Our Counselor
Debra Ciarlo retired as a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor on February 8th, 2024. She has been counseling at Open Arms Christian Counseling, Inc., since 1991. She received a Master's Degree in Education - Specializing in Counseling from Heritage College, WA, in 1999. She also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Colorado State University. Other training that she has received includes Elijah House Basic and Advanced Christian Counseling Schools, Spokane, WA.
Debra is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. She is also an experienced speaker for Christian conferences/retreats. She will continue to be a Prayer Minister at Restoration of the Heart Ministry, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit ministry housed in the same location. If you would like information on her involvement with Restoration of the Heart, please see the website restorationoftheheart.org.
Her counseling orientation is pastoral in nature and based on Biblical principles, morals, and family values. Scripture, Prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit are the tools used in helping individuals and couples. Confidentiality is of the utmost concern and is strictly maintained.
Beliefs:
Debra holds the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and by His death and resurrection He secured the way for people to be reconciled to God. She also believes that the Bible is God's Word and provides direction for our well-being, not only in relation to God, but also in relation to one another. As many counseling issues stem from unresolved problems in past relationships, prayer and the principles in God's Word are used to bring to light reactions and life decisions made earlier in life that contribute to present-day difficulties. Healing and lasting change is made possible as roots of relational problems are uncovered, unhealed hurts are comforted by the Lord, forgiveness takes place, and new life decisions are made.
