Bella Granato

Bella Granato, MA (she/her) is a relational therapist who brings curiosity, compassion, and humor to co-create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves. Believing that healing happens through authentic connection, she collaborates with clients to explore their experiences, celebrate growth, and navigate life’s challenges.  Bella’s integrative approach weaves together mindfulness, somatic awareness, and creative, interactive methods. She frequently works with clients exploring identity, processing trauma, and navigating mood-related challenges, while remaining attuned to what each person brings to therapy. Deeply committed to fostering inclusive and affirming spaces, Bella invites open dialogue around culture, power, and privilege—both within and beyond the therapeutic relationship. Her work centers clients’ perspectives and supports a deeper connection to a grounded, authentic sense of self. Bella is a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), expected completion 2025. 

Education and Credentials

• Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology –  expected completion 2025. 
• MA in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School

Please describe the therapeutic modalities you practice and any relevant certifications or specialized training you’ve completed.

I am a therapist who centers you and your life story. Whether you’re looking to process complex relationship dynamics, grow closer to yourself, or practice more intentionality in your actions, we’ll work together to find what feels good and supportive for you.

My approach is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as humanistic and existential perspectives on meaning-making, and emotion-focused, mindfulness-based, and somatic practices. I am interested in connecting with the parts of you that feel vibrant and proud, as well as those that may feel hidden, uncertain, or in need of care. We’ll also deepen our exploration of the systems you navigate and how your identities interact with them. My hope is that our work will move you closer to what truly matters to you, reconnecting with your strength, presence, and unique inner light.

What do you like to do when you are not working? What do you do for fun?

I spend a big chunk of my time visiting friends and family, traveling to see them in various parts of the world. In Chicago, you’d catch us trying new restaurants (especially sushi), hanging by the lake, and catching live DJ sets. I stay active through powerlifting, yoga, and my dog- Chester, who likes to play “Chase me while I try to eat sticks!” We have another fur baby too, who makes Chewbacca noises, though Dorito is more like a cat-dog. I also love to relax with a facemask and chill. My favorite anime shows/ movies include The Apothecary Diaries, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Spirited Away.

What are you excited about? What is your passion? What do you want to learn more about?

I studied acting in college, so I am super excited about drama therapy, which involves using artistic techniques to promote growth, healing, and release. My research has focused on using drama therapy interventions for people experiencing psychosis. It has been immensely powerful to study psychosis because it reminds me of how human we are. As I work towards becoming a registered drama therapist, I love learning about ways to implement strategies to promote expression across all human experiences.

 What do you like about being a therapist?

Therapy is like the two of us riding in a car—and you’re driving. We’re on an adventure. Sometimes we’ll follow our curiosity down backroads or make pit stops to explore. Sometimes we’re singing down the highway, taking it easy. All the while, we’re broadening the view, seeing a little further beyond the horizon as we go. You hold the map; you set the speed; you guide the way. I’m there to remind you that the direction is already inside you.

I love being a therapist because we get to build a bridge between our worlds—using images, words, and feelings that are alive in your experience. It’s a rooted and connected way of being together, and it brings me genuine joy to witness people becoming more accepting and compassionate toward themselves. I also love being silly and sitting comfortably together as we make meaning of your life experiences.

What’s your “go to” creative or restorative outlet?   

I love being weird, singing, and creating art. I am fond of painting, origami, and sewing. I also enjoy challenging myself to experiment with art forms I’m not yet good at and get a little messy. In the future, I want to participate in obstacle courses or some form of martial arts. I enjoy music across a broad spectrum of genres, including artists like Hippo Campus, Kendrick Lamar, The Blaze, and Billie Eilish. Billie’s song, “Come Out and Play,” captures elements of the mosaic of how I view therapy – a gentle invitation for courage and vulnerability to meet, allowing the self to come out and play, and revealing the gifts that have always been there.