Evidence-based EMDR therapy designed for deep, lasting healing
How Therapy Works
How It Works
When you begin EMDR therapy at our practice, you’ll follow a structured, phase-based approach where your therapist guides you through targeted re-processing of past experiences.
Phase 1 – Preparation & Safety Skills:
Phase 2 – Target Identification:
Phase 3 – Re-Processing with Bilateral Stimulation:
Phase 4 – Integration & Future Templates:
Evidence-Based Healing for Trauma and Stress
Process Difficult Memories Without Reliving Them
Reduced Emotional Intensity and Increased Control
Faster Results Than Traditional Talk Therapy
Improved Daily Functioning
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones — to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories the way it was designed to.
EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma by the American Psychological Association (APA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
EMDR is also effective for anxiety, PTSD, depression, and grief — conditions we treat across our practice.
At Tampa Counseling & Wellness, our therapists provide EMDR therapy to help clients heal from trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
Traumatic memories often get “stuck” in your nervous system. Instead of being processed and filed away like normal memories, they remain raw — easily triggered by sights, sounds, or situations that resemble the original event.
EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation (guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to activate both hemispheres of the brain while you briefly focus on the distressing memory. This stimulation helps your brain’s natural healing process “unstick” the memory, integrating it properly so it loses its emotional charge.
The result: you still remember what happened, but the memory no longer hijacks your emotions, your body, or your day.
TESTIMONIALS
Definitely recommend!
Dr. Garcia is the most compassionate person I have ever met. He was always available for me and helped me work through a lot of depression and develop the person I wanted to be. Even today there are things that I remind myself of that he told me that there is no quick fix to undo years of life experience.
Stacy Roman
33F, Tampa
Professional, caring and a strongly skilled.
Dr. Garcia is professional, caring and a strongly skilled psychologist. I refer to him whenever possible to make sure that potential clients are receiving excellent care. I highly recommend him for any of your mental and emotional health needs!
Callie Nettles
28F, Tampa
Very welcoming people!
I was able to come into this office, and the people are very welcoming and so is the environment! As soon as you step into this office you will feel inviting, warm, and open. They are great people and provide such a valuable, and important resource for the entire Tampa community.
Allan Venegas
34M, Tampa
Definitely recommend!
Dr. Garcia is the most compassionate person I have ever met. He was always available for me and helped me work through a lot of depression and develop the person I wanted to be. Even today there are things that I remind myself of that he told me that there is no quick fix to undo years of life experience.
Stacy Roman
33F, Tampa
Professional, caring and a strongly skilled.
Dr. Garcia is professional, caring and a strongly skilled psychologist. I refer to him whenever possible to make sure that potential clients are receiving excellent care. I highly recommend him for any of your mental and emotional health needs!
Callie Nettles
28F, Tampa
Very welcoming people!
I was able to come into this office, and the people are very welcoming and so is the environment! As soon as you step into this office you will feel inviting, warm, and open. They are great people and provide such a valuable, and important resource for the entire Tampa community.
Allan Venegas
34M, Tampa
Contact Information
Office Location
2814 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Suite 201 & 100, Tampa, FL 33607
Telephone
Front Desk Hours
Monday - Thursday 9AM - 4PM
Session Hours
9AM - 7PM
Visit Our Office
Feel free to stop by our location during operating hours if you’d like in-person assistance.
South Tampa, FL
Westchase, FL
Carrollwood, FL
Brandon, FL
Riverview, FL
Wesley Chapel, FL
Lutz, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Clearwater, FL
Plant City, FL
Meet Our Team
01
Dr. Saarah Nicolas, Ph.D.
02
Dr. Ashton Peltz, Psy.D.
03
Dr. Sherese Stewart, Psy.D.
04
Camila Lasso, MA
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