Our therapists offer christian counseling in Phoenix, AZ

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience helping clients navigate life’s challenges with clarity and purpose. I bring strong communication, attentive listening, and compassionate care to my work, supporting those seeking personal and professional growth. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in business, I offer a unique perspective that blends resilience, life balance, and growth strategies. I specialize in guiding clients through mental health concerns, life transitions, and professional development.

I earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling from Ottawa University. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy as the foundation of my work, while integrating other approaches to meet a wide range of needs. My goal is to help clients quickly regain direction and move forward with confidence.

I became a counselor in midlife after my own journey of transformation and growth. I understand the courage it takes to seek help, and I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they pursue change. Whether you are managing acute or chronic challenges or striving for personal growth, I am here to help.

Denise Rae is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of professional experience providing therapeutic care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. She has worked in numerous healthcare settings such as private practice, telehealth, and hospice where she specialized in counseling individuals coping with grief, anxiety, depression, family issues, adjustment issues, and more. In addition to her clinical therapeutic work with clients, Denise has spent over 24 years in social work assisting older adults and adults with disabilities.

Denise earned her Master of Social Work at Arizona State University. Depending on the specific issues at hand, Denise uses various modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness.

Through her caring and compassionate nature, Denise builds a trusting, nonjudgemental relationship with her clients. She recognizes that your sessions are a time for positive growth and change and will move at your speed toward a goal of overall wellness. Reach out to her today!

Kathleen (Kathy) Lazarick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 40 years of professional experience providing therapeutic care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. She has worked in numerous healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing facilities, dialysis, physician’s practice, mental health, and hospice care where she specialized in counseling individuals and families to cope with trauma, anxiety, depression, family issues, women’s issues, and more.

Kathy earned her Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers and received training from Monmouth University in Clinical Counseling and Supervision Certification. She uses various modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and acceptance & commitment therapy.

Kathy’s compassion, empathy, and organic therapeutic style have often been described as down-to-earth and relaxed. She recognizes that your sessions with her will be productive conversations about possibility and learning. You have already made the first big step: you have sought help to make meaningful life changes.

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.

Stephanie Wogomon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arizona with 9 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with individuals of all ages who have struggled with trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and mood dysregulation. Stephanie has helped many who have difficulties adjusting to school and work or finding their purpose in life.

Stephanie received her Master’s in Social Work from Loma Linda University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, compassion-focused therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness techniques, and faith-based approaches.

Stephanie understands that life can be difficult. She will create a safe space to explore your values, passions, and how your past impacts the life you want to live. Stephanie is here to help you feel connected to yourself, others, and the world!

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.

Shelly Ehmann is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 37 years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals, families, and groups. Shelly specializes in treating anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. She is a Certified Trauma-Informed Professional with extensive experience supporting clients through various diagnoses and emotional challenges. Shelly’s work is rooted in compassion, clinical insight, and a deep belief in the power of healing and change.

Shelly earned her Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She incorporates humor and honesty to build trust and insight. Her approach includes assigning reflective homework, encouraging self-awareness, and facilitating the processing of thoughts and emotions to support meaningful change.

Shelly is passionate about empowering clients to achieve their best life. She emphasizes meeting clients where they are, validating their experiences, and collaboratively setting goals. Her approach fosters growth, resilience, and emotional clarity through honest conversation and therapeutic connection. Schedule an appointment with Shelly today!

Carol Whitescarver is a Clinical Social Worker, independently licensed in Massachusetts, Indiana, and Arizona. She has 24 years of social work and psychotherapy practice with individuals and groups. Carol graduated from Marymount College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Psychology, and from Fordham University with a Master’s in Social Work. She has worked in outpatient treatment programs in her community and with veterans and active-duty army members and their families, as well as in residential programs for TBI, substance abuse, and mental illness within the Veterans Health Administration.

She currently works with adults who seek supportive and in-depth therapy for trauma, PTSD, life transitions, anger/behavioral issues, grief, relationship challenges, depression, and anxiety. Carol believes that each person has the ability and innate knowledge to grow and change, and that therapy must be creative, dynamic, and tailored to the individual. Whether using creativity, images, or more traditional talk therapy, her philosophy tends toward positive psychology that is strength-based, trauma-informed, flexible, enjoyable, and aligned with a person’s desired lifestyle. Carol believes that therapists must be genuine and able to create a ‘sacred space’ that is safe and supportive so that clients can relax and sense that they are respected, valued, and understood. A trusting therapeutic relationship that addresses Mind/Body/Spirit is essential to the process of growth and change, and Carol believes that humor, play, forgiveness, creativity, and gratitude practice hold a strong place in psychotherapy. Creativity, regardless of how it is expressed, is life-affirming and an extremely important asset when redesigning one’s life.

Perhaps you need a safe place to tell your truth, feel understood and accepted, learn new skills in coping or problem solving, or brainstorm your ideas/goals. Carol is an experienced therapist who will join you in your search for your authentic self, and in your understanding or repair of the past and old stories you hold. Therapy work with Carol includes compassion, warmth, humor, challenge, curiosity, and flexibility. She will help you find strengths, the courage to use your true voice, and the confidence to break free of patterns that no longer serve you well.

Claudio Cassinelli is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with clients since 2003 with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, relational conflict, and family issues. Claudio is experienced in working with kids, adults, and families.

Claudio believes that building rapport is the most important step in establishing a therapeutic relationship. After trust has been established, a focus on realistic and attainable goals becomes the road map helping clients progress toward healing.

If you are looking to process through some issues and work toward therapeutic healing and progress, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.

Arlinda is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who treats a diverse range of mental health concerns including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, insomnia, and women's issues. She is committed to working collaboratively and compassionately with clients to identify the best treatment options as part of a holistic plan of care for both adolescents and adults. She considers her role to be multifaceted: managing medications, providing education, therapy, and mental health advocacy.

Arlinda has spent nearly three decades in the field of nursing, knowing from childhood that her calling was to help people. She has an innate ability to quickly establish a positive rapport with nearly everyone she meets, has strong clinical skills, and has a talent for discovering the right medication combinations for each unique individual. She completed her Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Medical College of Georgia and her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. Arlinda likes to incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques into her practice, believing firmly that your inner thoughts (whether accurate or not) play a large role in your emotional/mental health. In the past, she has functioned as a telemetry, ICU, ER, and travel RN, as well as a nurse manager and more recently a clinical services manager. In her free time, Arlinda enjoys reading, dancing, hiking, and playing with her French bulldog.

I believe every person has a history that has shaped who they are. I also believe that individuals can change and create a better life for themselves, no matter what their history has been. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and worked hard to pursue my goals and dreams. I have a positive attitude and am a very nurturing person. I am confident that that can support you in your pursuit of a better life by guiding you towards new techniques and perspectives that will help you cope with whatever you are currently struggling with. If you are ready to get started today, schedule an appointment with me!

Janna Bolingbroke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience. She specializes in addiction, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ matters, trauma, and parenting concerns. Janna also has experience with more complex concerns such as self-esteem and body image, career struggles, aging, blended families, codependency, divorce, trauma, and life transitions.

Janna earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah. She offers a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered. Drawing from evidence-based therapies, Megan helps individuals navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth.

Janna understands how hard it can be to ask for help. She offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore life’s challenges at their own pace. Whether you're navigating stress, identity, or past pain, Janna is here to walk with you toward healing, clarity, and meaningful change.

Melissa Longe is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 24 years of experience in behavioral health. Her expertise includes trauma, addiction, ADHD, adoption, stress-related issues, crisis intervention, substance use, clinical supervision, program development, and behavior coaching. She supports adults and children facing anxiety, depression, addiction, and family-related challenges with an approach that is trauma-informed and person-centered.

Melissa holds a Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She uses eye movement desensitization reprocessing, somatic body work, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused methods to guide clients toward sustainable healing and personal growth.

Melissa has experience in community counseling across various settings, including hospitals and crisis centers. She is passionate about helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered as they take steps toward meaningful change. Reach out to Melissa to schedule an appointment today!

Michelle Zyla is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of experience. She helps patients of all ages and backgrounds with issues including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder. Her work in several different care settings has given her an unmatched skillset in understanding medical systems and providing mental health care. Michelle uses a personalized approach with clients with goals of a happier life and a brighter future.

Michelle received her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Maryville University. She employs therapeutic and evidence-based treatments in her practice, including psychotherapy and medication management. Michelle evaluates all aspects of life when assessing a client’s needs and works to establish physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Michelle will listen to your concerns with a compassionate ear and provide you with long-term methods to help manage symptoms and support recovery. She is excited to collaborate to make life-changing improvements. Schedule an appointment with her today!