Get to Know Dallas-Based Couples Therapist, Sileta Bell

Hey Dallas! Hey Texas!

I've been meaning to write an article introducing my work as a Couples Therapist for some time now. With my small family therapy practice (Bell Family Therapy) sowing its roots in Dallas and making a positive impact on couples and families throughout Texas, there's no better time to make this introduction than now. The work I do is deeply personal, rooted in a passion for helping people navigate conflict in relationships—whether that means strengthening them, redefining them, or parting ways with dignity and peace.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but how we navigate it determines the future of our relationships. My journey into this field was fueled by a deep passion for helping couples and families find clarity amidst chaos. As a Registered Domestic Mediator (Atlanta, Georgia) and a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing throughout Texas (under the supervision of Dr. Meghan Williams) I have dedicated my career to guiding individuals through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Dallas-Based Couples Therapist, Sileta Bell

Throughout my years as a domestic mediator, I have witnessed how divorce can both destroy relationships and provide peace. Some couples come to me at a breaking point, unsure if their marriage can be salvaged, while others have made the painful decision to part ways but want to do so with dignity. This paradox often leads people to ask, How can you help people divorce on one end and save marriages on the other? The answer is simple: at the heart of my work is conflict resolution.

My PhD studies in Interpersonal Conflict have reinforced what I have always known—relationships, whether ending or continuing, require skillful conflict management to preserve mutual respect and emotional well-being.

My research interests focus on studying the link between marriage and long-term health. Research so far tells that there is a profound connection marital relationships and our overall well-being. I’m committed to exploring how healthy conflict resolution can strengthen not just relationships but our mental and physical health as well.

Speaking of improving marital health - In 2023 and 2024, I underwent intensive training in Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship and Core Skills. This approach is a powerhouse tool for restoring connection and trust in relationships. EFT provides a structured framework to help couples identify negative interaction cycles, deepen emotional bonds, and foster a secure attachment. This modality serves as a baseline approach in my work with couples who want to restore their bonds, offering them a proven path to healing and reconnection.

Beyond my work as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I've developed Let’s Stay Together Mediation as a structured approach designed for couples on the brink of separation. It provides a roadmap for couples to safely face what went wrong while collaboratively looking toward the future. Through Let's Stay Together Mediation, couples gain a clearer understanding of each other’s needs, reestablish trust, and determine if their marriage can be rebuilt in a healthier way. When both partners are willing, mediation becomes a powerful tool for healing and reconnection.

I learned very early on in my work with couples (and from personal experience) that not all relationships will survive their vicious cycles. This is why I gained respect and interest for Conscious Uncoupling Therapy, a process designed to facilitate peaceful and amicable separations. This therapy is especially beneficial for couples with children, helping them establish clear parenting plans, custody agreements, and boundaries to ensure a stable transition. Uncoupling Therapy provides structure and emotional support, allowing both parties to move forward with mutual respect and a cooperative mindset. Here's the thing - Relationships don’t always last, but when they do come to an end, we must approach these transitions with maturity and emotional intelligence.

Art by Dallas-Based Couples Therapist

Outside of my work in the therapy room and research space, I find joy in traveling and immersing myself in new experiences that expand my perspective. I challenge myself to read a book a week, and I am constantly seeking knowledge that enriches both my personal and professional life. During the 2020 pandemic, I discovered a deep love for painting—a creative outlet that offers a space for expression and introspection.

Okay—now that I've let you in on my career focus, research aspirations, and even my art life, I want to challenge you to take a deeper look at your own relationships. How do you navigate conflict? Do you approach it with the goal of understanding, or do you shut down? Are there unresolved issues that weigh on you, conversations that need to happen, or bridges that need to be rebuilt?

If you’re ready to explore the next steps, book a session today, and let’s work together to bring clarity, resolution, and peace to your unique situation.