Serenity Family and Individual Counseling is a small private practice in downtown Wadsworth, OH. Serenity is dedicated to providing you with discrete and comfortable therapy services. We offer Marriage/Couple and Family Therapy, Individual Counseling for Adults, Adolescents, and Children.
For more details about our services, please review the team's areas of specialties and the services section.
Owner/Private Practitioner
Shea L. Beris, MFT, LPCC-S
Shea is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision designation. Shea graduated from a dually accredited Master's program for Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from The University of Akron. Shea is trained in systems theory, EMDR, OCD/Panic Disorder, and TF-CBT.
Shea's areas of specialties include treating marriage/couples, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, insecurities, depression, anxiety, and OCD. Often utilizing Structural, Experiential, Contextual, and person-centered techniques, Shea has an empathetic, analytical, and direct therapeutic style.
While understanding growth/change is often uncomfortable, it is necessary for achieving insight, self-improvement, and systemic change. Shea provides a safe/comfortable environment where you can collaborate together and work on growth/healing.
Private Practitioner
Heidi Buckingham-Summers,
LPCC-S
Heidi Buckingham Summers received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron in 2016. Her undergraduate career was at Cleveland State University where she obtained her Bachelors in Psychology in 2013. Heidi is fully trained in EMDR, and holds a state license as a LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Designation).
Heidi has experience working with a wide population including adults, adolescents and children. She has worked in community mental health, private practice and the school setting.
Heidi treats a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, behavioral concerns, adjustment issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, trauma and LGBT+ specific concerns. Her passion is helping people feel accepted, worthy and capable through the use of coping skills and personal strengths. Heidi uses Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Person Centered therapy, Mindfulness and is trained in EMDR.
When she is not in the office, Heidi enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and spending time with her two dogs.
Private Practitioner
Kristi Woodruff, LISW-S
Kristi is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with supervision designation who received her Masters of Social Work in 2017 from The Ohio State University.
Kristi has worked with children, adolescents, and families for the last 7 years. Prior to becoming a therapist Kristi worked and continues to volunteer at a Theraputic Equestrian Center with children and adults of all ages with both physical and intellectual disabilities.
Kristi has worked as a therapist since 2017. Kristi utilizes psychoeducation to assist individuals and families with understanding their diagnosis and trauma. Kristi utilities several different treatment methods including but not limited to Trauma Focused CBT, relaxation techniques, and CBT.
Kristi enjoys spending time outside with her two horses and dog.
Private Practitioner
Kailie Reed, LPC,
CDCA
Contact information
F. (234) 200-0584
Kailie Reed obtained her Master's in Mental Health Clinical Counseling from John Carroll University where she also obtained her chemical dependency licensure. Kailie completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Hiram College where she also played soccer all 4 years.
Kailie's passion includes helping people unravel their true potential in life by beating their addictions and coming to terms with how to properly manage the difficulties they face in life. Kailie also works with dual diagnosis and anyone who has experienced trauma. The theories Kailie use include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Kailie grew up in Wadsworth where her family has owned the Sub Station for 38 years. She has 2 big dogs and enjoys spending time outside with them.
Private Practitioner
Courtney Sokira,
MFT
Contact information
F. (234) 200-0584
Courtney is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy in 2022 from The University of Akron. Her undergraduate career was at the University of Mount Union where she obtained her Bachelors in Psychology in 2019.
Courtney has worked with a variety of ages, couples, and families. Her areas of specialty include treating relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, intimacy, trust, conflict resolution, and parenting.
Courtney often utilizes Bowen theory, Gottman ideas, CBT, psychoeducation, and Structural. She helps couples and families to understand and respect one another, acknowledge, define and work through their differences, and resolve conflicts in a safe, supportive, and healthier manner.
Courtney loves spending time with her cat, Cooper, spending time with family, and making new memories.
Private Practitioner
Allison Wolferd, LSW
Contact information
F. (234) 200-0584
Allison is a Licensed Social Worker and received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
With a passion for working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, she helps manage symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing issues, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation. She is experienced in therapeutically supporting mothers and addressing parenting issues. She also specializes in anxiety, depression, anger, adjustment disorders, and trauma processing.
Allison creates an environment where clients will feel comfortable and safe. She enjoys helping people navigate life’s challenges by teaching emotional coping strategies, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Using a holistic approach, she believes in treating the whole person. Allison utilizes Behavioral Therapy, CBT, DBT, and emotion regulation therapeutic techniques.
MFT-T Intern
Emma Poretsky, MFT-T
Emma is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee, working under supervision, who is completing her Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy at The University of Akron. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University. Emma is trained to think from a systemic viewpoint. This shapes her approach when treating a variety of clinical problems, serving every individual within a family's unique strengths and needs, while considering all aspects of a person's life. Emma has six years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in various environments.
Emma is passionate about working with families experiencing various developmental transitions, conflict resolution difficulty, and parenting concerns.
Professional Counselor Trainee
Ashley Darling, CT
Ashley is pursuing her Master’s degree In Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Kent State University and is working under supervision. Her undergraduate career was also at Kent State University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology. Ashley has also been licensed with the State Board of Nursing since 2006.
Ashley works with a client-centered approach, while including CBT and solution-focused principles and techniques. She believes therapy is a collaborative process between herself and her clients. She uses a warm, directive and authentic approach to create a safe and supportive environment that encourages clients to build insight and achieve balance. She empowers clients to accomplish their goals while utilizing their strengths for change.
When not in the office, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, children and their Great Dane Gunner.
Couples Counseling
Intimacy
Conflict Resolution
Communication
Power Struggles
Overcoming Resentment
Parenting
Affair
Trust
Individual Counseling
Anxiety
Trauma
Adjustment
Depression
Grief
LBGTQ issues
Self-Esteem
Anger Management
Addiction
OCD/Phobia/Panic
Child & Teens
Anxiety
Depression
Adjustment
Attention Deficit
Self-Esteem
Grief
OCD
Family Counseling
Blended Families
Co-Parenting
Structural Issues
Conflict Resolution
Power Struggles
Adjustment
Accepting private pay and the following insurance:
Aetna
Allwell
Ambetter
Anthem
BlueCross and BlueShield
Buckeye
CareSource
Cenpatico
Medicaid
Medical Mutual
Molina
Optum
SummaCare
UMR
United Health Care
*Initial Diagnostic Assessment: $170
*Follow up 45-60 minute sessions: $150
Sliding scale fee contingent upon application via the patient portal
30 minute face-to-face consult is $50
