Rebecca Norris-Bell, PhD

I am a licensed psychologist specializing in healing from highly stressful, overwhelming, and traumatic life events. I work hard to provide a safe and supportive space where you can process past experiences and gain symptom relief, so that you move forward with empowerment. I am here to guide you at your own pace. Clinical Experience I received my PhD from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2012, a program that emphasizes cultural responsiveness, diversity, and inclusion. I trained in Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology at Fenway Health as a practicum student and at Alpert Medical School of Brown University as a predoctoral intern. My postdoctoral fellowship was completed at the VA Boston Psychology Consortium with a specialty in Geropsychology. Across the span of these training sites, I've served in college counseling, primary care, inpatient psychiatric, and partial hospitalization settings. Research Experience My research interests have included positive coping to help people heal from trauma/PTSD, specifically the role of posttraumatic growth (the ability to thrive in the aftermath of trauma) and well-being. I have co-authored a number of peer-reviewed journal articles (see below). Therapeutic Approach My approach to therapy integrates evidence-based treatment including Psychodynamic (Insight-Oriented Therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Skills-Based). I incorporate Mindfulness Meditation and visualization techniques teach you how to begin to regulate your nervous system. I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), a powerful therapeutic tool which has been shown to rapidly reduce PTSD symptoms. I additionally draw from other trauma-focused approaches including work by Dr. Janina Fisher, a leading expert in the trauma/PTSD field. Let's Work Together I offer in-person and tele-health appointments from my riverside office at Damonmill in historic Concord, Massachusetts. Clients are welcome into my practice from a wide range of diverse backgrounds including race, ethnicity, age, neurodivergence, religion, and LGBTQ+. I work with adult clients 18+. I am licensed in Massachusetts and Florida. PUBLICATIONS Journal Articles Pérez, J. E., Rex Smith, A., Norris-Bell, R. L., & Canenguez, K., (In Progress). Collaborative religious coping mediates the association between prayer self-efficacy and perceived posttraumatic growth among cancer patients. Moye, J., Jahn, A., Norris-Bell, R., Herman, L., Gosian, J., & Naik, A. (2020). Making meaning of cancer : A qualitative analysis of oral-digestive cancer survivors’ reflections. Journal of Health Psychology, 25(9), 1222-1235. Norris-Bell, RL. (2013). Bereavement among urban university students: the role of meaning making in adjustment to loss. ProQuest Inform Learn. 74. Rex Smith, A., DeSanto-Medaya, S., Pérez, J. E., Tracey, E. F., DeChristafaro, S., Norris, R. L., & Mukkamala, S. L. (2012). How women with advanced cancer pray: A report from two focus groups. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(3), 310-316. Pérez, J. E., Rex Smith, A., Norris, R. L., Canenguez, K., Radwin, L. E., Tracey, E. F., & DeCristofaro, S. B. (2011). Types of prayer and depressive symptoms among cancer patients: The mediating role of rumination and social support. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34(6), 519-530. Bauer-Wu, S., Yeager, K., Norris, R. L., Liu, Q., Habin, K., Hayes, C., & Jurchak, M. (2009). Communication and planning at the end-of-life: A survey of women with advanced stage breast cancer. Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 2, 1-16. Norris, R. L., Liu, Q., & Bauer-Wu, S. (2009). Age and functional ability are associated with self-care practices used by women with metastatic breast cancer: An exploratory study. Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness, 1, 71 – 77. Park, E., Norris, R. L., Bober, S. (2009). Sexual health communication during cancer care: Barriers and recommendations. Journal of cancer, 15, 74-77. Maguen, S., Schumm, J. A., Norris. R. L., Taft, C., Litz, B. T., King, L. A., & King, D. W. (2007). Predictors of mental and physical health service utilization among Vietnam veterans. Psychological Services, 4, 168-180. Ott, M. J. Norris, R. L., Bauer-Wu, S. (2006). Mindfulness meditation for oncology patients: A discussion and critical review. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 5, 98-108. Norris, R. L., Maguen, S., Litz, B. T., Adler, A. B., & Britt, T. W. (2005). Physical health symptoms in peacekeepers: Has the role of deployment stress been overstated? Stress, Trauma, and Crisis: An International Journal, 8, 1-15. Book Reviews and Chapters Norris, R. L. & Bauer-Wu, S. (2007). [Review of the book Being mindful, easing suffering]. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 10, 261-262.