Nicole M. Serini LMHC, PLLC

04/29/2025

When something feels off with a friend or family member, we may know that we need to talk but hesitate because we don’t know how to approach the topic. These guidelines could help.

02/14/2025

02/04/2025

How can your heart burst and break at the same time ? My maternity leave has come to an end. The paradox of being a working mother is hard to describe, especially if you love your career, and, love being a mother.

As I think of all of the new ideas I have for my practice, I can feel the excitement building. Then, without fail, the Mac truck of GUILT slams into me at 100 mph when I think about the time these endeavors will take- time away from my kids.

Guilt is an icky feeling, probably one of the worst. Moms are drowning in it. Guilt for working; guilt for not working. External messages bombarding us from all angles, causing us to question our choices as mothers. From the time we spend with our kids, to what we’re doing during that time, to screen time use, organic or not organic, how we care for or medicate our kids when they’re sick, to vaccinate or not vaccinate. The list is infinite. There is a constant game of mental ping pong going on in our heads at any moment. While our choices may be different, we all have the same intention- of raising healthy, well-adapted and loved children.

I’m trying my best to quiet and challenge that judgy, unhelpful voice that pops up when I focus on something other than my children. I can be a loving, effective mom AND have a career that means so much to me. I can be a therapist AND struggle with my own “stuff.”

So many of the feelings I have shared I hear mirrored by other mothers personally and professionally.
We are all in the same boat, rowing upstream, at times without a paddle, but, we are not alone. As different as we all are, there is no greater ally to a mom than another mom.

Because of my own lived experience with infertility and as a mom, (which has been the hardest, and most amazing role I’ve played), I have begun the process of niching my own personal psychotherapy work around helping mothers. I’m so excited to share more, as I complete upcoming trainings.

08/02/2024

Marie Altavilla is the newest member of the R&R Team! She is in the final stages of her graduate Mental Health Counseling program at St. Bonaventure University, and completing her internship hours at Roots & Resilience Wellness under the supervision of Nicole M. Serini LMHC. As a former educator of 25 years, Marie connected with individuals in the classroom and now, Marie will be utilizing her counseling skills and experience connecting with individuals in the community in a therapeutic way. Marie is warm, welcoming, intelligent, compassionate and eager to begin her final educational milestone this year during her practicum in the therapy office at Roots & Resilience Wellness! We will be offering Marie’s services at a reduced fee for service from August 2024 to May of 2025.

06/18/2024

Why would a child as young as 5 need therapy? Behavior modification, ADHD symptoms, adjusting to a new school, changes within the family like a new baby or even divorce, anxiety, and trauma just to name a few. While it is true that children are resilient, they have big feelings and just like many adults, they aren’t always sure how to express them. We can help! Reach out today to set up a consultation.

03/12/2024

Roots & Resilience Wellness is excited to collaborate with Kyokushin Karate World Champion Charlie Gent, owner of Rook Karate & Fitness! Learn self defense techniques and ways to protect and maintain physical safety. After learning physical techniques, learn some ways to create emotional safety and security within yourself and within relationships. Therapists Nicole Serini & Jillien Shaw will discuss the importance of values, boundaries, resilience, self-worth and how to advocate for what we need. We’ve got one workshop for adults, and one for teens. See the flyer for more info. Visit RootsandResilienceWellness to sign up.

03/02/2024

https://www.rootsandresiliencewellness.com/post/it-s-world-teen-mental-wellness-day-what-i-am-urging-from-our-parents-our-schools-and-our-policy
Check out my blog regarding the state of Teen Mental Health.

The Eyes of A Therapist Nicole M. Serini LMHC March 2, 2024 We Are in Crisis. Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. This day is established to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma. As a therapist who works with many teens, I thought this information would be useful to share w...

02/22/2024

Check out my first blog post on the Do's and Dont's of providing emotional support.

The Eyes of a Therapist Nicole M. Serini LMHC Invalidation Vs. Honor We’ve all been in the position of being a sounding board for a loved one who is struggling with something. While they share their pain, they are coming to you looking for support and warmth. We’ve also been in the position of s...

01/31/2024

Hi, I’m Nicole Serini. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and I specialize in working with young adults who feel stuck, or who have been struggling with mood issues like anxiety, depression and Bipolar Disorder. I also work with those who’ve experienced trauma, helping survivors to process, identify effective ways to cope, and move towards healing. I am a big believer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which helps individuals explore and tweak unhelpful or unhealthy thinking patterns that negatively effect the way we feel and the way we act. I aim to help clients increase self love, self compassion, and mindfulness. If you’re ready to begin your journey, and would like to set up a complimentary 15 minute consultation, feel free to send me a message or reach out through my website.

09/19/2023

10 things to say instead of ‘Stop crying’:

🦋 It’s ok to be sad.
🦋 This is really hard for you.
🦋 I’m here with you.
🦋 Tell me about it.
🦋 I hear you.
🦋 That was really scary/sad/etc.
🦋 I will help you work it out.
🦋 I’m listening.
🦋 I hear that you need space. I want to be here for you. I’ll stay close so you can find me when you’re ready.
🦋 It doesn’t feel fair.

Via Happiness is here and The Gottman Institute.

09/18/2023

Listen to my full interview for some Mental Health tips with Marissa Contelmo from The Marino in the Morning Show on Q92.1.

09/06/2023

“When our youth experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their life to unravel. My passion is to help guide people who have experienced trauma/stress to a state of healing. I’ve helped my clients find a healthy perception of self, that they can be healthy, complete, and at peace.” Jillien Shaw is the newest member of the Roots & Resilience team! She has 15 years of experience working with young people, and 15 months of experience working as a Mental Health Counselor. Jillien has an impressive educational and work history, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice; working as a Police Officer at one time, a Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She specializes in working with teens and young adults struggling with an array of mental health issues.