Grief counselors and therapists in Durham, NC

I’m a down-to-earth therapist who believes real healing happens through genuine connection. Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff, clinical, or intimidating—I show up as a real human, and I invite you to do the same. My style is informal, compassionate, and grounded in respect for your lived experience. We can laugh when it’s helpful, sit quietly when things feel heavy, and talk honestly about what you’re going through without pressure to “stay positive” or have it all figured out.

I believe we do our best based on what we’ve learned from important relationships and situations. We feel distress when what we’ve learned no longer works and our coping skills get overwhelmed. With the right conditions, growth can occur.

With over 20+ years of experience with clients across the spectrums of age, ethnicity, sexual and gender identity, religious/spiritual orientation, income level, and ability status, I've learned to practice with cultural humility.

Hi! Im Ryan Bell, an LCMHC, and I have been working with young adults, adolescents and their families for over 15 years in a variety of settings, from boarding schools to homeless shelters, to wilderness therapy. I have had extensive experience in supporting anxiety, depression, crisis interventions, trauma, and behavioral concerns in adolescents, while supporting parents in their personal journeys to figure out how to put their own oxygen mask on before they can help themselves.

I'm Joellen Rhyndress, LCSW, and I specialize in working with veterans, first responders, and executives — and I genuinely love this work. I'm trained in EMDR and have spent years as a trauma expert, particularly around critical incidents and life-disrupting events. I've worked with over 250 clients and I understand your world, your culture, and what it takes to finally ask for help.

I believe every individual has the capacity and courage to learn, grow, and make positive choices for their present and future. Throughout my career, I have worked with people to strengthen mental health, improve academic and professional performance, and build skills for long-term success. I continued to be humbled by the determination people have to tackle challenges and hardships to improve their quality of life.