Our therapists provide family therapy in Tempe, AZ

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 15 years of experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy. I work with adults and couples navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, infidelity recovery, and relationship challenges. Many of my clients feel stuck in painful patterns, overwhelmed by past experiences, or disconnected from their confidence and direction. I focus on helping clients build emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and create healthier patterns in their lives and relationships. My approach is active, structured, and relational.

I earned my master's degree in professional counseling from Grand Canyon University. I use EMDR and evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients process experiences, regulate emotions, and move toward change. For couples, I utilize Gottman Method techniques to strengthen communication and rebuild trust.

My goal is to provide a calm, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow. Together, we will identify emotional roadblocks, develop practical tools, and build skills that support lasting progress. If you are ready to move beyond surviving and begin creating the life and relationships you want, I look forward to working with you.

Cristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than a decade of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families address unresolved trauma, life transitions, and life stressors to achieve optimal wellness in multiple areas of their lives. Cristina practices evidence-based practices, and is engaged in continuous exploration of research of effective therapy practices. Cristina completed her Master in Counseling at Northern Arizona University. Prior to becoming a counselor, Cristina completed her graduate studies in Anthropology and worked as an anthropologist.

Her personal, academic, and professional experience guide Cristina's practice, whereby she is suited to help clients with diverse backgrounds. Cristina utilizes integrated approaches to psychotherapy, combining CBT and psychodynamic approaches. She is trained in AEDP (accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy).

Cristina believes that everyone can improve, and even achieve optimal mental health at any age. However, there needs to be commitment to the therapy process for positive and lasting results.

Debra Konecni is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with clients who have experienced a traumatic event — especially anyone who has experienced any type of child abuse or any type of sexual abuse. These are often individuals who have been hiding their hurts because they have been afraid to address the trauma, or do not know how to address the situation. Debra's goal is to assist each individual with working through the trauma and help them find their true self by believing in their story, giving them the opportunity to share their story sometimes for the first time. Everyone should have the option to work through hurts and not stay stuck in them — everyone should be given the opportunity to work all way to the other side and become a survivor instead of a victim.

Debra uses active listening, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). and schema therapy to help her clients. She also encourages journaling through their emotions to find their true selves. "Like the lotus flower, beauty coming out of the depth of mud; every individual could blossom out of a life of trauma, abuse, or just day-to-day frustrating moments that find them crippled or stuck in any way," says Debra. "Through the transforming and renewing of our minds, we do not have to repeat history or become the person someone tried to make us."

Through the process of addressing past hurts and trauma, it is Debra's goal and desire to empathize with individuals to reach their full potential in life. She has many years of experience rising out of the mud of her own lifelong trauma, which enables her to equip with hope and grace. "I welcome you into a safe haven to process through your hurts and struggles, to help you to strive and thrive," says Debra.

Michelle MacIlvaine is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in mental health. She works with diverse populations who face a range of concerns including anxiety, adjustment to life’s issues, grief, trauma, parenting, and family issues. Michelle has experience with all ages from children to adults to seniors.

Michelle utilizes an empathetic, strengths-based approach to find unique solutions and help clients achieve their goals. She draws from person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy.

Michelle partners with clients to help them achieve their goals in ways that fit their unique situations. She believes that true collaboration and being understood bring out the strength that we need to face life’s challenges.