Bell, Laura Jean, Couple Therapy

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Here's a bit about me and my practice:

I've been a therapist since 1988. I've been practicing Imago Relationship Therapy, in my personal life and in my work with clients, since 1991. In my journey to grow and develop as a person, a partner and a professional, Imago continually guides me as a core theory and foundational process from which I work and strive to live. I find Imago to be truly helpful and, when practiced, to be profoundly life changing, both for couples and for individuals.

I began my therapy career working with adolescents and their families in an inpatient chemical dependency program. I was very fortunate to have that experience! I practiced individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy
worked within a team of therapists, chemical dependency counselors and psychiatrists
and taught classes for parents on the subjects of family systems and chemical dependency and recovery. In addition to learning about addiction and codependency, I learned about family systems, and, I began the journey of more deeply learning about myself.

Since then, my specialty area of focus has been marriage and relationship therapy. I am strongly grounded in the perspective that marriage, by its very nature, offers a unique and deeply profound laboratory for healing and growth - both for the individual partners and the partnership itself. I believe the struggle and despair showing up in our intimate love relationships are the "nightmare" we encounter to "wake us up" to the deeper, more authentic and fulfilling parts of our own whole self ... our relationship conflicts have purposeful meaning and within them exist opportunities for our good!

My work, first and foremost, is to create safety in the therapeutic relationship with clients. I strive to be mindfully present, compassionate, respectful and authentic in our interactions. I believe, and research shows, it is the relationship that heals - when we feel safe and connected, we heal
and grow.

I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, in 1984, from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and my Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, in 1988, from Houston Baptist University. I was an intensive care nurse before I became a therapist. I began working as a therapist, in 1988, and I've been in Private Practice since 1992.

I began using Imago in 1991, became a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist in1996, an Advanced Clinician in 2006, a Certified Couples Workshop Presenter in 2009 and a Certified Individuals Workshop Presenter in 2014. In addition to Imago, I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy - Completion of EFT Basic Externship. I also have training in PACT Couple Therapy - I am a Level II PACT Couple Therapist. PACT is the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy - in this approach we focus on helping couples create secure functioning partnerships. I find both PACT and EFT blend well with and compliment Imago to help create emotional safety, to enhance and deepen empathy and connection and to offer a more comprehensive couple therapy experience. I have been introduced to and am also Level 1 trained in Gottman Couple Therapy.

Two modalities I've trained in that I find very helpful and incorporate into my work are Interactive Guided Imagery and Voice Dialogue/The Psychology of The Selves. I also utilize study and skills in the areas of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Mindfulness Practice
in particular, I am excited about how these modalities validate and enhance couple therapy work.

A seasoned therapist of 30 plus years, I have gained knowledge and skills through years of experience and many continuing education hours and trainings in various adjunct areas, such as chemical dependency counseling, grief counseling, and Anger Resolution T

Counselors, Marriage & Family Counselors