Dr. Carlos Garcia

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the owner of Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I provide counseling and coaching to individuals looking to positively transform their lives. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress, as well as issues around faith and spirituality. I also work with individuals who struggle with motivation, self esteem, and self-confidence. I specialize in working with veterans, police officers, firefighter and other first responders. I also work with executives and business owners looking to take their performance and leadership to the next level. I help my clients get unchained from the past, overcome mental blocks, and find the confidence they need to live more fulfilling, happy, and empowered lives.

I received my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed my residency at Rutgers University. I also served in the armed forces as a United States Marine and as a firefighter and paramedic prior to receiving my doctorate degree and becoming a psychologist. I am not about a “quick fix,” but instead focus on helping you uncover the unconscious drives and fears that have been holding you back in your life. My goal is not just to alleviate your symptoms, but to guide you toward deep personal growth. I believe there is no greater joy than becoming the person you have always wanted to become.

I have spent over 25 years in the process of self-development and believe that the best coaches and therapists are those that have done their own “self-work.” My journey has helped me to grow in ways that have truly deepen my understanding of what it means to overcome challenges and thrive in life. I’m driven by a deep passion to help others find themselves and create lives of joy, impact, and profound change.

Dr. Ashton Peltz

By taking a compassionate and warm approach, I help my clients heal from the past and make meaningful change in the present. My priority is to create a safe environment where you feel free to be yourself. Within this safe space I work to build authentic, honest relationships with my clients. Through building a trusting relationship, my hope is that you feel comfortable to explore your emotions and unpack painful experiences in a judgment free zone. I am passionate about working with teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, and trauma.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and I received my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also specialize in psychological evaluations for adults.

Through working together, I help my clients understand their story, gain freedom from their past, and move toward a more fulfilling life. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and I am here to listen, help foster personal growth, and alleviate suffering.

Jordan Talbot, LMFT

Hello, my name is Jordan Talbot and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  I specialize in working with couples and individuals that are struggling in their relationships. I help them overcome issues such as communication, lack of connection, and infidelity.  In my work, I take a solution focused approach to help couples overcome the struggles they’re facing in order to begin building trust again. I believe in finding the root cause behind an issue in order to enact long lasting change.

In terms of my methods, I am experienced in several modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Strategic Therapy. I am also certified in EMDR and work with many individuals who have faced significant trauma in their lives. EMDR is a powerful technique used to help the brain process trauma, in order to bring about greater emotional and psychological health.

I’m very passionate about what I do because I genuinely enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to find solutions.  As much as we may enjoy working together, my ultimate goal is to make sure a client doesn’t need to see me forever– I want to see them heal and progress. I look forward to building a strong and trusting relationship with you. When I am not working, I enjoy playing basketball, golf,  and spending time at the beach. I have been married for 16 years and have two beautiful daughters.

Nicollette DiBenedetto, LMHC, NCC

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Florida and New York. I received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and completed Advanced Studies in School Counseling. I have worked in the counseling field for almost a decade and have experience working in both clinical and school-based settings. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, perfectionism and executive functioning and attention problems.

I’m passionate about making therapy a safe space for you to explore your challenges, uncover your strengths and find actionable strategies that work best for you. I take a collaborative, supportive and relatable approach to ensure therapy feels like a comfortable place for you to share your story and grow. I strive to empower you towards self-acceptance, help you manage your emotions effectively and build resilience. I understand that each individual’s journey is unique; therefore, each client’s therapeutic care is tailored to meet them where they are at.

Dr. Sherese Stewart

Growth can be painful, but not impossible. I am Sherese Stewart, and I am a Post-Doctoral Fellow. I am a graduate of Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University, where I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. My background is in child/adolescent psychology, and I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who experience depression, anxiety, and trauma. Taking care of your mental health can be difficult with so many life demands and challenges. My aim is to guide clients to healing by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral skills to tackle intrusive thoughts and unhealthy behaviors. I also specialize in psychological testing to assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and personality testing.

My therapeutic approach is to move at the pace of the client, while also facilitating an environment where growth can take place and you can become your best self. I truly enjoy building relationships with clients during the therapeutic process and collectively implementing ways to grow together. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be the most powerful tool in therapy, and here you will learn skills that will help you be the best that you can be.

Camila Lasso

I’m Camila Lasso, a counselor-in-training at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I am currently in the Master’s Degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy at Barry University. I studied Clinical Psychology at Universidad de Las Américas in Quito, Ecuador, and hold a Master’s Degree in Third Generation Psychological Therapies from the International University of Valencia, Spain. I have experience working with young, middle, and older adults. I also have had the opportunity to work in many settings, including hospitals, foundations, and private psychology centers.

When we go through difficult times, our emotions intensify and it is difficult to understand what is affecting us most. So, the path to finding solutions becomes darker and smaller. My biggest goal with each of my clients is to make them understand their situation by paying attention to their emotions and needs. Each human being is a different and world; therefore, they each need personalized attention and it is important to avoid generalizing psychological techniques, using a single type of therapy, or diagnosing without a complete evaluation.

Welcome to this safe space, free of judgment or criticism. Here you are the protagonist, and you will be listened to and accompanied on your healing journey based on what your needs are in these difficult moments. I will focus on first understanding you and only then finding the best way to work on your aspects, ways of coping, and perspectives that may not be working at this stage of your life.

Mitchell Carr

As a Master’s Level Counseling Intern at Tampa Counseling and Wellness, I’m deeply passionate about creating a nurturing space where you can explore the depths of your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I earned my Bachelor’s in Human Communication from the University of Central Florida, where I learned the importance of empathetic listening and effective communication skills that form the foundation of meaningful therapeutic relationships. My ongoing studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University have helped shape my therapeutic approach to encompass a holistic understanding of mental health concerns and interventions that promote healing and growth. With this background, I bring a comprehensive understanding of how our histories, lived experiences, tendencies, interactions, and relationships shape our mental well-being.

In our sessions, I focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or seeking personal development, I’m here to support you. My approach is centered on understanding your unique perspective and experiences, and together, we’ll work collaboratively to uncover insights, foster self-awareness, and empower you to make meaningful changes in your life. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Jillian Ciotoli

Hi! My name is Jillian Ciotoli and I am the Administrative Assistant at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I care deeply about the mental health and well-being of others. I am passionate about prioritizing self-care and the healing of one’s inner child. I got my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Psychology-Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and I will soon be pursuing a Master’s degree to eventually obtain licensure and become a therapist myself. I love working with kids and families, and even minored in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. I’m also a huge animal lover and very crafty and creative. I’m honored to serve the needs of our clients and the Tampa Bay community. We are here for all of your mental health and wellness needs.

Sofia Fonseca

I am an Administrative Assistant at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about helping others and invested in the field of psychology. I have earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in Psychology with a minor in Forensic Behavioral Health. I am currently applying the Doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology with the long-term goal of working as a Forensic Psychologist. I place great importance on mental health and physical wellbeing. I am also a Florida local who loves dogs and being on the water! I am committed to ensuring our clients feel understood, cared for, and appreciated. I am so grateful to work alongside this amazing team in order to support those in need. Please feel free to reach out to me, I am happy to support you in whatever you may need.