About Anna Kris Bell

You Do Have A Choice In How You Feel

Our beliefs drive our idea of who we are. 

Yet no matter how much you try to change your thinking you feel stuck with the same old thoughts. It’s far more of a full body-mind combination than what we’re led to believe. I wish I could say it was an easy process to change how we feel but it’s not. The good news is that it’s far more straight forward than you may fear.

As busy individuals we know that ideas that are simple in theory are not always so straightforward in execution. 

Hi, I’m Kris. As a therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and acceptance, I understand that we humans adore living in our brains. And we’re taught to believe that if we can think through a problem, it will get solved or go away. Yet, our lived experiences teach us just how untrue this is. So many of us are experts in thinking, but emotional freedom is about feeling. 

Logic will not solve your problems, but therapy can be the gateway to clarity on every level of your mind and body. You have a choice about how you feel, and I want to support you in taking control of your life. 

Personal & Professional History

Before becoming a counselor, I spent 25 years working in the business and nonprofit sectors. Even in these roles, I saw myself helping others sort through life’s challenges, overcome roadblocks, and gain a deeper awareness of themselves. My firsthand experience working in the business sector while raising a family is a great asset when connecting with my clients. 

In deciding to switch gears and go for a Master’s Degree in Counseling, I knew I wanted to support individuals through some of the same struggles I’d experienced. I understand what it’s like to grapple with aspects of anxiety, including work stress, body image, and perfectionism. My practice is unique in that it’s rooted in a deep advocacy for and appreciation of the human experience—we are superhumans yet so very hard on ourselves, so I look forward to empowering and uplifting my clients’ strengths through therapy.

Counseling Philosophy & Approach

Though I’m trained in a range of counseling techniques, I primarily take an approach to treatment that observes the interconnection between mind and body. I use somatic—or body-based—methods to help clients become aware of what happens in their bodies when triggered. Deepened awareness, coupled with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), allows clients to tune into their inner voice, which leads the way in counseling.

Meditation is a tool I use in my personal and professional life. As a therapist trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)—developed by the Western master of mindfulness himself, Jon Kabat-Zinn—I help clients de-escalate tension and stress in the body so they can make decisions with more clarity and focus.

My spirituality lies at the foundation of my worldview, guiding me in living intuitively, maintaining clear motives, and demonstrating self-understanding. 

I also believe that levity is part of my responsibility in the “upliftment” business of counseling others. I’ve relied on humor through life's hurdles to keep me from taking things too seriously. Through my journey with chronic pain, anxiety, and weight struggles, I’ve ultimately learned to appreciate the opportunity to be here, now, and authentically me.

I love what I do, and the reward of my career comes from when I can help another person feel lighter through focused, individualized counseling. 

Outside Of The Therapy Space

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my Colorado community and family. Surrounded by the serene and scenic outdoors, I get many opportunities to practice mindfulness, meditate, and embrace the beauty of my environment. 

I also love my creative endeavors—from singing to textiles to Photoshop. Restoring inherited photos from the early- and mid-twentieth century has become a new favorite pastime of mine. I look forward to carrying on my family’s sewing traditions and playing music.

I love supporting sustainable food options for humanty’s future and The GroHaus in Denver does a great job. If you're interested in learning more about them visit The GroHaus Seed-2-Seed program here. Understanding the complexities of food justice, The GrowHaus works to address the root causes of food insecurity by providing economic opportunities, leadership development, and food education programs.

In-Person Therapy or Online Therapy

I offer both in-person sessions and internet sessions. I find that clients often find the option beneficial to be able to change an in-person session to an internet session when they have time constraints. Other clients live in other parts of Colorado and enjoy the style of therapy I offer. Contact me for details. I’d love the opportunity to share the unique style of therapy I offer.

At a time where most psychotherapists offer only on-line therapy, I offer an actual office to meet in person with privacy and safety. Without the distractions of online therapy, being in the same room offers the ability to learn techniques for managing your mental health by having the ability to stand, sit and move together without having to stay in view of a camera. You also have a space to relax and release in a comfortable chair, away from your typical environment, which may hold an emotional charge.

Let’s Work Together

My philosophy celebrates emotional freedom, and the wisdom of your inner voice. To find out more about how I can help you, contact me.

Kris Bell is a psychotherapist working with individuals throughout Colorado with internet sessions, and Northeast Colorado with in-person sessions. She has a Master’s degree from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, taking a mindful, and body/mind-based approach to counseling. Kris holds a certificate in Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.