(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Sylvia Bella. I work with teens who put a lot of pressure on themselves and often feel stuck, anxious, emotionally drained, or unsure of how to cope with everything they’re carrying. Many of the teens I support struggle with stress related to school, friendships, family dynamics, self-esteem, or constant self-doubt. Some begin shutting down, avoiding things they used to enjoy, or reacting in ways they don’t fully understand. I also work closely with parents who want to better understand their teen, improve communication, and feel more confident supporting them through difficult moments. In therapy, I help teens make sense of what they’re feeling, develop healthier ways to manage stress and emotions, and build confidence in themselves and their decisions. My approach is supportive, practical, and down-to-earth. I focus on creating a space where teens feel comfortable being honest without fear of judgment. I use evidence-based approaches including CBT, mindfulness, and EMDR, tailoring therapy to each teen’s individual needs and personality.
In our first session, we’ll talk about what’s been going on, what feels difficult right now, and what you’re hoping might feel different moving forward. I know opening up to someone new can feel uncomfortable, especially for teens, so there’s no pressure to share everything right away. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and able to move at your own pace. We’ll also review important information about confidentiality, the therapy process, and begin identifying goals for our work together.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to connect with teens in a genuine and supportive way while also helping them move toward meaningful change. I balance empathy with practical tools and guidance so clients not only feel heard, but also feel more confident managing difficult emotions, stress, and relationships. I use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, mindfulness, and EMDR, tailoring therapy to each client’s unique needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
I’m best positioned to work with teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, stress, self-esteem, emotional ups and downs, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break out of. Many of the clients I work with are trying to balance school, relationships, family expectations, or major life transitions while also figuring out who they are and how to cope with everything they’re carrying. I work well with teens and young adults who may have difficulty expressing their emotions, tend to shut down or overthink, or feel misunderstood by the people around them. My approach is supportive, genuine, and down-to-earth, helping clients feel comfortable enough to open up at their own pace while also building practical tools they can use in everyday life. I also enjoy working with parents who want to better understand and support their teen while improving communication and connection at home.
EMDR
I am trained in EMDR and use it to support clients in processing and healing from past traumatic or distressing experiences. My experience includes helping clients safely access and reprocess memories that may be impacting their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In practice, I ensure that EMDR is used at a pace that feels safe and manageable for each client. I focus on building strong coping skills and emotional regulation before and during the process, so clients feel supported and in control throughout their healing journey.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have experience using CBT to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my work, I support clients in identifying unhelpful thought patterns, challenging cognitive distortions, and developing more balanced, realistic ways of thinking. In practice, I use CBT in a collaborative and practical way—helping clients build awareness, learn coping strategies, and apply tools in their daily lives. My goal is to empower clients with skills they can continue using outside of sessions to manage stress, anxiety, and other concerns more effectively.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based approaches to help clients become more present, grounded, and aware of their internal experiences without judgment. My experience includes guiding clients through mindfulness exercises such as breathing techniques, body awareness, and grounding practices. In sessions, I use mindfulness to help clients regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and build a stronger connection to themselves. I tailor these practices to each client’s comfort level, making them accessible and practical for everyday life.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to support clients who may feel stuck, ambivalent, or uncertain about change. My approach focuses on meeting clients where they are and helping them explore their own motivations, values, and goals in a non-judgmental space. In practice, I use open-ended questions, reflection, and encouragement to help clients build confidence and move toward meaningful change at their own pace. This approach is especially helpful for fostering autonomy and strengthening commitment to personal growth.
Psychoeducation
I believe that understanding what’s happening internally can be incredibly empowering for clients. I regularly use psychoeducation to help clients learn about mental health, emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and behavioral patterns. In sessions, I break down complex concepts into relatable, easy-to-understand information so clients can make sense of their experiences. This helps reduce confusion, increase self-awareness, and give clients practical tools they can use outside of therapy.