Patricia Bell

I am licensed in Ohio and Maryland with over 4 years of professional work experience in Clinical Therapy. I have experience in helping clients with most mental health disorders including but not limited to stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. My counseling philosophy is to tailor my approach to each individual’s needs and preferences.

My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a broad perspective on the stressors of life. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings.

My first counseling session is primarily an introductory meeting to get to know you, allow you to know me, discuss your goals, and establish a foundation for future sessions.

The first session is largely information-gathering. I will likely ask about:

• What brought you to therapy and your current concerns
• Your goals for counseling, even if they are not fully clear yet
• Personal history, including family background, significant life events, and previous therapy experiences
• Current symptoms or challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues . You are not expected to dive into deep trauma issues immediately however; the focus is on building trust and establishing a therapeutic relationship.