Marci Wise, M.A., LMHC #MH 18003
Individual and Couples Counseling
EMDR Therapist
marciwise@hotmail.com
941-202-3350
www.marciwise.com

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and motivational author who helps both individuals and couples regain a cherished sense of inner peace. Whether you’re battling anxiety, depression or unfulfilling relationships, I can offer you the tools to take back control of your life. Everyone gets tired. Everyone can feel overwhelmed by life at times. I will help you rediscover your true self, find practical solutions, and most importantly, rediscover hope.

I earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University and have a direct, active and non-judgmental style. I use a strength-based approach which incorporates Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients break free from hindrances and meet the goals they have set for themselves.

For couples, I find a combination of Gottman, Imago and Emotionally Focused therapy, to be highly effective for improving communication and uncovering deeper unconscious issues that may be affecting the relationship.

As a counselor who embraces a spiritual perspective to life, I approach all client issues adhering to the tenants of kindness, caring and compassion. The one thing that makes counseling from a Christian perspective different is the knowledge that you don’t have to carry the burdens alone. Clients can call upon their faith to help aid them in their darkest times. A spiritual awareness offers us renewed resilience in the face of life’s challenges – and this connection can be used as a valuable source of strength and guidance.

I’m also fully trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) an innovative treatment designed to decrease your emotional reaction to disturbing past events, while simultaneously lessening your attachment to associated negative self-beliefs such as “I’m not good enough,” I’m not safe,” and “I’m powerless.”  In other words, it helps you reprocess thoughts and memories that are limiting you – and change them to a more preferred way of thinking and feeling. EMDR uses rapid sets of eye movements (much like what we experience during REM sleep) to help you remove mental blocks and process the things that are troubling you. The benefits of this evidence-backed approach are that you don’t have to verbally recount all the details of past trauma – and healing results can often be felt in a shorter time than with traditional talk therapy.

What I’ve discovered is that, as human beings, we have been designed to heal. Wherever pain presents itself is an opportunity for growth, if you can see beyond the immediate chaos. In fact, I wrote the book “Pain, Passion & Purpose” about the transformational power of adversity. It is my honor and privilege to accompany others through their darkest moments and help them find the gifts contained within.

“The heart that breaks open can contain a whole Universe.” – Joanna Macy.

Helping you find solutions and rediscover your true self is my passion. I will match your readiness for making desired changes and provide positivity, empathy and encouragement. There is hope. Call today.

Education:
AA Psychology – State College of Florida
BA Mass Communications – University of South Florida
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Florida Gulf Coast University

Licensure/Certifications:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor #MH18003

Areas of Expertise:
Personal Empowerment, Spirituality, Couples Counseling, Anxiety Reduction, Trauma

Professional Affiliations:
American Counseling Association
Florida Mental Health Counselors Association
Gulf Coast Mental Health Counselors, Inc.
Golden Key International Honour Society
FGCU Counseling Department Advisory Board Member
EMDRIA – EMDR International Association
American Association of Christian Counselors