Tara Motzenbecker
Tara Motzenbecker, Owner, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed School Psychologist
Tara Motzenbecker, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed School Psychologist. After earning a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, Tara began her career in the Pinellas County Schools as a School Psychologist. In the schools, she focused on gifted testing, academic evaluations, 504 evaluations and assisting in interventions for students. Tara began offering private gifted evaluations in 2008. She has developed a passion for ensuring that each child is seen and heard during the testing and their individual needs are met to optimize results.
In 2017, Tara decided she wanted to offer more and began her entry into therapy for children, teens and adults after earning a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. She attended advanced trainings in EMDR, treating OCD, trauma, behavior and anxiety.
Tara is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed School Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant in Training and a Qualified Supervisor. She is also certified as a PCIT Therapist, Within Agency Trainer and PCIT for Selective Mutism Therapist.
Tara truly enjoys connecting with her clients and seeing their lives improve day by day.
Jessica Custer
Jessica Custer, MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, NCC
Jessica Custer, M.A., NCC, RMHCI, is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University and is currently completing her licensure hours under the supervision of Tara Motzenbecker, LMHC, RPT-S.
Jessica brings a strong background in education, having worked extensively with elementary-aged children and students with special needs. Her experience in classroom teaching and supporting children with physical, academic, and developmental challenges laid the foundation for her inclusive, client-centered approach to mental health care.
She is trained in evidence-based modalities including Play Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Habit Reversal Training, and interventions for Perinatal Mood Disorders. Jessica is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), with specialized training in PCIT for Selective Mutism, and serves as a certified Body Project facilitator through the National Eating Disorders Association.
Jessica works primarily with children, teens, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral concerns, grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. She also supports women facing perinatal mental health challenges, parenting stress, and relationship or family difficulties. Her therapeutic style emphasizes empathy, relationship-building, and holistic care, with a goal of becoming a Registered Play Therapist.