Katherine Bell
I am an LCSW with a background in grief, end of life, and chronic illness. Therapy is often needed in every step of this journey which can be both overwhelming and intense. Wherever you are in this journey, newly diagnosed, living with a diagnosis, reeling from a loss or death of a loved one, I am here to walk alongside you and provide the support, guidance, and release you might need. My goal for each of my clients is to hold space for both the hard and the good as the journey is filled with both.
First session
A first session with me will consist of some initial information gathering about what's led to you seeking support. We will also take some time to get to know each other and what approach will work best for you. I like to leave space to allow you to share as much as you'd like about your story or the loved one you've lost. Towards the end of the session, we will set goals together to determine what you need most and how to get there.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is an amalgamation of many different approaches just as grief has so many different layers and ways it impacts us. As we work together in our sessions, I will draw from different therapeutic approaches and theories of grief to guide our time together. I also place a lot of importance on memory work and meaning making.
Ideal clients
Clients that will benefit most from working with me include those who have experienced one or more of the following: - the death of a loved one - a loss of another kind - a life limiting diagnosis - a chronic illness An ideal client is seeking to process their feelings and experiences related to the above needs. All of these big transitions come with some heavy, complicated emotions and can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to go from here. I named my therapy practice Anchor and Arbor Therapy PLLC because that's what I want to be for my clients: an Anchor amidst the waves of emotion and an Arbor of support for moving through the journey.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding them. Grief, loss, and chronic illness come with a whole host of difficult thoughts and feelings. This approach informs my practice as I help you navigate the sticky, often overwhelming feelings you may be experiencing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The main concept of CBT is a cycle in which thoughts impact feelings which impact behavior which in turn impacts thoughts again. Together we may examine the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors you have as a result of your grief or chronic illness to find a path forward.
Narrative
Each of us has an internal narrative that influences how we interact with the world. Our stories are unique to each of us and I believe are what make us intrinsically human. Grief, loss, and life transition significantly impact the narrative we tell ourselves, my goal is to help you find a narrative that promotes healing and wholeness, even if there are some darker chapters in the middle.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This approach is core to the social work profession. As a Clinical Social Worker, my goal is to empower you to reach your therapy goals and to foster your personal growth within a safe, empathetic environment.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- VirginiaLicense 0904020799