New Beginnings, Lasting Impact: Serene Life Counseling Opens Its Doors
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho- Serene Life Counseling is proud to announce its grand opening, offering compassionate, trauma-informed mental health and co-occurring services to individuals and families across North Idaho. Founded by Lori Aldrich and Mary Christenson, two dedicated professionals with over 30 years of combined experience in the field, Serene Life Counseling is more than a clinic, it’s a labor of love, healing, and hope.
In 2011, was the beginning of a journey in the behavioral health field and the start of Lori and Mary’s enduring friendship and professional collaboration, which has grown and evolved for over a decade.
Together, Lori and Mary have built Serene Life Counseling to be a sanctuary of support, growth, and healing. Their shared mission: to walk alongside individuals as they rediscover their strength, resilience, and purpose, fostering transformation through the spirit of Serene Life.
Mission Statement
Serene Life Counseling, LLC provides compassionate, client-centered mental health and Co-Occurring treatment. We empower individuals and families to heal, grow, and thrive by offering evidence-based counseling for mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Vision Statement
To be a trusted leader in mental health, transforming lives through accessible, holistic, and innovative care. We envision a healthier community where every individual has the tools and support, they need to overcome adversity and live a life of purpose and balance.
Core Values
Compassion
We meet each person with empathy, dignity, and without judgment.
Integrity
We are committed to ethical, transparent, and professional care.
Recovery-Focused
We believe recovery is possible for everyone and support individuals through every stage of their journey.
Inclusivity
We create a welcoming and affirming space for people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Collaboration
We work closely with clients, families, and community partners to provide comprehensive care.
Excellence
We are committed to ongoing education and professional development to ensure our clients receive evidence-based, compassionate, and high-quality care tailored to their individual needs.
Empowerment
We help individuals gain the skills, insight, and confidence to reclaim their lives and achieve lasting change.
What Guides Us Forward
We approach our work with core values that shape every interaction
Compassion First
Every story matters. Every person is heard with care.
Safe, Open Spaces
Judgment-free support, no matter the path you're on.
Personal Empowerment
We foster confidence and self-awareness for meaningful growth.
Meet the Team
Mary, Co-founder and Clinical Director
Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with decades of experience supporting clients through mental health and addiction challenges. Her career has taken her through a range of clinical environments, from community clinics to private practice, all grounded in her commitment to ethical, trauma-informed care. Licensed in both Idaho and Washington, Mary brings empathy, humor, and unwavering dedication to her clients and colleagues alike.
Primary modalities used: CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Client Centered, Skill Building, Self-Esteem, Trauma Therapy
Lori Aldrich, Co-founder and Operations Director
Lori brings a deeply personal story of resilience and purpose. After the tragic loss of her eldest son in 2008, Lori was inspired to earn her GED and later a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on drug and alcohol studies. With over 30 years as a Real Estate Agent and a strong background in Business, she brings leadership, compassion, and deeply informed understanding to Serene Life Counseling.
Sarah Forsgren LPC
Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for walking alongside clients through some of life’s most challenging moments. Her practice is grounded in compassion and genuine presence. She brings warmth, humor, and honesty to her work, meeting clients wherever they are on their healing journey.
Licensed in Idaho, Sarah specializes in EMDR therapy. Her areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
Primary modalities used: EMDR, Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, LGBTQIA+
K. Fritz, LMSW
Fritz is a trauma-informed therapist who specializes in trauma, medical trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, and life transitions. She provides a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Her approach is person-centered and holistic, recognizing the connection between mind, body, and life experiences.
When Fritz isn’t working, she’s spending time with her dogs, reading, or being outdoors hiking, practicing archery, and occasionally golfing.
Primary Modalities used:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care to help clients develop practical coping skills while fostering healing and personal growth.
Brianna Williams, Counseling Intern
Brianna is completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Eastern Oregon University, blending fresh clinical training with over a decade of experience in the helping professions. At the heart of Brianna’s practice is a holistic, person-centered approach. She believes you are the expert on your own life, and that being truly heard is where healing begins. Brianna is committed to creating a safe, collaborative space to support your journey toward resilience and growth.
Primary modalities used:
Brianna is inspired by person-centered therapy, trauma-informed care, DBT, and mindfulness. She looks forward to completing her EMDR Basic Training this summer.
Omar Godinez, MSW Intern
Omar is an EWU student beginning his advanced generalist stage in the MSW program. He has worked for several positions in the field of mental and behavioral health, from ABA therapy to Adolescent Residential Treatment, and carries over the experience into his work with current clients. With a strengths-based and mindfulness approach, Omar uses principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy & Trauma-Informed Care to assess the needs of children and adolescents, where their self-determination is emphasized in a collaborative and culturally competent environment.
Primary modalities used:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Mindfulness, and Trauma-Informed Care.