Keona Serrano, LCSW

How client-centered and mindfulness work online

Keona often uses client-centered methods that begin by listening carefully to what matters most to each person. This approach focuses on the person’s experiences and goals, and the therapist offers guidance while respecting the client's perspective.

She also integrates mindfulness therapy to help people notice stress and anxiety in the body and mind, then practice simple exercises to reduce reactivity. Mindfulness can be useful for managing panic, rumination, and strong emotions related to grief or trauma.

Motivational interviewing is used when someone wants to change a behavior such as substance use or habits that undermine goals. It involves open questions, reflective listening, and helping people identify their own reasons for change in a nonjudgmental way.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Keona collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their needs, goals, and preferences. She checks in regularly and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls let people have a face-to-face conversation, phone sessions require less bandwidth, live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins or for those who prefer writing. These options allow flexibility for scheduling, shorter touchpoints between sessions, and ways to engage that suit different comfort levels.