Martha M. Tapia, PhD, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, has built a successful career in mental health, specializing in Christian counseling, marriage counseling, and family counseling. Since 2021, she has been the owner of Community Family Counseling, where she is dedicated to offering family counseling services and supporting individuals facing various mental and emotional challenges. As a certified clinical hypnotherapist, she assists clients dealing with post-traumatic stress, anger, and depression. Dr. Tapia’s approach is deeply rooted in her Christian faith, guiding her commitment to helping children, adults, couples, and families navigate their personal struggles.
Dr. Tapia’s journey began with the New York Police Department, where she served from 1999 to 2008. Graduating from the police academy was a significant milestone, fulfilling a lifelong dream and allowing her to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Before her law enforcement career, she gained valuable experience at Prudential Securities in New York, where she honed skills that later contributed to her professional prowess in counseling.
Laying a solid educational foundation, Dr. Tapia completed coursework at the police academy in New York City from 1999 to 2000. She went on to earn a master’s degree in philosophy and counseling from Ecotheos University in Puerto Rico in 2020, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy, counseling and theo-therapy systemic therapy from the same institution in 2021, graduating summa cum laude.
Dr. Tapia’s expertise in her field is further reinforced by multiple certifications. Since 2022, she has been a certified hypnotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist through the Institute of Hypnotherapy in Tampa, Florida. She has also been recognized as a therapeutic family counselor III by the International Reciprocity Board of Therapeutic Professional Counselors since 2021. Additionally, Dr. Tapia holds certifications in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, a credential she earned in 2019. She is an active member of the EMDR International Association, the International Reciprocity Board of Therapeutic Professional Counselors, and the International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Tapia is actively involved in civic organizations. She volunteers at Paradise Community Church, where she participates in women’s Bible study groups and outreach initiatives. She is also a sponsor of the annual “Dance Your Dream” event organized by Hope Services, contributing to fundraising efforts that support community programs. Her dedication to service has been recognized with multiple awards, including Cop of the Month and Best of Florida in Family Counseling Services for 2023 and 2024. Dr. Tapia attributes her success to perseverance, careful planning, and setting realistic goals. She approaches every endeavor with passion and dedication, refusing to let hardships overshadow her ability and resilience. Instead, she embraces happiness and finds fulfillment in her work and the positive impact she has on others.
Reflecting on her path, Dr. Tapia was inspired to become a counselor after witnessing her son Matthew’s struggles with anxiety following 9/11. His condition worsened over the years, particularly after relocating to Florida, despite various therapies. A turning point came when Dr. Henry Castellanos introduced Matthew to EMDR therapy, leading to a profound transformation. Motivated by its effectiveness, Dr. Tapia pursued a degree in Christian clinical counseling at Ecotheos University in 2019, earning EMDR certification from Dr. Lucina Artigas, the creator of the “butterfly hug” technique.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Tapia enjoys traveling, singing karaoke, and spending time with her family. She finds joy in walking and reads Christian books, psychological studies, and biographies. Looking to the future, she plans to expand Community Family Counseling by incorporating additional counselors with specialized expertise to better serve more individuals. Dr. Tapia is focused on pursuing further training and developing a strong network of professionals, fostering collaboration among staff to enhance the quality of the services she offers.