I have greatly appreciated working with Dr. Karen Ferguson and have already referred a close friend and sorority sister to her. Dr. Ferguson is an excellent listener who provides thoughtful insights and gently challenges me to consider different perspectives. As someone new to therapy, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I've remained committed for over a year now thanks to her support and guidance. She has been incredibly helpful, and I fully intend to continue my sessions with her.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Karen
See what other clients sayAccepted insurance & self-pay
About Karen
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.

"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."
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
I have greatly appreciated working with Dr. Karen Ferguson and have already referred a close friend and sorority sister to her. Dr. Ferguson is an excellent listener who provides t....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Karen
I feel like it's a safe space.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Karen
I love Dr Ferguson and already referred her to a close friend and Sorority Sister. Every time I feel I could possibly reduce my weekly visits to every other week, I change my mind.....
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Karen
Get to know Karen
What types of clients do you work with best?
I have been seeing clients for going on 35 years and have worked with all ages during that time.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I don't think I have a client with whom I am most excited to work. I believe that everyone has a purpose for living and it is an honor to be a part of their process.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish my clients knew that they are stronger than they think. Most of my clients come in feeling very vulnerable, hurt, and weak. In reality, coming in for therapy shows how strong they are.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I liked the focus on the client that the company shows.
What inspires you?
Watching someone find their purpose in life and realizing that they have value and recognize that they are empowered to grow emotionally and personally.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
The first session is about getting to know you, about you sharing as much of your story as you can, and you making sure you feel comfortable with me. It is a pretty low key session with discussion focusing on what you feel comfortable saying. It also gives you a chance to ask me questions about your concerns about therapy and some goals for future sessions.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
We get to know each other a little bit, and you share what you are comfortable sharing about you and why you are wanting therapy. There are questions I do need to ask to complete an assessment and we set at least one goal for what you want to accomplish in therapy.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
That my clients tell me that they feel very comfortable with me. I believe that therapy is all about you and meeting your needs.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 35 years
- Graduating institute
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- Graduating degree
- Doctor of Psychology
