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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Each step of my education has strengthened my passion for empowering individuals, couples, and families to create lasting change. My degrees include:
⟶ Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT), Nova Southeastern University
⟶ Master of Science in Family Therapy with a concentration in solution-focused coaching, Nova Southeastern University
⟶ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Florida Atlantic University
⟶ Associate of Arts in General Studies, Broward College
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My therapeutic approach centers on collaboration. We will work together as a team to explore your needs, set goals, and discover meaningful solutions that feel right for you. I will invite you to be fully involved in the process, creating a space where you feel supported, empowered, and respected. This collaborative foundation allows me to tailor support uniquely to you, drawing from a variety of systemic and evidence-based approaches, including:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helping you recognize and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to enhance overall well-being.
Humanistic therapy: Fostering personal growth, authenticity, and self-discovery within a supportive environment.
Mindfulness-based / strengths-based approaches: Building resilience, inner peace, and a stronger sense of self.
Motivational interviewing: Empowering you to tap into your own motivation for positive change and goal achievement.
Narrative therapy: Assisting you in reframing and rewriting personal stories to support healing and transformation.
Play therapy: Using the power of play to help younger clients express emotions and experiences safely and creatively.
Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT): Identifying strengths and resources to create effective, present-focused solutions.
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Past experiences have deepened my commitment to empowering clients at every stage of life. 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 and ease stressors.
A community mental health clinic, where I guided individuals, couples, and families in processing their lived experiences and uncovering their strengths to reach their goals.
Schools in Broward County, where I supported students’ mental health and academic success, helping them build a brighter future.
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I remain active in professional affiliations and seek 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 best practices.
Delta Kappa, Omicron Chapter (DKO): I am a proud member of this local chapter of the International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society, where I connect with colleagues and strengthen my commitment to the profession.
Career Highlights
Chancellor’s Award: Recognized as a graduating master’s student by Nova Southeastern University for demonstrating excellence in scholarship, leadership, integrity, humanity, and loyalty to the profession.
Publication: Contributed clinical insights alongside colleagues about therapeutic practices, published in the Journal of Systemic Therapies.
Presentations & Workshops: Collaborated with colleagues to share clinical knowledge through community and international presentations.
Guest Speaking: Shared clinical experience and expertise with college students to inspire and empower the next generation of professionals in the field.