for your personal growth and well-being.
While I am committed to providing support to anyone who seeks help, I have noticed that my counseling style aligns well with clients who are motivated and ready to actively engage in their healing process. Ideal clients for me are those who are open to exploring new perspectives, willing to try different approaches, and actively participate in their own mental health and well-being journey. It is through this collaborative and proactive approach that we can work together to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
To ensure my own well-being, I actively engage in self-care practices that resonate with me. One of my favorite ways to rejuvenate is by immersing myself in nature and finding solace while mow the land and listening to music. It allows me to unwind and establish a deeper connection with the natural world. Prioritizing adequate sleep and maintaining a nutritious diet are integral aspects of my self-care routine, although I acknowledge that reducing my coffee intake and increasing my water intake would be beneficial. Additionally, I have incorporated red light therapy into my self-care regimen to enhance my overall sense of wellness.
Hosting dinner parties is a passion of mine, and I thoroughly enjoy creating a welcoming space for friends, family, and loved ones. Rather than limiting the guest list to just three individuals, my approach is to extend an open invitation to everyone. Inclusivity and ensuring that no one feels left out are values I hold dear. It brings me great joy to see a diverse group of people coming together, sharing stories, laughter, and creating memorable experiences. This mindset of inclusiveness is something I inherited from my father, and it has become an integral part of my approach to hosting gatherings.
Incorporating a holistic practice can help enhance ones overall therapeutic experience and promote healing from the inside out. Here are a few ways I incorporate holistic practices into my session:
Mindfulness and grounding techniques: Begin the session with a mindfulness exercise or grounding technique to help clients become present and centered. This can involve deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or body scans. Encourage clients to connect with their senses and observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Emotional regulation: Teach clients holistic techniques for emotional regulation, such as breathwork, meditation, or journaling. These practices can support clients in managing their emotions, developing self-reflection skills, and fostering a sense of emotional balance. Collaborative approach: Work collaboratively with clients to explore and integrate holistic practices that resonate with them. Respect their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and belief systems, and customize the therapeutic approach to meet their unique needs.
By integrating holistic practices into therapy sessions, therapists can provide clients with a more comprehensive and transformative therapeutic experience. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, and empowers clients to take an active role in their healing and personal growth.
I find immense joy in immersing myself in nature. Activities such as boating, swimming, and tending to our property and animals provide me with a profound sense of relaxation and connection to the natural world. These moments outdoors serve as a therapeutic escape from the demands of daily life. Additionally, delving into a captivating book allows me to unwind and explore diverse narratives, offering both solace and inspiration.
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have strong female role models who have profoundly influenced my personal and professional journey. As a child, my mother was my primary inspiration. She demonstrated remarkable resilience by overcoming personal trauma, serving as the family’s breadwinner, and persevering through significant losses. Her empathy and dedication to helping others were evident through her volunteer work, especially with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Special Children’s Committee—a passion that my husband and I now share.
In recent years, I’ve found inspiration in Kelly Peyton, a fellow therapist and group practice owner. During a pivotal time in 2023, Kelly became a mentor, generously offering guidance on ethically and compassionately managing a practice without any expectation of return. Her kindness and commitment to our field have profoundly influenced my approach, motivating me to mentor other clinicians and give back to our community. Our friendship continues to be a source of mutual support and inspiration in both our professional and personal lives.
Taking a genuine day off has been a learning experience for me, given the responsibilities of running a business and supporting clients and staff. My most recent perfect day off was intentionally unplugged from all work communications. It involved simple pleasures: basking in the sun with a good book, enjoying moments of relaxation, and spending quality time with my husband, Bryan. Embracing a “go with the flow” mindset, without rigid plans, allowed me to fully recharge and be present in the moment. These unstructured days remind me of the importance of self-care and the rejuvenating power of embracing life’s simple joys.
I would tell my younger self that it’s not necessary to do it all. Success manifests in various forms, not solely through financial achievements—though early financial planning can alleviate future stress. True fulfillment comes from aiding others in their healing journeys and cultivating loving, non-judgmental relationships. Prioritizing genuine connections and personal well-being holds more lasting value than material possessions or bank account balances. Embracing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and recognizing the importance of balance are essential lessons I’ve learned along the way.
My passion lies in facilitating healing through alternative modalities that extend beyond traditional medical approaches. At Serenity Wellness, we emphasize that true healing originates from within, offering services like EMDR, Neurofeedback, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to those who might not have access otherwise. Additionally, my husband and I are dedicated volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Special Children’s Committee, and we operate a nonprofit that contributes to the event’s World Championship BBQ Cook-Off. These endeavors allow us to connect with and support our community in meaningful and impactful ways, reinforcing our commitment to fostering resilience and well-being beyond the confines of our practice.
