Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in California with over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction, stress, and relationship issues. My experience includes providing therapy in outpatient and residential dual diagnosis programs and recovery programs in San Francisco. I earned my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Francisco State University in 2009. My passion is helping others to achieve greater health and happiness in life, by letting go of negative thoughts and patterns and creating new insights and self-understanding. As a counselor I am engaged, supportive, intuitive, empathetic and a good listener. I enjoy working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and welcome people from all walks of life. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings and can help guide you on your journey of self-discovery.
My theoretical approach to counseling is person-centered, strength-based, and eclectic, incorporating psychodynamic theory into treatment. I tailor my interventions to the individual and utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques to help identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use reflective listening and look for patterns and underlying issues that may be the cause of distress, and work with clients on their goals.
I would describe my counseling style as authentic and caring, with a friendly and warm approach. I support my clients in developing healthier coping skills, and new ways of thinking and feeling. Learning how to communicate more effectively, practicing healthy boundaries and self-care can be helpful tools.
When working with addictions and recovery there are many underlying issues to be worked through and resolved, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I help people to understand and cope with these feelings, which often have been buried for a long time. I support my clients with harm reduction or abstinence related goals and together we work through resistance and ambivalence. I understand that addiction and recovery are a process that takes time and that compassion is necessary. There is a lot of stigma, shame and fear associated with addiction and I provide a safe place to address your concerns.
Many of us have faulty beliefs that hold us back from having the life we want. I believe that we all have the potential to change and we all need support at times. Often, we feel stuck in old patterns and behaviors and it takes time to change. Sometimes we need to let go of old resentments or painful memories. By letting go of dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns, we can create a healthier, happier life. I look forward to working with you and helping you through this process of healing.
Thank you,
Aparna
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Antisocial Personality, Avoidant Personality, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and Discrimination, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LPCC 1222
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Aparna Bell. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Very good experience and understand each other at the time to understand of meaning of depression and anxiety
Written on Apr 20, 2024 after therapy with Aparna for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
She is very kind and compassionate. Immediately she makes you feel comfortable to share how you are feeling. I like how she follows up with messages and gives worksheets to help with my issues. Overall a very well rounded therapist.
Written on Jan 31, 2024 after therapy with Aparna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
She has been so helpful to the point that I have been using a lot of her advice in my daily life. I have recommended her and Betterhelp to my own patients.
Written on Oct 11, 2023 after therapy with Aparna for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Dr. Bell is very attentive and speaks with you with patience and kindness.
Written on Jan 11, 2023 after therapy with Aparna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Dr Bell is amazing! She is empathetic and authentic. She listens very well and gives me a safe space to vent. She sends me work sheets that give me clarity and solutions.
Written on Nov 22, 2022 after therapy with Aparna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
I have been working with Aparna for over two years. In that time, she has helped me work on my anxiety, anger management, familial issues and co-dependency. She is a great listener and she makes it easy to open up and be vulnerable. Honestly the best therapist I have ever worked with.
Written on Oct 25, 2022 after therapy with Aparna for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts