Ranann Bell | LPC, NCC, HTR

Walking Beside You Through Every Season of Life

Offering Horticultural Therapy in Portland Oregon

your answer to:

Somatic Therapy in portland

Why I Focused On Outdoor Therapy

Nature helps us feel more relaxed and open, allowing you to explore your emotions more freely. The rhythmic movement of walking releases built-up energy and tension, helping you process difficult feelings. For many, walking alongside a therapist is less intense than sitting across from one in a traditional office setting. This is the basis for my work with you.

My origin Story

Growing up surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, I was drawn to nature’s grounding power early on. My journey into therapy began with a belief that we, as humans, are inherently connected to the natural world around us—

an idea that led me to complete my Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Horticulture at Oregon State University. Through a rigorous 2,500 hour internship with Legacy Health’s Therapeutic Garden Program, I worked across diverse healthcare settings, from Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon, Oregon Burn Center, Randall Children’s Hospital, EMC Family Birthing Center, Family Relief Nursery, Legacy hospitals, and multiple senior living facilities in Oregon. This formative experience sparked a passion for the therapeutic potential of nature and informed my later work with the Returning Veterans Project, where I offer mental health support to veterans through trauma-informed, nature-based therapy.

Building on my foundational knowledge, I pursued my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University, where I worked with a broad client base in Baltimore Maryland as an outpatient mental health therapist. Each of these steps deepened my dedication to holistic, nature-integrated mental health care and led me to licensure in Oregon as a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2024, under the skilled guidance of somatic therapist Julianna Vermeys -LPC, LMHC, NCC.

Ranann Bell (formerly Blatter)

When I Am Not Outside
with You…

I can be found hiking forest trails, cultivating my own indoor garden of houseplants, or diving into a good book.

Movement is another cornerstone of my life and well-being—I love lifting, boxing, yoga, and dance. Cooking and baking nourishing meals have become rituals of care for me, as I believe nutrition is a powerful contributor to mental health. Travel is also a deep source of joy, keeping me curious and inspired by the world around us.

The Resume

Education + Professional Background

Licensed Professional Counselor | Oregon, (2024)

Supervised by Julianna Vermeys, LPC, LMHC, NCC

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2020)

Johns Hopkins University

Internship: TIME Organization, Baltimore, MD - Outpatient Mental Health Therapist

Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Horticulture

Oregon State University

Internship: Legacy Health Therapeutic Garden Program (2,500 hours)

Supervised by Teresia Hazen, MEd, HTR, QMHP)

Registered Horticultural Therapist | 2013-present

American Horticultural Therapy Association

Are you a therapist?

Curious about offering outdoor therapy?

If you’re a professional interested in learning about bringing your practice outdoors or someone wanting guidance on the path to becoming a nature-based therapist, we should meet!

I love supporting other healers who want to make the world a better place without compromising themselves in the process.

I offer hour long consultation sessions for $100. Let’s walk in the park or grab coffee and connect.