Counselors & Practitioners

Rev. Richard Boggs

Rev. Richard Boggs, B.Msc., MTheol., First Unity’s Interfaith Minister, comes to us by way to Atlanta, Georgia where he was ordained with Communion of Christ Consciousness and served as a Pastor at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (now Spirit & Truth Sanctuary).

He is a member of The American Association of Christian Counselors and is a Certified Professional Life Coach with certifications in addiction and divorce recovery. He is also a member of the Professional Worldwide Metaphysical Association and a Doctoral Candidate with the University of Sedona in Metaphysical Science.

“He authored ‘Understanding God’s Grace’, ‘Coming OUT’ and ‘THeArt of Marriage’. Outside of Ministerial life, Reverend Richard is an internationally-renowned award winning celebrity hairstylist, with thriving businesses in Atlanta and the Kenwood neighborhood of St. Petersburg, and 15-years of industry experience as a member of The Academy of Television of Arts and Science hairstylist for film and television.

“God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly” – Psalm 84:11

For information or questions call (727) 527-2222.

Douglas Bonar

Following a profound spiritual experience while serving with the Marine Corps in Vietnam, I returned to the states with a renewed focus and purpose. I turned in my top-secret crypto clearance as a protest against the war and set out as a peace activist. My spiritual journey was also enhanced via my long struggle with addictions. Days after arriving stateside I found and bought the book Cosmic Consciousness which helped me understand my Vietnam experience and define my spiritual quest. Over the years I’ve explored many spiritual paths and attended many religious establishments. I’ve chanted with the Krishna’s and accepted an Ascended Spiritual Master. I attended a Unitarian Universalist church, the Religious Society of Friends, Center for Conscious Living (a Science of Mind church) and now First Unity Spiritual Campus where I can continue to pursue New Thought theology.

My activism has also spread into my professional life. I graduated from the University of Florida with two graduate degrees in counseling. My graduate research was on the use of altered states of consciousness in therapy. I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 30 years and specialize in the field of family violence. Clients are court-ordered into my private practice to attend a 26-week group for domestic violence. I feel extremely blessed to be able to “initiate the uninitiated.” I use an established national curriculum and teach New Thought principles.

Additionally, I am a member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) and the facilitator of the Tampa Bay community group. IONS is recognized as the world’s best research into consciousness, spirituality, and expanded human capacities. What a magnificent time to be alive when Science and Spirit recognize the same truth – we are One and connected.

My life and work became my Ministry. I am proud to now call myself a practitioner of Science of Mind. I affirm the beauty of the present moment and the possibilities for the highest good of all. And so it is.

For information or questions call (727) 527-2222

Linda Carney

Licensed Unity Teacher, as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She has attended First Unity Church since the age of 12, and became a Licensed Unity Teacher at age 23. She has taught classes and done spiritual counseling at First Unity since 1975, and been a frequent guest speaker at Unity churches in the area.

Linda graduated with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 1990, and has been a therapist in the fields of mental health, addictions, and hospice services for 17 years. She works with individual and relationship issues of all kinds, and specializes in finding a spiritual approach to every problem, as well as resolving blocks from the past that interfere with the present. She is in private practice in St. Petersburg. Her website is LindaCarney.net and her profile may be found on psychologytoday.com, under “Find a Therapist.”

For information or questions call (727) 527-2222

Reverend P. A. “Serena” Hemmer, MSW, LCSW, SLC

Psychotherapist | Hypnotherapist | Certified Spiritual Life Coach
Heart-Centered, Holistic, Creative and Spiritual

Your life can evolve and change so that you may find freedom and peace! My mission is to assist you to explore and discover your own answers from within, and to remember, recover and honor your true, authentic self so you can live life with greater ease and abundant joy. Let me guide you to transform your-Self and your life.

Having studied and practiced many holistic approaches to health and well-being, as well as a variety of world religions and life philosophies, my approach to therapy is from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. ​

I bring my education, experience, and intuition to my practice and particularly my creativity to my work with children, adolescents, and adults. I have acquired a broad awareness of the variety of challenges many face and have witnessed the intrinsic ability we each have to overcome those challenges and to thrive. ​​

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Certifications in Rational Hypnotherapy and Spiritual Life Coaching. I was ordained as a metaphysical, inter-faith minister in 2006.

Several Insurances Accepted. Please contact your insurance provider for eligibility ​PRIOR to scheduling your first appointment. Out of Network, Self-Pay Rates and Packages are available.

For information or questions call (727) 527-2222

David E. Swindall

David is a M.Div. L.M.F.T.Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been counseling individuals, couples and families for thirty five years. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary and brings an understanding of the integration of the psychological and the spiritual aspects of our lives. David is a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and takes a solution-focused brief therapy approach to counseling.

David served two terms as President of the Pinellas Association of Marriage and Family therapist. David was the Clinical Director of a drug treatment program where he learned the effects of addictions in people’s lives and their families and how to address this. David is a Clinical Member and serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis and uses hypnosis for a variety of issues including smoking and weight control, pain management, panic attack, and depression. Since 1988 David has been certified as a Batterers Intervention Provider and deals with anger and abuse in families. Recently David has incorporated Energy Psychology into his practice.

David’s practice is based on his belief that we are all connected to one another and to the Divine Source.

For information or questions call (727) 527-2222