Alissa is new to The Gaia Center and will be starting with clients in mid to late June ––reach out to schedule!
Alissa Bell
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; she/her
therapist
I do this work because I know how painful or uncomfortable it can feel when the life, identity, or relationships that once made sense no longer fit. I believe people deserve spaces where they can explore change honestly — without shame, pressure, or needing to perform perfection. Walking alongside clients as they reconnect with themselves, strengthen relationships, and create lives that feel more authentic and sustainable is deeply meaningful to me.
I believe that…
Healing happens through authentic connection.Many of us learned to disconnect from parts of ourselves in order to feel accepted, safe, or loved. Therapy can become a place where clients rebuild trust in themselves and experience relationships rooted in honesty, safety, and emotional connection.
Being human is messy — and none of us are meant to do it alone. So many of our struggles are rooted in shame, fear, disconnection, and the pressure to perform or “get it right.” I believe healing begins when we stop viewing ourselves as broken and start approaching ourselves with curiosity, honesty, and self-compassion.
Growth often begins when something no longer fits. Life transitions, grief, trauma, parenting, identity shifts, and relationship changes can leave us feeling untethered. I believe discomfort is often part of growth — and that understanding our patterns with curiosity instead of shame creates space for meaningful change.
There is no one “right” way to build a fulfilling life or relationship. I’m passionate about helping clients explore what authenticity means for them, especially when societal expectations around identity, relationships, sexuality, parenting, or success no longer align with who they are becoming.
My purpose at the Gaia Center is to help people build the courage to show up honestly in their lives and relationships, creating deeper connection, authenticity, and trust in themselves.
I work with young adults, adults, parents, couples/relationships, and groups.
I work with clients navigating trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, shame, identity exploration, relationship conflict, neurodivergence, grief, and major life transitions. I’m especially drawn to supporting people in those “in-between” seasons of life — when relationships evolve, identities shift, parenting changes, careers feel uncertain, or long-standing patterns no longer feel sustainable.
I am also passionate about working with individuals and couples exploring non-traditional relationships, including ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, and other sex-positive spaces, as well as LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse clients. I value the unique intersections between identity, relationships, authenticity, and belonging, and strive to create a grounded, honest, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore themselves openly and safely.
My approach is integrative, relational, and trauma-informed. I draw from Gottman Method, Brainspotting, ACT, attachment theory, relational therapy, and values-based work to help clients better understand their patterns, strengthen relationships, reconnect with themselves, and create meaningful change. My style blends warmth, curiosity, grounded presence, and gentle (although sometimes direct) challenge.
Credentials + Trainings
Alissa earned her Bachelors in English Literature and Philosophy from Colgate University and completed her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. Alyssa is new to The Gaia Center and will begin practicing as an Associate LPC-MHSP while working towards full LPC-MHSP licensure under the supervision of Valerie Martin, LCSW.
She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and her clinical training includes Gottman Method interventions, Brainspotting Level 1, Trauma-Informed CBT, DBT psychoeducation, and crisis intervention. She is also pursuing certification as an Alternative Relationship Therapist through the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and additional specialization in neurodiversity-informed care.
Human First…
When I’m not working, I’m usually exploring local restaurants, coordinating get-togethers, reading, or drinking coffee on the porch - and almost always with my dog. I’m also a recovering perfectionist who believes healing, growth, humor, and messiness all belong in the same room.
Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Alissa?
Alissa works with adults and couples/relationships in person in West Nashville and virtually across the state of Tennessee.
Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.
Hours & Rates…
🌱 Typically sees clients in office on Mondays, Tuesday mornings, and Saturdays (in person or virtual).
🌱 Individual 50-minute session is $145 ($160 for couples).
🌱 Individual 75-minute session is $215 ($240 for couples).
🌱 Alissa reserves several reduced-fee spots for clients in financial need; you can inquire to see if any of these spots are available. Reduced fee services are also available with graduate interns at The Gaia Center.