My name is Christen Bellace, and I am a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Unboxing Hope & Wellness. I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, addiction, eating disorders, and life transitions with compassion and evidence-based care. In my work, I focus on creating a safe, supportive space where clients can feel understood, build resilience, and move toward lasting healing.
My approach as a therapist is grounded in compassion, evidence-based practices, and the conviction that every individual is capable of healing and creating meaningful change. I view therapy as both a safe space to explore the past and a practical setting to develop tools for living with greater clarity and peace in the present.
Many clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burdened by experiences that are difficult to articulate. Together, we work to make sense of those experiences, process the emotions connected to them, and develop healthier ways to cope. I strive to ensure that each client feels heard, respected, and empowered as we build a path forward at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
I specialize in trauma therapy and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a highly effective method that helps clients resolve painful memories and lessen their impact on daily life. Before EMDR, I often used elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to strengthen skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation, creating a strong foundation for trauma work. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), so therapy feels both personalized and practical.
My clinical background includes working across all levels of care, from detox and residential treatment to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient experiences, enabling me to meet clients, whether they are just beginning recovery or maintaining long-term growth.
If you are seeking a therapist who will meet you with compassion, guide you with evidence-based methods, and walk alongside you as you heal, I would be honored to connect with you. Together, we can create a space where you feel supported, empowered, and hopeful about the future.
Clients can expect to leave sessions with a mix of insight and practical tools they can apply in daily life. Together, we work on building coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and developing healthier ways to manage stress, relationships, and life transitions. Over time, clients often notice increased resilience, greater self-awareness, and a stronger sense of control in areas that once felt overwhelming. My goal is for each session to provide both a safe space for reflection and actionable steps that support lasting change.
