Cortney Sera, MA, LLMSW | Psychotherapy

About me

My path to clinical work as a psychotherapist has been shaped by more than a decade of experience in clinical psychology and interventional psychiatry research, including clinical research coordination as well as conducting diagnostic clinical interviews and psychological assessments with research patients. I found the most meaningful part of that work in direct interaction with participants. That experience led me to pursue clinical training and direct practice in psychotherapy, which I see as a space where both careful understanding and meaningful change can take place.

My background includes graduate study in clinical psychology as well as clinical training in social work, which together have provided me with a foundation in research-informed, evidence-based practice and applied clinical care. I completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University with a specialization in personality and psychopathology, and a Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. Beginning in September 2026, I will also start doctoral study (PsyD, in progress) at the Michigan School of Psychology.

During my clinical training, I have provided individual and group therapy in university counseling and private practice settings, working with young adults and adults navigating concerns related to mood, anxiety, identity, life transitions, and emotional adjustment. My training has included a strong psychodynamic foundation while also emphasizing integrative, evidence-based care.

Education

Doctoral Student (PsyD, in progress)
Michigan School of Psychology

Master of Social Work, Clinical Social Work
University of Michigan

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Columbia University

Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Psychology
University of Michigan

License

Limited Licensed Master of Social Work - Clinical (LLMSW)

Training

Wayne State University Counseling and Psychological Services
(internship)

University counseling and outpatient psychotherapy setting
Individual and group psychotherapy (adults 18+)

Biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment
Diagnostic interviewing


Services

Psychotherapy can provide a judgment-free space to explore emotional experience, behavior, and patterns of thinking. My approach is grounded in collaborative, insight-oriented, person-centered psychotherapy, with attention to both practical coping skills and deeper understanding.

Individual therapy (18+)

I provide psychotherapy for adults navigating a range of concerns, including mood and anxiety, emotion regulation, neurodivergence, stress and burnout, relationships, identity, life transitions, and grief and loss. Treatment is tailored to the individual, with attention to each person’s goals, history, and context.

Treatment approaches

My work is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, foundational Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, psychodynamic perspectives, trauma-informed care, and systems-informed family therapy training.


Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Reaching out is the first step.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to inquire about scheduling and availability.

Email
hello@cortneysera.com

Phone
(248) 905-1020