Hello! My name is Bella! I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Governor’s State University, with a focus on children and adolescents, though I would love to work with any population! Prior to graduate school, I attended North Central College and earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in communications. I am beyond excited to start as an intern and begin this next chapter. I am passionate about mental health and hope to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Aside from my passion for working with those who struggle with mental health, I have also worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician and paraprofessional. Working as an RBT and paraprofessional has provided me with invaluable insights and skills that have significantly shaped my journey as a counselor in training. Through these roles, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. My experience has taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and tailored communication strategies to effectively support and empower those I work with. This foundation has been instrumental in preparing me to become a compassionate and effective counselor dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being for all.

As a counselor in training, I work from a psychodynamic perspective, which emphasizes bringing unconscious material to the conscious. This approach allows me to explore deep-seated influences of early experiences, unconscious processes, and interpersonal relationships on a client’s current behavior and emotional well-being. I strive to create a safe environment where clients feel free to explore their inner world, fostering greater self-awareness, insight, and change. I have experience working with couples, children, adolescents, and adults. My specialties/areas of interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, adjustment disorders, stress management, relationship issues, family issues, self-esteem issues, play therapy, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD.

Outside of the office, I enjoy reading, binge watching tv shows and movies, exercising, and being creative. I am obsessed with fall, though springtime comes in at a close second!