SUMMARY:

In this episode of TLC Connections, Alyssa Brouse sits down with Aaron Bell, LPC, M.Ed., an intervention counselor at Spring-Ford Area High School, for a conversation about what effective school-based counseling looks like when connection comes first.

Aaron shares how he builds trust with high school students by being visible, approachable, and authentic—not just during scheduled counseling sessions, but throughout the school day.

The conversation also explores some of the challenges Aaron sees regularly, including anxiety and school avoidance. Aaron discusses helping students understand what is keeping them from school, build confidence and distress tolerance, develop relaxation and coping skills, and gradually become more comfortable with situations they might otherwise avoid. He also shares his experience supporting students with IEPs and the importance of working collaboratively with teachers, case managers, and other school professionals.

Throughout the episode, Aaron returns to the importance of authenticity—being yourself, allowing room for mistakes, and connecting with students as people. It’s an approach that helps young people feel safe enough to be themselves, too.

GUEST BIO:

Aaron Bell, LPC, M.Ed., is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. He earned his Master of Education in School Counseling from Kutztown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Penn State University.

As an intervention counselor at Spring-Ford Area High School, Aaron supports students with a range of emotional, behavioral, and academic needs, with much of his current work focused on students receiving special education services. His approach emphasizes relationship-building, authenticity, student agency, and practical coping skills.

Aaron also provides outpatient therapy through Sunrise Counseling and Life Coaching, working with clients experiencing anxiety, PTSD, grief, panic disorders, ADD, trauma-related conditions, and conflict. His individualized approach incorporates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, along with humor and an approachable style that helps clients feel comfortable and supported.

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Aaron Bell – Sunrise Counseling and Life CoachingAaron’s professional profile
• The Lincoln Center for Family and YouthTLC website
• Spring-Ford Area School DistrictSpring-Ford website
• Sunrise Counseling and Life CoachingSunrise Counseling website

SPONSOR:

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth (TLC) is a social enterprise company based in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital, TLC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit providing innovative education, coaching, and counseling services to individuals and families, as well as grant writing and management services for school districts and universities.