Mercedes Clarke-Wright, M.A., LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Tampa’s Couples Counselor
Gulf Grove Therapy • Tampa, FL (In-Person & Virtual throughout Florida)
Tampa Couples Counselor Specializing in the Gottman Method, Relationship Healing & Connection
Relationships take work, and sometimes they need a little help. Whether you’re stuck in the same arguments, feeling emotionally distant, or simply want to build a stronger foundation, Mercedes Clarke-Wright is here to help you and your partner move from frustration to connection.
Mercedes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Tampa since 2020. She is trained in the Gottman Method, a research-backed approach built on over 40 years of relationship science, and she brings something just as important to every session: a warm, authentic presence that makes therapy feel less scary from the very first hello.
If you’re ready to cut through the nonsense and start actually healing — Mercedes is your person.
About Mercedes
Starting therapy can feel like a lot. Many people come in feeling unsure of where to begin, worried they should already have answers, or wondering if it’s even going to help. Mercedes gets it — and she meets you exactly where you are.
Her approach is collaborative, holistic, and genuinely client-centered. There’s no pressure, no judgment, and no expectation that you have it all figured out before you walk in the door. Her work is grounded in empathy, flexibility, and a deep understanding that every person’s journey looks different and every couple’s story is their own.
Mercedes’ goal is simple: to create a space where you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to do the hard work, and seen for exactly who you are. Together, you’ll build insight, resilience, and changes that actually stick.
The Gottman Method: What It Is & Why It Works
Mercedes is trained in the Gottman Method, one of the most well-researched approaches to couples therapy in the world. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman after four decades of studying thousands of couples, this method identifies the exact patterns that predict relationship success — and the ones that lead to breakdown.
This isn’t just talking about your feelings. It’s structured, skill-based work that gives you real tools to use right away.
WITH THE GOTTMAN METHOD, COUPLES LEARN TO:
- Manage conflict without it becoming destructive
- Increase respect, affection, and emotional connection
- Communicate more clearly, especially during hard conversations
- Repair after arguments faster and more effectively
- Strengthen physical and emotional intimacy
- Build shared meaning and life goals together
THIS APPROACH IS ESPECIALLY HELPFUL FOR COUPLES WHO:
- Feel stuck in repeating arguments that never get resolved
- Want practical tools, not just insight
- Still care deeply about each other but feel disconnected
- Are committed to doing the work
- Prefer a structured, evidence-based process
What to Expect: The Three Phases of Gottman Couples Therapy
Phase 1: Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a joint session and individual sessions for each partner, giving us a full picture of your dynamic before any skill-building begins.
Phase 2: Feedback & Goal Setting
You’ll receive clear, honest feedback about your patterns, conflict styles, strengths, and growth areas. Together, you’ll build a focused plan using the Sound Relationship House framework.
Phase 3: Skill Building & Repair Work
Sessions are active. You’ll practice softened start-ups, repair attempts, conflict regulation, emotional attunement, and trust-building — with between-session exercises to reinforce the work.
CREDENTIALS & EDUCATION
DEGREE
- M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy
National Louis University
UNDERGRADUATE
- B.A., University of South Florida
LICENSE
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
State of Florida
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Culturally Responsive Practice
Background & Clinical Experience
Mercedes has been practicing in the Tampa area since 2020, bringing a breadth of clinical experience that few therapists can match. Her background spans:
- Outpatient therapy
- School-based mental health services
- Community and homeless outreach
- Telehealth
- Inpatient psychiatric care
- Services for abused and neglected children
These diverse settings have shaped a practice that is deeply trauma-informed, relationally focused, and culturally responsive. Mercedes understands that people come to therapy carrying full lives — and she holds that with care.
Who Mercedes Works With
POPULATIONS
- Couples (her specialty)
- Individuals
- Families
- Teens (ages 12+)
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Care
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Couples communication & conflict
- Relationship stress & disconnection
- Anxiety & depression
- Trauma & life transitions
- Family dynamics
- Identity exploration
- Adjustment challenges
- Premarital counseling
A Message from Mercedes
“Taking the first step toward therapy is one of the bravest things you can do. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out, that’s what we’re here for. I show up to every session as my full, authentic self, and I invite you to do the same. My job isn’t to tell you what to do, it’s to walk alongside you as you figure out what’s right for you. Let’s get to work.”
— Mercedes Clarke-Wright, LMFT
More Than Just My Work
When she’s not in session, Mercedes lives by one of her favorite mantras — borrowed from Tupac: “Keep ya head up.” It’s the same energy she brings to therapy: grounded, hopeful, and always forward-focused.
- Her favorite color is turquoise blue — fitting for someone who loves the water (even if swimming isn’t quite in her skill set yet).
- Traveling is her favorite way to reset and gain new perspective. New places, new people, new lens on life.
- In another life, she’d be a youth basketball coach — cheering people on, teaching confidence, and reminding them of what they’re capable of. Honestly, not that different from what she does now.
Session Details
COUPLES COUNSELING RATE $180 per session INSURANCE ACCEPTED Aetna Cigna Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield AVAILABILITY Limited availability Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | SESSION FORMAT In-person (Tampa, FL) Virtual (throughout Florida) WHO SHE SEES Couples (specialty) Individuals Families Teens (12+) GETTING STARTED Free consultation call available |
Why Tampa?
Mercedes is proud to serve the Tampa Bay community and is committed to making quality mental health care accessible for couples and families throughout the area.
