Meet Katrina Bell

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katrina Bell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
From an early age I knew what it was like to be the only one in the room that looks like me. It started at home, although we are all African American, I have two brothers so being the only girl was not always easy. This helped me to develop my personality and be ok with standing out and marching to the beat of my own drum. This came up again in college as I attended a PWI where there was less that 10% African Americans enrolled. I learned very quickly that I had to work hard to stand out among my peers. This was often frustrating, but I did not give up and my work ethic benefitted from it. Once, I began my career, it was common to be the only African American woman at many tables that I sat at, but I continue to persevere and work hard so that others have no choice, but to see my skill and not what I look like.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is licensed in SC, NC, GA and FL. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in SC where I supervise pre-licensed counselors and help them to prepare for full licensure. I enjoy this part of my job as it allows me to give back and pour into others. I have experience helping with General Life Issues, Transitions, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Bipolar Disorders as well. I am also a LGBTQIA+ and Alternative Lifestyle friendly therapist. I enjoy working with teenagers, women and young adults, but also work with couples. I also work with clients struggling with grief/loss, stress from daily life, or finding the motivation to accomplish necessary next steps. My focus is to help clients begin the process of moving forward and making positive changes towards a brighter future as well as meeting clients where they are and to help provide them with tools to help them meet their goals. I enjoy integrating my knowledge of education and mental health issues to help families solve problems and overcome personal issues and work towards positive professional, home and school experiences.

One of the most exciting parts of my job is the helping clients with real life application. This allows clients to see how the coping skills that they are learning can be helpful. I am an eclectic therapist who uses different approaches to make the counselor experience personalized to each client. Since I grew up in the city where I practice, my knowledge of the area and culture helps me to help those transitioning and having a hard time. I also integrate mindfulness into my practice which is very helpful for client dealing with anxiety. I also provide Life Coaching.

I am the author of a Guided Journal and a Gratitude Journal and they are both available for purchase on Amazon.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities/skills that were impactful on my journey are perseverance, the ability to be open minded and flexible and establishing an impeccable work ethic. These were pivotal in my journey in life and my career. They continue to drive my ambition to always operate in excellence.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most important thing that my parents did for me was to push me to keep going and to not give up.  It helped me to build confidence and character. They continue to provide unwavering support to me. I did not understand this until I became an adult. I am forever grateful to them for doing this.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Estrella Bennett with ECB Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your

Productivity
Working hard in 2024: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that

Leadership Development
Mastering Communication: Stories & Lessons

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”