Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Tempe, 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. 

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.

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.