Angela "Niki" Serravalle

My journey in this field began twenty two years ago. From the start I have worked with a wide range of clients in nearly every level of care. My early training took place at Sheppard Pratt on the inpatient trauma disorders unit where I was first introduced to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I was struck by the emphasis on skill development and the belief that individuals can move toward a life worth living when they are supported in acquiring and practicing effective strategies. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland in 2005 and completed certification in the State of Maryland as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Addictions. In that role I worked with adults mandated to treatment through the court system and learned the importance of the therapeutic relationship, motivational interviewing and cultivating community supports for sustained recovery. My clinical work continued to deepen as I completed a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University and became licensed in Delaware as a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health. I also became a Nationally Certified Counselor. During this period I shifted my focus to adolescents and families. As a Brief Treatment Therapist, I supervised a team that provided group, individual and family therapy in schools, homes and community settings. I pursued training in Multi Systemic Therapy to navigate the multiple systems that influence family functioning. I also became certified to complete Functional Behavioral Analyses as many of the clients I served were on the autism spectrum. My professional development expanded through advanced training in Motivational Interviewing, DBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These mindfulness based models strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, self awareness and relationship skills. They continue to inform my clinical work across populations. My focus gradually centered on trauma and human sexuality. I became a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and earned certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals. My treatment approach integrates art, music, mindfulness and narrative practices to support recovery from both acute and chronic trauma. My development as a trauma clinician led me to seek more specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I completed EMDR basic training and later advanced work in complex trauma, dissociation and attachment focused EMDR. I became an EMDR Certified Therapist and subsequently an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. In my clinical work I use EMDR in combination with other evidence based approaches to support adaptive information processing and to reduce the impact of trauma on functioning. As a consultant, I provide guidance to clinicians in their development and fidelity to the EMDR model while supporting them in navigating complex clinical presentations. I continued my professional growth by pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Capella University. My practicum and internship centered on psychological assessment including academic, achievement, personality and neuropsychological evaluation. This work informs differential diagnosis and treatment planning. I specialize in the assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Throughout my career I have participated in programs, task forces and leadership roles that strengthened my administrative and supervisory skills. I represented my program within the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students and contributed to the Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Through the Delaware Psychological Association I served for several years on the State Advocacy Committee and the Practice Committee.