Our therapists provide couples & marriage counseling in Gilbert, AZ

I have a BFA in painting and an MSW, and over seventeen years of counseling experience. Prior to earning my MSW, I worked on a crisis line. My parents came from different cultural backgrounds, and I am a parent who has been both married and divorced. While I maintain a circle of family and close friends, I have also experienced multiple losses, and both of my parents are gone. My life experiences have helped me become a better counselor. I work particularly well with clients who struggle with grief, anxiety, and depression.

As a counselor, I take a humanistic and client-centered approach. To me, counseling is the constant asking of "What next?" — meaning that through both prosperous and difficult times, it is important to make sound, responsible decisions. I have collaborated with adults, children, and adolescents, and provided individual, group, and couples counseling.

The variety and breadth of my experiences have contributed to my effectiveness as a counselor. Counseling is a journey that can be illuminating, and fun, but also arduous and demanding. I look forward to accompanying you on that journey. 

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) currently accepting new clients in person at the Phoenix Thriveworks location, as well as virtually throughout Arizona, Ohio, and Minnesota. I hold a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I work with individuals and couples and some of my specialties are anxiety, depression, affair recovery, chronic illness, and women's issues.

I work with both individuals and couples, providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for growth and healing. My therapeutic approach integrates a range of evidence-based modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

With warmth and compassion, I tailor my work to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. Whether helping individuals navigate personal challenges exposed from trauma history, or supporting couples in deepening their connection, I focus on addressing root causes, fostering empowerment, and guiding clients toward lasting emotional wellbeing

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.