Gwen Forbes-Wolfe, LMHC is a friend and colleague. She was one of the first clinicians to be trained in EMDR in the state of Florida. She was first trained in 1990 by Francine Shapiro herself. The first research was published in 1989 so Gwen was one of the EMDR pioneers. She was also a trainer in the early days here in Florida. Recently, she retired from her very successful private practice. She is the most dedicated EMDR therapists I have ever met. She trusts in the process and she taught me to do the same. When she found out I was starting to train therapists she was over joyed and said, “It’s about time.” When asked if she would come out of retirement to help she decided to remain retired. I am happy that she stops by to chat every once in a while and I know she is always there if I need her advice. She is an honorary part of our team.

Dr. Pamela Rinato has a unique supervisory style and is a joy to work with. With a gentle, professional approach that is warm yet firm, she gets the most out of her staff.  Dr. Rinato has more than twenty-five years of experience in the mental health field with a background specializing in the treatment of veterans. Most recently, she served as head of the Addiction Disorders Treatment Program at the Southern Nevada Veterans Administration Hospital. Prior to joining the Veterans Administration, she spent more than twelve years in private practice in Florida. It was there that she founded a successful intensive outpatient treatment program. Dr. Rinato holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Barry University, a master’s in Social Work from Florida International University, and a Doctor of Psychology degree from California University. She holds certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is a faculty member of the American College of Addictionology and is an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant.

Ryan is a certified EMDR therapist, an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Consultant and under Dr. Dobo’s tutelage is working toward becoming an EMDR trainer. Ryan founded Sunrise EMDR, a private practice in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, specializing in individual and group retreats, EMDR immersives, and movement therapies, all set against the stunning backdrop of the First Coast of Florida Beaches. With over 12 years of experience, Ryan has worked with diverse populations, including individuals struggling with addictions and trauma, first responders, and professional athletes. Recently, he has focused on helping therapists use EMDR to heal their own wounds. A passionate life learner, Ryan is deeply curious about both ancient and contemporary self-healing methods.

http://www.ryanterryemdr.com/ 

Melinda Johnson, LCSW, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant-in-Training (EMDRIA), helps her clients overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, codependence, and spiritual trauma with EMDR. Melinda is a military veteran and former law enforcement officer who went into clinical social work with a strong desire to help people heal from traumatic events that can spawn unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. When she trained under Dr. Dobo and learned his Transformational EMDR™ approach, she knew she wanted to become a proficient practitioner of Transformational EMDR™ as a Certified EMDR therapist under him, and then help other therapists learn to help their clients in such a truly transformational way.

Much of Melinda’s work is at the intersection of Transformational EMDR™ and Christian faith. While many of her clients are Orthodox Christian, she enjoys working with clients of any faith and respects each client’s belief system. In addition to her work as an EMDR therapist and consultant-in-training, she is an invited speaker to parishes and diocesan engagements focusing on mental and spiritual health. She was an officer on the board of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology, and Religion from 2015-2021 and was a founding member of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops’ Mental Health Task Force in 2019-2021. While many of her clients are Orthodox Christian, she enjoys working with clients of any faith and respects each client’s belief system.

Melinda received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her MSW from Florida State University. She is delighted to work with therapists to help them become Certified EMDR therapists to spread the healing of Dr. Dobo’s Transformational EMDR™.

Elena is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor (LMHC-S) who is passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to healing and personal growth. As an EMDR Consultant, she specializes in evidence-based treatments for a wide range of mental health issues.

Elena earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. With thirteen years of experience, she has worked with adults, young adults, teenagers, and families in settings such as juvenile detention centers, inpatient mental health hospitals, outpatient offices, college campuses, and private practices.

Her experience includes providing counseling for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship issues. Elena believes therapy can be a transformative journey that meets individuals where they are and helps guide them to where they want to be. She focuses on healing the whole person and collaborates with clients to ensure their needs are met, empowering them to achieve their goals with confidence.

https://elenaengle.com

https://vg-counseling.com

Carolyn began her career as a social worker in the Child Welfare System in North Carolina. Through this experience, it became clear that her efforts were merely putting a band-aid on a much deeper issue. This realization inspired her to return to school, where she earned a Master’s degree in Counseling with a focus on helping trauma survivors heal.

Since obtaining her master’s degree, Carolyn has worked in a variety of roles, including in-home counseling, outpatient substance abuse treatment, sexual assault victim advocacy, community mental health, and in a university system. She has also run her own private practice. Her passion for training and clinical development has led her to hold positions as a clinical manager in a Trauma Services program, a Qualified Supervisor, a clinical trainer, and now as an EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT).

With over 12 years of professional experience as a licensed therapist, Carolyn is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Her certifications include EMDR Certification through EMDRIA, Board Certified Therapist, Certified Trauma-Informed Professional, Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Nidra Instructor, and licensed counselor.

Carolyn reports that working with survivors in various capacities has deepened her understanding of the profound impact mental health has on individuals and the resilience that lies within each person.

https://www.emdrtherapy.pro