Serenity Counseling and Wellness

02/05/2026

This Black History Month, we pause to honor the profound impact Black history has had in shaping our country through resilience, leadership, innovation, culture, and enduring contributions that continue to influence every part of our society.

In today’s world, we are witnessing ongoing social and political challenges that remind us why Black history cannot be treated as distant or separate from the present. The inequities, injustices, and divisions we see today reflect patterns that have existed throughout our nation’s story, and they call on all of us to pay attention, to learn, and to respond with intention.

Understanding Black history is not simply about looking back. It is about reflecting on how the past informs the present, and recognizing that awareness is essential if we are to stop history from repeating itself. The lessons of justice, perseverance, and community must guide the future we create together.

At Serenity Counseling and Wellness, as a Black owned and inclusive practice, we believe reflection is essential to healing, both individually and collectively. We remain committed to creating a space where all individuals feel seen, supported, and valued, and where the voices and experiences that have too often been marginalized are honored.

May this month serve as a reminder that Black history is American history, and that understanding it is vital to the growth, healing, and well being of our communities for generations to come.

02/03/2026

Please join us in wishing Angelica a very happy birthday! 🎉

Angelica, your compassion, warmth, and dedication make such a meaningful difference to our team and the clients you serve. We are incredibly grateful for you and hope your birthday is as wonderful as the care you bring to your work every day.

01/28/2026

We’re excited to announce a new Adolescent DBT Group at Serenity Counseling and Wellness!

This 16-week group is designed to help teens build skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships. The program also includes parent sessions so caregivers can better understand and support the skills their teen is learning.

Group details
Mondays, 5:00–6:30 pm
16-week structured program
Parent involvement included

This group may be a good fit for teens who struggle with intense emotions, anxiety, impulsivity, or stress in relationships.

To learn more or sign up, contact our office directly:
(847) 364-0163
referrals@serenitycounselinglkn.com

Spaces are limited. Reach out soon if you’re interested.

01/24/2026

A new year doesn’t have to mean big resolutions or fixing yourself. For many people, it simply brings reflection, questions, and the quiet thought of “maybe it’s time to get some support.”

Our newest blog is live and explains what the first step into therapy really looks like. We walk through the intake process and how we support you in finding the right fit, without the pressure to have everything figured out.

If therapy has been on your mind this year, this is a gentle place to start.

You can read the full post here: https://www.serenitycounselinglkn.com/post/starting-fresh-what-to-expect-in-your-first-therapy-session-this-new-year

You’re welcome exactly as you are.

The beginning of a new year often brings reflection more than resolution. For many people, it is not about making big changes, but about noticing what feels heavy and what they no longer want to carry alone. January can also bring practical changes like new insurance plans, new deductibles, or renew...

01/19/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the inherent worth of every person. In a time marked by division, uncertainty, and harm to many communities, his words and actions remind us that silence and neutrality in the face of injustice come at a cost. Mental health care cannot be separated from dignity, safety, and access to care, and healing happens best in spaces where people feel seen, protected, and respected for who they are. At Serenity Counseling and Wellness, we remain committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate, and inclusive care, and to showing up with integrity for our clients and our community.

As Dr. King reminded us, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Today, and every day, we strive to lead with empathy, courage, and responsibility to one another.

01/17/2026

The good news keeps coming ✨

Skyler Kociuba (she/her) is joining Serenity Counseling and Wellness!

Skyler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who offers warm, collaborative therapy for kids, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. Her style is supportive, creative, and never one-size-fits-all.

She will primarily be seeing clients in our Skokie office, with limited availability in Inverness, plus telehealth options.

Now accepting new clients!

Visit www.serenitycounselinglkn.com or call 847-364-0163 for an appointment.

01/17/2026

We’re expanding ✨

Serenity Counseling and Wellness is excited to announce the opening of our new North Shore location in Skokie, now accepting new clients.

Our new office is located at 4711 Golf Road, Suite 807, Skokie, IL, expanding access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care for children, teens, adults, and families across the North Shore and surrounding communities.

We offer individual therapy, family therapy, art therapy, psychiatry services, and comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological testing, with both in-person and telehealth options available. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including commercial and Medicaid.

We’re so grateful to our clients, referral partners, and community members who have supported Serenity’s growth. We’re excited to continue serving the North Shore with the same thoughtful, personalized care you know and trust.

Now accepting new clients.
Visit serenitycounselinglkn.com or email referrals@serenitycounselinglkn.com to get started.

12/23/2025

The holiday season can mean many different things. For some, it’s a time of celebration, connection, and tradition. For others, it can bring up complicated emotions, family stress, grief, or reminders of past experiences.

At Serenity Counseling and Wellness, we want to honor the many ways this season can be experienced. If you’re celebrating, we hope you’re able to find moments of joy, rest, and connection. If the holidays feel heavy or complicated, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to move through this time in a way that feels supportive and manageable.

A quick office note: our office staff will be out December 24th, 25th, and 26th, returning Monday, December 29th. Messages received during this time will be returned once we’re back in the office.

Wishing you gentleness, care, and moments of warmth in whatever way this season shows up for you.

11/28/2025

At Serenity Counseling and Wellness, we understand that the holidays can bring many different feelings. Thanksgiving can be a time of connection and gratitude, but it can also bring up complicated family dynamics, memories, or mixed emotions. However this season meets you, your experiences are valid and you deserve care and gentleness.

I am truly grateful for the team at Serenity. Every person here brings compassion, dedication, and heart to the work we do. It is a privilege to support our community together and to walk alongside the individuals and families who trust us with their care.

From all of us at Serenity, and from me as the owner, I wish you a calm and meaningful Thanksgiving. May you find moments of rest, comfort, and connection in the ways that feel right for you.

~ Kristen Christensen, LCSW

10/25/2025

🎉 Please join us in wishing a very happy birthday to our newest team member, Andrew Moses. Since joining Serenity Counseling and Wellness, Andrew has brought plenty of laughter to the office and never misses a chance for a good dad joke. His love of sports and refreshing professionalism have made him such a great addition to our team.

We are so glad to have you with us, Andrew, and wish you an amazing year ahead.

10/20/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday to Dr. Cooley! 🎂

They are truly the funniest and coolest part of our office, always up for a good laugh, a spontaneous game of “find the hidden flamingos,” and the first to share a sensory sticker or 3D printed fidget when someone needs a little regulation boost.

We are so lucky to have you, Dr. Cooley. You keep our office full of laughter, creativity, and good vibes every single day! 💖🦩✨

And since Dr. Cooley is a big sports fan, especially of the Detroit Lions, we hope they are enjoying watching their team on Monday Night Football tonight! 🏈

10/17/2025

🎨✨ Happy Birthday to our amazing Art Therapist, Hannah Heitkotter! ✨🎨

Today we’re celebrating the creativity, warmth, and compassion that Hannah brings to Serenity Counseling and Wellness. Her ability to help clients express themselves and heal through art is truly inspiring. We’re so grateful for the light, care, and color she brings to our team and to those she serves every day. 💙

Please join us in wishing Hannah a very happy birthday! 🥳💐