Amanda Bell

Leaving home has a way of bringing things up. Maybe the anxiety you used to manage is louder now, or you're tired in a way that sleep doesn't touch. Maybe something from before is resurfacing now that you finally have room to feel it. Maybe you're turning everything in on time and quietly going numb. You don't have to be in crisis to deserve support, and you don't have to explain it perfectly to start. I'm Amanda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in downtown Raleigh, a short trip from campus. I work most often with trauma, anxiety, and dysregulation, whether that looks like panic and overwhelm, unexplained stomachaches and headaches, or going quiet, numb, and far away. I also work with children, teens, and families, so if you're a student who grew up carrying a lot, I likely have language for what that was like. Therapy with me rarely looks like just sitting across from each other, talking. Much of our work is somatic, which means we pay attention to what your body is doing, not only what you can put into words. Depending on what helps your nervous system settle, we might use EMDR, sand-tray, expressive work, parts work, or listening therapy (the Safe and Sound Protocol). We begin slowly and build safety before we go anywhere hard. Nothing gets forced, and you set the pace. Over time, clients tend to notice calmer bodies, more room between feeling and reacting, fewer shutdowns, and more trust in themselves. That last one matters most. The goal isn't to get you performing again; it's for you to feel like a person who can handle hard things. A bit about me: I'm an NC State graduate myself, and I've been in private practice in Raleigh for six years. I'm certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol, trained in EMDR and completing my EMDRIA certification, and trained in Synergetic Play Therapy, sand-tray, Internal Family Systems, emotion coaching, and CBT. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative, with humor woven in. I'm not a blank slate, and you won't be sitting in silence waiting for me to say something. All parts, all of you are welcome here, including the tired parts and the parts that aren't sure this will work. If you'd like to see whether we're a good fit, we can start with a free 15-minute call. No pressure either way.