Hola, I am Denise Serrato
Psychotherapist, LCSW, PLLC
Colibri Wellness is owned and founded by Denise Serrato, LCSW, a first gen P’urhepecha, Zacatecana, Huasteca and Xicana Psychotherapist who was born and raised in East Los Angeles and the SGV area in California.
Her work treats depression, anxiety, substance misuse, trauma, BIPOC mental health, LGBTQ affirming, family, poly/couples and marital challenges. Denise began her professional journey in the mental health field in 2012. She is successful in her healing modalities by utilizing a clinical/decolonial lens to deconstruct and examine old narratives, behaviors, and energetic vibes that no longer serve one’s mental wellness.
Denise Serrato received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science with a minor in Ethnic and Women’s Studies, with an emphasis on Chicano Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2008, she moved to New York City to attend graduate school at Fordham University where she received a Master’s degree (M.S.W) concentrating in clinical social work. In addition, she also attended post-graduate training at The Ackerman Institute for the Family, certifying in Children and Family Work.
Denise is presently a practicing clinician in New York City and works virtually with clients residing in Florida, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Idaho as well as New York State.
“I am a unique blend of Michoacan y Mexicali with some spice of Zacatecas combined with sweet seasoning of San Luis Potosi”.
Huitzilopochitli, inquisitive hummingbird..who is never inert, a proud woman of color, scholar, healer, justice seeker y madre.
Colibrí
The hummingbird (colibri in Spanish) is known to be a messenger.
The Mayans believed it was created from a jade arrow and its purpose was to carry the thoughts and desires of people from one place to another.
Huitzilopochtli (Aztec Hummingbird deity) is the energy that rules the Southern direction in the waking state world; it is this energy that removes all thorny obstacles from the path and bestows the strength to persevere and bring all projects to fruition.
What is coming out from the hummingbird’s beak is an ancient Mesoamerican representation of the “speech” or “palabra” symbol.
We are inspired and use these elements to represent who we are and what we do, proud and respectful of the land we came from.
Certifications and Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Member 2016-Present
Advanced training on the Motivational Interviewing Theoretical Model and its Application in Substance Abuse Treatment/Columbia University NYS Psychiatric Institute
Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
NASW Understanding Aging: The Social Workers Role
Understanding Child Welfare and the Dependency Court
Understanding Substance Abuse Disorders, Treatment, and Family Recovery
School Violence Prevention and Intervention Training
Discrimination In Schools: Prevention and Intervention (DASA Training)
Immigration Evaluation Institution Hardship Waiver & Asylum Course Graduate
