Meet Our Team

Jackie Flynn is the founder and director of Counseling in Brevard, is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Registered Play Therapist, Trauma Therapist, Couples Counselor, Education Consultant, and Parent Coach. She is the creator of the 8 Phases of EMDR with Children and Adolescents: Integrating Play Therapy course and the following imagery books: Jackie Feels and Animal Imagery: EMDR Inner Resource Development. Her passion for helping children and families in a variety of settings inspired her to open a private practice group in Cocoa Village Florida where she provides caring, thoughtful counseling and therapy to individuals of all ages, families, couples, and groups. As a proud veteran of the US Army, Give an Hour Provider, Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, she is passionate about helping people heal from traumatic experiences and move towards a happier, healthier life. She has special interests in Anxiety, Depression, Adoption, Grief, Relationship Struggles, Learning Disabilities, and Attention Deficit Disorder. Jackie earned an Education Specialist degree in School Counseling from the University of Central Florida and Graduate Certificates in Play Therapy and Nonprofit Management. Prior to her current work at Counseling in Brevard, she was honored to be the School Counselor at Sculptor Charter School in Titusville, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Parent Representative. Jackie is also the creator and host of Play Therapy Community and Parenting in the Rain Podcasts, downloaded over 160,000 times in over 50 countries.

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.

Melanie Mahady is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, EMDRIA-approved Consultant, and Qualified Supervisor for the State of Florida.  She has been in practice for over 15 years. She owns Counseling and Brain Wellness Services which offers individual, family, and couples counseling, EMDR Weekend Intensives, as well as the Brain Wellness Program which focuses on amino acid therapy for brain chemical imbalances. Her specialties include Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Group Trauma, Recent Trauma, Attachment Trauma, and other related issues. She has dedicated her professional career to helping people heal as well as guiding professionals in the field towards their career goals through consultations, education, and supervision. EMDR Educators of Florida is happy to have someone with Melainie depth and breadth of experience to our training team.

Melanie Mahady, LMHC, EMDRIA-Approved Consultant/Certified EMDR Therapist, Qualified Supervisor, Neurogistics Practitioner

Counseling and Brain Wellness Services, LLC
counselingandbrainwellness.com

info@counselingandbrainwellness.com
Located at The Greenhouse
5301 North Federal Hwy, Suite 399
Boca Raton, FL 33487