Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Apex, NC covered by Aetna

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Specialist — and this work is not just my profession, it is my calling. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating substance and behavioral addictions, and I also hold space for something that often goes unaddressed: the family members of addicted loved ones, who carry their own profound pain and deserve their own healing. I am trained in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relapse Prevention, and Self-Compassion practices. But beyond the credentials, here is what I want you to know about me: I believe that therapy is about walking beside you — not directing you, not fixing you — with the quiet understanding that we are all, in our own way, walking one another home. That belief shapes everything about how I show up for my clients.

I believe everyone deserves to experience the joy and peace that comes from healing. If you're feeling stuck in darkness, weighed down by past experiences, or caught in negative thought patterns, you're not alone—and you don't have to navigate it by yourself.

For more than 34 years, I've helped individuals, primarily women, heal from trauma, build self-esteem, and create meaningful, lasting change. I have advanced training in EMDR and specialize in helping clients process traumatic experiences so they can move forward with greater confidence and emotional freedom.

My approach is holistic, recognizing the connection between your mind, body, and emotions. Together, we'll create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach your therapy goals. My hope is to help you move beyond simply surviving so you can fully experience the joy, fulfillment, and life you deserve.

I’ve been practicing therapy for 25 years, which has included 12 years in NC and prior practice in both Kansas and New Mexico. I’ve worked in community mental health most of my career so I’ve had the opportunity to serve all ages and provide treatment for a huge variety of mental health concerns. I’m pretty down to Earth, open, honest, and genuine. I can be direct when needed to help bring awareness or light to a potential problem area while at the same time me providing support and encouragement. I enjoy hearing people’s life stories and helping individuals navigate their way through difficult life situations and problematic symptoms. No judgment, just a person available to help you find what you need.

Welcome to my practice, One Step Forward Counseling, PLLC.! My name is Sara Bell and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I have been working in the therapy field for over 9 years. I have worked with children, teens, young adults, and adults. I have a main focus on trauma and brainspotting. I am not a Christian counselor, but I am a Christian who is also a counselor.

I have worked in substance abuse treatment for more than twenty years. I have provided clinical treatment in a multitude environments. This includes medication-assisted treatment, medication-assisted detoxification, inpatient and residential, psychiatric hospitals, correctional institutions, and tele-health.

Get what you need! That is my philosophy! I am pleased to hold space for individuals that is warm, relaxing, neutral, and intentional. My goal is for clients to explore who they are, process as they need to, and become empowered to change as they see fit. With over 20 years of Social Work practice and experience, a few of my specific treatment areas include individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease, Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and Stress.

Hello! I believe healing is an ongoing journey that looks different for each individual. I invoke a holistic approach and utilize approaches based in psychodynamic theory, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques. As part of the therapeutic process, I want to build a brave space with you, and empower you through your healing journey.

Hi, I’m Christina. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who helps teens, families, and adults navigate anxiety, trauma, and life’s high-stress seasons. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported — a place where you don’t have to hold it all together or figure things out alone.

In addition to private practice, I work in community crisis response, supporting individuals and families during difficult or overwhelming situations. This experience helps me stay calm, practical, and focused on what truly helps when life feels heavy.