Therapists

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

I’m Danen Downs. I received my undergraduate degree from Stanford University and my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health that supports you in discovering your strengths and developing effective coping strategies. As a former teacher, I especially have a heart for adolescents and teens, as well as their families. I received play therapy training for working with children and frequently employ sand tray and art therapy techniques to help bring awareness to their physical/emotional world in a safe and engaging way.

I have advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a trauma-sensitive model that seeks to help people heal from trauma and attachment injury. It facilitates releasing trauma that is held in the body and allows people to access additional pathways to healing by understanding how their body responds to stress and physical/emotional pain.

Additionally, I enjoy working with couples who are seeking to understand and change painful relationship patterns, as well as with individuals of any age, especially those who are feeling held back by a history of trauma and/or attachment injury. I often use Restoration Therapy, an attachment-informed model that helps people understand their painful patterns of interaction and how to choose new ways of interacting to promote peace, love, and understanding in their relationships.

Arizona License

Susie Gonzalez, MAC, LPC

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, MSMFT, LMFT

I'm Sara Brown, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) 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

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Megan Meyers - LAC

I am a Licensed Associate Counselor with experience working with children, teens and adults. I have assisted teens and women struggling with identity, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. I have a heart for children and a desire to help the whole family heal when they are struggling. I have training in play therapy and sand tray which are especially useful for children. They typically enjoy the therapy room as we use a variety of mediums such as puppets, playhouse and art to work through issues. My goal is to foster a safe, nurturing environment of collaboration with each of my clients.

Having a brother with developmental disabilities has given me personal experience with siblings of individuals affected by disabilities. Growing up as a missionary kid has provided insight into the challenges faced by families focused on ministry.

I often employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in my practice. I look forward to meeting new people and helping them realize their goals. I hold a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. Click the link to view my license.

DeAnna Wahlheim - MA, LMFT

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with many years of experience in treating children, adolescents, adults, and families affected by trauma, including neglect, abuse, and developmental trauma. I also address single-incident trauma. My goal is to accompany individuals on their journey toward healing and support them with unconditional positive regard. Additionally, I am a proficient parent trainer and coach, offering attachment-focused parenting classes vital for families parenting children recovering from trauma.

I am trained in empirically-based, developmental models of treatment, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which facilitates the release of trauma through body awareness, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which identifies delays and necessary repairs for healing developmental trauma. I use Theraplay to address parent-child relationship issues.

I am also trained in EMDR therapy for trauma recovery and utilize Sand-Tray therapy to assist clients in expressing feelings, finding answers, and achieving resolution. Moreover, I provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, to bring the healing power of horses to my clients.

Tommie Harden - MA, LAC

I’m Tommie Harden, a Licensed Associate Counselor with a degree in Professional Counseling from Ottawa University. I place a strong emphasis on cultural competence, because I believe that understanding your background, values, and lived experiences is essential to supporting your growth and healing.

I am trained in Solution-Focused, Strength-Based therapy which helps people start from their place of strength and find answers that are meaningful to them. Other approaches that I utilize are Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). DBT therapy teaches skills for managing emotions and relationships; It combines acceptance and strategies for change. CBT therapy is beneficial in helping people look at a situation from a different perspective; it allows clients to become aware of negative or inaccurate thinking, opening the door to growth and change.

I have a special interest in helping teens and adults with challenges at home, school and with peers. I have experience as a classroom teacher, School-Based Mental Health Therapist and Intervention Specialist. I have skills in creating relationships with teens and adults that help them find their own answers.

As a 23-year Army veteran, I understand the unique challenges that service members and veterans often face, especially when it comes to mental health. I have been married for 36 years with two amazing adult children.

Debra Lawrence - Masters in Clinical Counseling

I have completed 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.

Neesie Cieslak - Masters Level Intern

My name is Neesie Cieslak, and I am a master’s level intern completing a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Special Needs at Arizona Christian University. I have been married to my husband for 33 years, and together we have raised six children. Our family’s story has included foster care, adoption, and the daily challenges and joys of guiding and nurturing a son with a neurodevelopmental disability (autism) for the past 24 years. These experiences have shaped my heart, my faith, and my deep commitment to walking alongside others with understanding and hope.

I am a Certified Family Life Educator, and have a deep understanding of the various developmental stages of life , and the impact that trauma has in those stages Trauma healing is especially meaningful to me, and I strive to create a warm, safe space where each person feels valued, seen, and free to explore their stories at their own pace without shame. I am truly honored to walk alongside of children, teens, adults, couples, and families as they seek healing, connection and support.

I am practicing under the direct supervision of Deborah Pettitt (LPCC, RPT-S) and Dr. Brie Coe (PhD, LMFT).

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The Center: - 1300 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix

Location