Christ-centered. Clinically-Informed.

There is hope when life is hard.

Life is sometimes hard and complicated. Whether it's relationship issues, grief, low mood, or anxiety, often we need a safe space to process.

About Marla Decubellis
Counselor

I am an imperfect, but sincere follower of Jesus Christ who has been practicing Biblical counseling for over 18 years. With a compassionate, Christ-centered, clinically-informed approach, my desire is provide a safe and supportive space for you to feel seen and heard. I want to help steer you towards the love and hope of Jesus in your life and help you gain a biblical perspective on your struggles

Learn more about Marla

Services

Individual Counseling

Typically, I offer virtual 55 minute sessions weekly or as often as deemed helpful for you. In certain cases, I am available for in-person sessions, as well.

Nature Session Walk and Talk

Often I sense God's presence in a powerful unique way when I am outdoors. Being surrounded by the beauty of God's creation can often bring perspective and help us breathe when life feels overwhelming. These sessions typically last an hour, but can be adjusted according to your need.

Missionary Care

I spent three years living in Guatemala as a missionary. I experienced and saw firsthand many struggles and challenges that single missionaries and missionary families encounter. I have a special heart for and love to come alongside those serving in other cultures. I offer virtual sessions and I am also available to travel for in-person sessions.

My Approach

Christ-centered

We all like 5 steps to quick healing, but my conviction is that true and lasting hope comes through a transforming relationship with the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in His Word, the Bible. If we get everything else right and miss Him we are without ultimate life and hope.

Balanced and Biblical Counseling

The counsel I offer is distinctly biblical, meaning we, as Christians see all of life in relation to God. Every human being has dignity and value because we are created in God's image, but we are broken because of the effects of Sin in our lives. Jesus came to forgive, redeem and restore us to what God originally created us to be. A Christian worldview as understood by Scripture helps us to define who we are, where our problems come from and where help and change come from. Major themes or categories of Christian counsel include where we see God in our life and struggles, understanding our heart motivations, addressing what we are looking to for comfort and hope in our sorrows, how are we grieving and lamenting what it means to live in a fallen world, how we are relating to people in unhealthy ways, etc. Our ultimate hope is in the person of Jesus Christ. We look to Him and follow the Holy Spirit's lead as we explore our struggles and sorrows.

Clinically Informed

My counseling is clinically informed. I am not indifferent to the labels and categories of secular psychological and mental health. I do not have legal liberty nor expertise to offer psychological diagnosis or distinctly psychological/psychiatric treatment. However, I have general knowledge and some training in many of these areas. We are embodied souls and therefore, often many ‘spiritual’ issues are mental (mind) and body issues and where they overlap I will draw from acquired knowledge and consult with secular resources and licensed professionals when it is within my legal bounds to address. Some examples would be teaching techniques such as ‘grounding’ with anxiety or ‘cognitive restructuring’ (Biblical category of renewing the mind) with faulty thinking, etc.. These categories are not distinctly professional 'psychological' categories, but biblical ones, as well. Please feel free to reach out if you need further clarification.

Referrals and Consultation

If you are experiencing mental health issues that you would like the care of a licensed Christian therapist or psychiatrist I am happy to refer you.

Please note... I am in regular consultation with licensed therapists regarding the counsel I give to those in my care and will humbly refer if I think you need care that is outside of my ability or legal boundaries. Please see informed consent. You will be asked to sign before we begin counseling.

Client Testimonials

"Several years ago I found myself on my knees. Finally giving over control of my life to the Lord. But I had no direction. I didn't know where to go or what to do with this. By the grace of God I met this beautiful soul. Just her presence makes me feel welcomed and loved and at peace. I'm forever grateful for our talks. After years of secular counseling just a few talks with her paved a way I never thought possible."

Stephanie G.

"I never thought counseling could transform my life until I received counseling care from Marla! She was truly a blessing and answered prayer in my life. I felt very comfortable sharing anything and everything with her even during a time of hardship. She taught me forgiveness was first and foremost for myself. She helped me heal and grow in so many ways that I continue to benefit from. She helped me identify ways to communicate with people that helped me heal and grow. I believe everyone should have a counselor that they can meet with and I highly recommend Marla to everyone."

Ariana G.

“Marla compassionately helped me through one of the darkest times of my life. Her balanced biblical approach provided me with practical tools and a greater understanding of our Lord and His role in my battle with depression and anxiety.”

Aubrey P.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Expect During a Counseling Session?

During our sessions, you can expect a safe and confidential environment where you can openly discuss your thoughts and emotions, your joys and fears.. I will listen without judgment and creatively work with you to set goals to guide us as we seek the Lord and His perspective on your life and struggles.

Will I have homework?

Often, but not always I will give you Scripture and other biblical resources to read regarding your situation during the week, as well as some practical exercises. Change and perspective doesn't usually come from a one hour a week session. It's how we think about our lives and what we practice that leads to hope and healing.

Is what I say in counseling confidential?

How much is the investment?

Yes, unless you threaten to harm yourself or someone else, or I have cause to suspect that children or an elderly person is being abused, or I am ordered to do so by our courts. Please let me know during our first session if you have any questions about these important limitations on your confidentiality.

Please see Contribution Information on the Menu Tab