LCSW, 7 years of experience
New to Grow
I am Douglas Carmody, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Now and Zen Wellness in Carrollwood, Florida. I am passionate about helping teenagers and adults heal, grow, and live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. With years of experience in both individual and group therapy, I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. Together, we will work to build insight, resilience, and practical skills to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Your first session with me is an opportunity for us to get to know each other in a safe and supportive environment. I will ask about your history, current concerns, and what you would like to gain from therapy. We will discuss your goals and explore different approaches I use, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to determine what feels like the best fit for you. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, understood, and hopeful as we begin building a plan for your healing and growth.
What sets my therapeutic approach apart is the way I blend evidence-based methods with genuine compassion and collaboration. I draw on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. I focus on helping clients build insight, resilience, and real-world skills — not just coping strategies, but meaningful change that lasts. Clients often share that they feel deeply understood, supported, and empowered to navigate life with greater confidence and clarity.
I am best positioned to serve teenagers and adults who are seeking meaningful change and are ready to engage in the therapeutic process with openness and curiosity. I work well with clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and significant life transitions, as well as those who feel “stuck” and want to build healthier patterns. Whether your goal is to heal from past experiences, manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, or discover a more profound sense of purpose, I provide a safe and supportive space to explore your challenges and build the tools you need to move forward.
I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my work to help clients build psychological flexibility — the ability to stay present, accept what’s outside their control, and take meaningful action aligned with their values. ACT isn’t about eliminating complex thoughts or feelings; it’s about changing our relationship with them so they no longer hold us back. I’ve used ACT extensively in both individual and group therapy settings, guiding clients through practices like mindfulness, values clarification, and cognitive defusion to help them live fuller, more intentional lives. Over the years, I’ve seen ACT empower people to move through anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions with greater resilience and purpose.
I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process painful or overwhelming memories in a safe and structured manner. EMDR allows the brain to reprocess traumatic or distressing experiences so they feel less intense and less disruptive in daily life. My training with EMDR Consulting has given me a strong foundation in this approach, and I’ve had the privilege of using it with clients facing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other challenges. Over time, I’ve seen EMDR help people experience real relief and move forward with a greater sense of calm and confidence.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — and how shifting unhelpful thinking patterns can lead to lasting change in their lives. In my work with individuals and groups, I’ve used CBT to support people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and everyday life challenges. Through practical tools, skill-building, and collaborative problem-solving, I guide clients in developing healthier ways of thinking and responding, empowering them to reach their goals and improve their overall well-being.
I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore their own reasons for change in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner. Rather than telling you what to do, MI is about working together to uncover your goals, strengthen your motivation, and build confidence in your ability to move forward. I’ve used this approach extensively with individuals and groups to support changes related to mental health, relationships, habits, and recovery. Over time, I’ve seen MI empower people to make meaningful, lasting changes that align with their values and vision for their lives.