Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Peoria, AZ

"As a woman who lived in a life full of trauma, I understand the difficulty of processing and the importance of discovering who you really are as a person."

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.

"Therapy is about empowering you to become the person you are meant to be. After years of experience as a therapist and meeting lots of people, I believe that there is someone amazing and strong in everyone."

Dr. Karen Ferguson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in both Arizona and California with over 35 years of experience. She has had the opportunity to work with individuals of all ages and families who are coping with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, parenting, low self-esteem, attachment issues, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, and abuse. She has significant experience working with those who have suffered child abuse and those who have lived through foster care.

Dr. Ferguson earned her Doctoral degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She designs sessions to meet the individual needs of each client or family to create a warm, caring, judgment-free environment. During sessions, she utilizes a combination of family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment therapy, existential therapy, or trauma therapy techniques, depending on the unique needs of each client.

Dr. Ferguson will work together with you to help you accomplish your goals by exploring your concerns, thoughts, and feelings. There will be a discussion of how your family and culture have become a part of you—in order to increase understanding of your strengths and challenges and how these have affected and created the person you are today. 

"As someone who has utilized counseling to overcome unforeseen adversities in my personal life, I have gained insightful perspectives to navigate challenging and exciting life circumstances by developing a growth mindset, effective coping skills, and a renewed sense of self."

As a licensed professional counselor, I have educational backgrounds in Sport & Exercise Psychology and Counseling Psychology from working with youth through professional athletes. I am a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment provider and am currently pursuing my Mental Performance Consulting certification. I have worked in private practice and community mental health with children, teens, and adults, addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and relationship conflicts. Currently, I work with individuals motivated to improve their mental performance, career development, financial psychology, identity, and wellness.

I enjoy helping clients identify their strengths, build confidence through thought-provoking questions and exercises, develop coping skills, and accept uncontrollable outcomes. I use mental performance strategies and positive psychology to build resilience and self-esteem so clients can craft new narratives and grow through difficult circumstances.

My goal is to provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can talk freely about your concerns and work through them to increase your well-being. You are showing positive steps by reaching out. I look forward to helping you find creative solutions, empowering your self-esteem, building new pathways of success, and sustaining meaningful purpose in your life.