Career Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition, Women’s Issues, Coping Skills
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Marla
MarLa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals in various roles. She is passionate about improving the lives of individuals and communities by serving as an "interrupter" of systems and barriers to social health needs. MarLa's professional experience along with her mission to ensure others thrive has created a unique skillset. She is a mom of 2 with ample experience navigating life through adversity. MarLa specializes in leadership stress, trauma-informed care, major life transitions (i.e. military, college, and parenting), family conflict, daily stress, and mild depression.
MarLa completed her Master of Social Work (LISW) from Cleveland State University (Phi Alpha Honor Society). MarLa does not use a cookie-cutter treatment approach, and instead gets to know her clients and what works best for them. Some approaches she uses include mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.
MarLa understands that the gaps between what we want our life to be and what it actually is can create anxiety, uncertainty, worry, stress, and depression. She wants to teach others to put more focus and energy toward what we have control over while giving less emotional energy to what we have minimal control over. She wants you to thrive!
"I believe to truly practice self-care, we must ensure we are taking time to address our mental health, the same as we ensure our dental and physical health."
Get to know Marla
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I decided to become a provider after having received help from several providers at my time of need. The doctor, nurses and eventually mental health specialist all inspired me at a time I was at my lowest. I wanted to be that person for others so I began the journey to become a therapist, a leader, advocate and interrupter because in each of those roles I can help others who just like me, need a little kindness and empathy judgement free.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I work with adults 18 and over. I have experience working with individuals who are managing the stressors that come with being a young adult transitioning into adulthood. As well as parents who are figuring out how to parent their young adult.
I also work with individuals who have leadership roles i.e. parents, career, business owners who feel like they are on an island by themselves and need an objective ear to talk through the stressors of constantly being the boss.
The social worker/mental health therapist ensuring they are practicing their own self care.
The individual who has no longer wants to dump their issues and woes on family and friends but desires someone who is objective and has a skillset to be impactful.
The individual who wishes to feel better about life, go back to school, start a new job, improve their lives but not sure where or how to begin.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I'm excited to work with young adults and individuals to lack trusted support to talk through and work through life challenges.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I wish my clients knew that although I will be here to learn about them, I wish they knew that life has and continues to happen to me as well. Seeking Therapy is such a brave and healthy thing to do because you are making a commitment to take care of yourself which a lot of times, we neglect trying to take care of others.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I chose to practice at Thriveworks because they not only are committed to providing a support system I desire and value at this point in my career. I also chose them because of the positive reputation they have for valuing their clients.
What inspires you?
I value completing my goals, my family's happiness and celebrating the small successes of those around me.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
In the first session with me, my clients can expect to be given a safe judgement free space to teach me a bit about them and their mental health goals.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
In the first session I hope to accomplish a report with me and develop an eagerness to begin the work for future sessions to come.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
Before my clients schedule their first session, I want future clients to know that therapy is a support but ultimately its them choosing to do something different, be vulnerable and do the hard work that ensures a positive outcome in their lives.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
When I have free time, I love time to myself, spending time with family, traveling and trying new restaurants with friends and my daughter who is a foodie like me.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
One thing that defines me is my love for my family.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 3 years
- Graduating institute
- Cleveland State University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
Additional details
Practice information
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