Our Therapists

Director – Deborah Pettitt: MC, LPC, RPT-S

I am the Director of Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix and have extensive training and experience in treating children. I am one of a few Registered Play Therapist Supervisors in the state of Arizona. with training in Bruce Perry’s neurosequential model. I have taught Child and Adolescent Counseling at Fuller seminary. My specialty is helping children recover from trauma, abuse and neglect. I am skilled in treating attachment issues. Parents are always an integral part of this process. Click to see Deborah’s full biography and extensive post graduate training. Click to see an Attachment and Trauma specific list for post graduate training. Click to subscribe to the RSS feed for Deborah’s blog. (Arizona licensure for Deborah Pettitt).(Click for “Quick tips by Deborah”).

Mike DeMoss - MAPC, LPC

Mike specializes in marriage, family, individual and adolescent counseling. He uses the Gottman Method for couple’s therapy, Systems Theory for family therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for adult individuals and adolescents. His Christian background gives him a heartfelt desire to help people heal. Mike’s compassion, encouragement and enthusiasm allow him to relate to individuals in a way that helps affect positive change in their lives. Visit Mike’s blog to read more about marriage and family counseling. (Arizona licensure for Mike DeMoss). Expanded Biography. Mike has completed Levels 1 and 2 of Gottman Marriage training. Click to read more information concerning Gottman Marriage Therapy. Click to view payment information.

Dr. Brie Coe - PhD, LMFT

I’m Dr. Brie Coe, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been working with individuals, couples, and families since 2012. I have a passion for working with children and teens with challenging behaviors and trauma. When working with children, I often use sandtray and art therapy to help clients express their feelings and thoughts. I also love working with adult individuals and couples who feel stuck navigating relationships and life’s challenges.

I have additional training in families caring for someone with Autism. I have been treating children with Autism for over 12 years and have been treating other disabilities (cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, PANDAS, etc.) for the past 7 years. If you are a parent, spouse, or sibling of someone with a disability, I would love to meet with you. I am also trained in EMDR Therapy, which is an evidence-based treatment for trauma with adults and children. I also commonly use Internal Family Systems (IFS) while working with adult clients. IFS is a non-blaming or shaming treatment model that allows clients to understand their behaviors and emotions as various “parts” of their personality that may feel wounded or protective. I work with clients to better understand these parts and help each part heal, giving clients internal peace. I earned my Master’s in Child Development and Family Studies at Purdue University and doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Texas Tech University. I am a nationally approved supervisor and enjoy teaching and supervising master-level clinicians at Arizona Christian University. I have written several books including my latest, Parent the Child You Have, Not the Child You Were, which takes a deep dive into healing parent’s childhood traumas in order to be the parent their child needs. Arizona License

Danen Downs, LAMFT

Danen graduated from Fuller Seminary with a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Danen sees children, adults, and families. He has advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for the treatment of trauma. He has also taken specialized training in working with children and couples. Danen is a former teacher who also has experience working effectively with teens. Arizona License

Susie Gonzalez, MAC, LAC

Susie Gonzalez enjoys working with women and couples. She uses the evidence based Gottman Method with Couples and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with women of all ages.. She offers hope to women who have experienced trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, and are parents of addicted children. She also has experience with Complicated Grief Therapy and women recovering from substance abuse. Susie has life experience as a former missionary to Mexico and presently serves as a pastor’s wife. She understands the complex issues of church life and relationships. Though she has a deep personal faith she is sensitive to each persons choice about bringing faith in to the therapy session and warmly supports them in their personal journey. She loves giving practical and life-giving tools to all. Susie is a graduate of Phoenix Seminary with a Masters degree in counseling. She is bilingual and welcomes Spanish-speaking clients. Click to view her Arizona license.

Sara Brown, M.S.MFT

I'm Sara Brown, a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) with a passion for helping children, adolescents, women, and families navigate the complexities of life and their relationships. I also help my clients heal from trauma. My approach to therapy is grounded in a deep understanding of attachment dynamics, bolstered by EMDR training, and enriched with the creative elements of play and art therapy. My attachment-focused approach helps individuals and families explore and heal past wounds, strengthen their connections, and build secure, lasting bonds. I am trained in EMDR therapy, a powerful method for processing trauma and alleviating emotional distress. I often incorporate play therapy and art interventions into my sessions, especially when working with children and adolescents. These therapeutic tools provide a unique pathway for self-expression, self-discovery, and healing.

I hold a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, where my dedication to fostering healthy relationships and emotional well-being began to take shape. I have been married for twenty-one years and have four children. I was a sixth-grade teacher before becoming a therapist. I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey, and I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we'll uncover your strengths, develop coping strategies, and work towards your therapeutic goals. My commitment is to provide compassionate guidance and evidence-based interventions that facilitate your personal growth and healing. Arizona License

Megan Meyers - LAC

Megan is a licensed associate counselor (LAC) under the supervision of Deborah Pettitt and Dr. Brie Turns. She has completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. Megan has experience as a lay counselor at Scottsdale Bible Church, where she enjoyed meeting with young adult women struggling with identity, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. She has a heart for children and a desire to help the whole family heal when they are struggling. She has taken training in sand tray therapy which is useful for all ages but especially with children. She has spent many volunteer hours at her church with children.

Megan has a brother who was born with developmental disabilities, so she has personal experience and a passion for working with fellow siblings of those affected by disabilities. She is actively involved in serving through the special needs ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church with both adults and children. Additionally, Megan is a missionary kid and understands the joys and challenges of growing up in a ministry-focused environment. Megan often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in her work. Ultimately, she desires to foster a safe, nurturing environment of collaboration with her clients on the path toward healing. Click the link to view her license.

Debra Lawrence - Masters Level Intern

I am a master’s level intern completing a Masters in Clinical Counseling at Colorado Christian University. I am married with four children. I have a heart for children, couples and families. Life experience as a children’s pastor, daycare provider and a parenting coach have provided me with many opportunities to support families. I know they are under tremendous pressure, and it is my desire to come alongside individuals, couples, and families to help them navigate the challenges in life that we all face.

While I have a deep Christian faith that is a source of comfort and wisdom in my own life, I honor each person’s decision whether to bring faith into the counseling room. I use an integrative approach to compassionately help you on the road to healing. I have training in sand tray, play therapy and drama which I use to make therapy meaningful for children and teens. I have completed Levels 1 and 2 of Gottman Marriage Training for my work with couples.

I am under direct supervision of Deborah Pettitt LPC, RPT-S and Brie Turns-Coe PhD, LMFT.