About Me
Get to know me:
Hi, I’m Michelle Bell, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, connection, and confidence. I offer a warm, inclusive, and affirming space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences, emotions, and relationships—without fear of judgment.
I specialize in working with couples, drawing from extensive training through the Gottman Institute to support partners in improving communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening intimacy. Whether you’re in crisis or simply seeking to strengthen your bond, I use proven, research-based tools to guide you toward lasting connection.
I also have extensive experience and training working one-on-one with clients. My areas of expertise ranges from helping clients identify triggers, healing past traumas, those experiencing anxiety, relationship stress, life transitions, grief and loss, or simply feeling stuck. My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. At the core of my work is a client-centered philosophy, which emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a deep respect for everyone’s autonomy and lived experience. I aspire to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered in their journey toward personal growth.
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, fostering healthier coping strategies and emotional regulation. I also incorporate principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in developing mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, particularly when navigating intense emotions or relational conflicts.
In addition, I am learning to utilize a Solution-Focused approach to highlight clients’ strengths and resources, encouraging forward movement by identifying and amplifying what is already working. When working with couples, I draw on the evidence-based Gottman Method to improve communication, rebuild trust, and foster deeper emotional connection through structured interventions and research-informed techniques.
By integrating these approaches, I am committed to helping clients gain insight, develop practical skills, and build more fulfilling and resilient lives.
Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking along the beach, traveling when time permits, and relaxing through scrapbooking.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or your relationship, I’d be honored to work with you on your journey toward growth and healing.
Mission Statement:
At Lotus Grove Therapy, my mission is to create an inclusive, safe, and compassionate space where healing begins, hope is restored, and meaningful change takes root. I am dedicated to empowering individuals, couples, and families to overcome life’s challenges, reconnect with their strengths, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Vision Statement:
My vision, here at Lotus Grove Therapy, is to provide an inclusive and safe space where clients experience individual growth, healing, wholeness, and meaningful change. I envision a world where every individual feels empowered to rediscover their story and create a life of purpose, connection, and resilience.
My Qualifications:
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor approved by the Board of North Carolina Professional Counselors (License #17428). I hold two master’s degrees. My first master’s degree is from Capella University with my focus in Psychology, and my second master’s degree is from Winston Salem State University (2017) with the area of study being in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have 12 years of training in vocational rehabilitation allowing me the opportunity to work with a diverse population of individuals and three years of experience working in private practice.