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.

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

Dr. Dunja Pacirski has a 25-year multidimensional clinical tenure with a background in trauma-informed care. She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and qualified supervisor, certified EMDR therapist working toward becoming an EMDRIA approved consultant under Dr. Dobo’s mentorship, and an internationally certified addiction professional.

Her expertise includes providing both group and individual therapy services to diverse populations, supervisory work with clinicians, and teaching graduate level courses with focus on conducting clinical assessments, various therapeutic models and psycho-social interventions in mental health counseling and treating addictions.

Dr. Pacirski completed her doctoral degree at Barry University, Miami with a research focus in cultivating therapeutic skills through mindfulness and reflective practice as well as, supported by her strong belief in continuous professional development and own long practice of mindfulness (meditation), she facilitated numerous community and professional workshops on holistic approaches to stress reduction and promoting emotional wellness.

Her own continuous inner searching and the clinical work as a healing practitioner led her to develop insights, skills, and practices that help bring her personal vision and professional mission to life: “Helping people find inner peace and expand in joy for Self, Life, and each other.”

Linda is a passionate and dedicated mental health professional with over 13 years of experience helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and sexual abuse. Her work is rooted in a holistic approach to healing, blending evidence-based techniques with innovative practices like Amen Clinic Brain Health Coaching, mindfulness, and hypnosis to support her clients’ growth and well-being.

As a native of Ukraine, Linda has been actively volunteering her expertise since the beginning of the war, providing EMDR therapy to Ukrainian citizens affected by trauma. Closer to home, she is deeply involved in supporting the Tampa Bay community, offering her expertise in group EMDR therapy for disaster relief when needed. Linda donates her services to help those impacted by crises and to foster community resilience.

Linda also specializes in group EMDR therapy for women facing pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, birth trauma, and the challenges of IVF. Her compassionate and transformative approach empowers her clients to navigate their healing journeys with strength and hope.

Whether working one-on-one or leading EMDR groups, Linda is committed to helping her clients reclaim their sense of worth, peace, and empowerment. Her dedication to mental health, holistic healing, and community service makes her a trusted guide and advocate for change.