Tia Wilcek, LICSW & Mandy Wannarka, LICSW (Firelight Center for EMDR Training & Integration)
Tia Wilcek, LICSW, is an experienced EMDR practitioner and consultant, now stepping into the role of EMDR trainer. With years of experience providing EMDR consultation, Tia has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of this therapeutic approach and a commitment to supporting fellow clinicians in their professional development.
As a newly certified EMDR trainer, Tia is passionate about sharing expertise and insights with other therapists. Known for a collaborative and supportive teaching style, Tia ensures that each training session is both informative and practical, emphasizing real-world application and personalized guidance.
Tia’s training programs are designed to elevate the standard of EMDR therapy through comprehensive and engaging workshops. From basic EMDR trainings to specialized sessions, Tia is dedicated to fostering a community of skilled, compassionate EMDR therapists who are well-equipped to address a range of psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Mandy Wannarka, LICSW, PMH-C, is an experienced psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health and reproductive health, including birth trauma, complex health conditions, NICU stays, and perinatal loss. With years of experience supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments, Mandy is dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-conscious care. Mandy brings a grounded, human approach to her work, helping clients find strength during their most vulnerable moments. She believes that by honoring difficult experiences and engaging in trauma healing, we can create a foundation to move forward in our lives with new meanings, connections, and opportunities.
Mandy believes that maintaining the fidelity of EMDR is essential to its success, especially for clinicians new to the modality. She is passionate about helping therapists first master the core principles and structured protocol, as it’s this foundation that makes EMDR such a powerful tool for healing trauma. Once the basics are understood, Mandy encourages clinicians to explore how versatile EMDR can be, integrating it with other approaches like mindfulness or parts work. By honoring the integrity of the method while recognizing its flexibility, Mandy helps clinicians use EMDR with both confidence and creativity, ensuring transformative results for their clients.
At Mindful Wellbeing, Mandy integrates yoga, mindfulness, mantra, and parts work into her practice, offering a holistic approach to mental health. This integration allows her to provide therapy that addresses both the mind and body, empowering clients to connect with themselves on a deeper level and fostering lasting emotional resilience.