Step into your breakthrough and discover the serenity you deserve.
Marriage and Family Therapist | Therapy in Plantation and Online Across Florida
Dr. Desiree Barrionuevo
Founder & Clinician of Serenity Collaborative Therapy
Welcome! I am glad you are here. As a South Florida-based therapist, I support adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and families as they navigate a variety of life challenges. I predominantly work with issues related to major transitions, relationship challenges, family conflict, anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Whether you prefer in-person therapy in Plantation or online therapy anywhere in Florida, I am here to guide you through meaningful and lasting change.
I specialize in relationships and social-emotional learning, helping clients deepen self-awareness, strengthen communication, and build healthier connections with themselves and others. My approach is collaborative, warm, and personalized. I aim to create a space where your lived experiences are honored, your strengths are recognized, and your well-being is always prioritized.
My breakthrough led me here to help you experience yours.
From a young age, I often struggled with perfectionism, the pressure to excel, and a sense of feeling out of place. These challenges led me to experience significant anxiety and depression as a teenager. Despite needing help, I resisted therapy due to the stigma surrounding mental health. I held the common misconception that therapy was for “crazy people,” never realizing how transformative it could be. Eventually, I received the professional support that changed my life. Therapy helped me learn my worth, build healthier coping strategies, and discover tools I still use today. This experience became the foundation for my career and the driving force behind Serenity Collaborative Therapy. Now, I feel honored to help others experience breakthroughs of their own.
My mission is to guide you toward a life filled with serenity.
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Significant changes, whether starting a new job, moving, or entering a new life stage, can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Together, we will make sense of the emotions you are experiencing and build clarity, confidence, and resilience for whatever lies ahead.
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Struggles in relationships can leave you feeling disconnected or overwhelmed. I help clients explore patterns, strengthen communication, and navigate challenges to build more fulfilling, authentic connections.
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Family relationships can be complicated. I support families in uncovering underlying issues, improving communication, and rebuilding trust to create a stronger, more compassionate foundation.
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Persistent worry, sadness, or emotional heaviness can make daily life feel draining. I help you understand where these feelings come from and develop tools to restore balance, relief, and emotional peace.
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Loss can feel overwhelming and isolating. I provide a safe, gentle space for you to process your grief at your own pace and find new meaning in your healing.
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If you are seeking greater emotional awareness, confidence, or self-understanding, therapy can support your evolution. Together, we will strengthen your communication, resilience, and sense of self.
I am here to support you through:
A glimpse into my life outside the office.
When I am not working with clients, I am usually spending time at home with my two lively domestic short-haired cats, who love to keep me entertained. I love interior design and organization, leading me to enjoy creating peaceful spaces. I am also a night owl, finding some of my best creative ideas come long after the world has gone quiet. I cherish time with loved ones, enjoy exploring new places, and often unwind with calming music or a good television show.
Growing up in South Florida with a large, blended, multicultural family taught me to appreciate diverse perspectives. It also shaped how I show up in the therapy room with clients. I am intentional with being open, collaborative, and deeply attuned to each client’s unique lived experiences.
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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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Collaboration is at the heart of my work. I invite you and your family to be active partners in the process as we explore your needs, set goals, and discover solutions that feel meaningful and attainable. My approach integrates:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Collaborative therapy
Humanistic therapy
Mindfulness and strengths-based
Motivational interviewing
Narrative therapy
Play therapy for younger clients
Solution-focused brief therapy
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Memberships:
Professional Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Alumna Member, Delta Kappa Omicron Chapter of the International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society
Contributions:
Recipient of the Chancellor’s Award from Nova Southeastern University as a graduating master’s student for demonstrating excellence in scholarship, leadership, integrity, humanity, and loyalty to the profession.
Published clinical research with colleagues.
My applied clinical project as a doctoral candidate focused on Gen Z college students’ mental health post-pandemic.
Presented with colleagues at an international conference and local workshops.
Guest speaker for several mental health initiatives and university programs.