Siobhan Bell
Director of Wellness & Mental Health:
Siobhan Bell, DNP, MN, BScN (Hons), RN Psychotherapist
The Story
Leading the clinical vision at Mind Forge is Siobhan Bell, a seasoned healthcare leader with nearly two decades of experience navigating the complexities of mental health and therapeutic support. Siobhan’s professional perspective was forged in the highest-intensity environments of the medical field, having served as a Critical Care Nurse, a Forensic Nurse Examiner for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, and a Nurse Psychotherapist. These foundational roles provided her with a masterclass in human resilience, shaping a clinical approach that is as compassionate as it is rigorous. At Mind Forge, she ensures that every program is rooted in a trauma-informed framework that prioritizes the unified well-being of the mind and body.
A Personal Mission for Neuro-Allied Play Beyond her clinical accolades, Siobhan brings the invaluable perspective of lived experience. As a neurodivergent individual and a mother to two neurodivergent children, she has spent the last 15 years navigating the often-difficult balance between formal psychotherapy and the essential need for joy. She recognizes that for many, traditional "office-bound" therapy can lack the engagement necessary for true growth. This personal journey is the heartbeat of her work at Mind Forge, where she advocates for "neuro-allied" play-based learning, a space where evidence-based support meets the transformative power of a gaming table.
Siobhan is the visionary behind Heart & Mind Hub. Her practice is built on a client-first philosophy, blending specialized therapeutic modalities with a deeply personalized touch that honours the specific path of every adventurer. By leading the clinical side of this collaborative mission, Siobhan ensures that our workshops are more than just games; they are professionally supervised environments designed to foster healing, social connection, and lifelong resilience.
Clinical FAQ
What exactly is a Nurse Psychotherapist?
A Nurse Psychotherapist is a unique health professional who bridges the gap between medical nursing and psychological therapy. Siobhan Bell, our Director of Clinical Oversight, is both a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This dual background allows her to view participant wellness through a holistic lens, acknowledging the deep interconnectedness between physical health, mental resilience, and emotional well-being.
How does Siobhan oversee the Mind Forge facilitators?
As a Director for Mind Forge, Siobhan spearheads the clinical framework that guides our mentors and facilitators. She ensures that all staff are trained in trauma-informed care and neuro-allied communication strategies. While our facilitators lead the "quests," Siobhan provides the high-level clinical design and ongoing oversight to ensure that every session remains a safe, therapeutic "social laboratory" for our participants.
What does "Trauma-Informed" play look like in practice?
Drawing from nearly two decades of experience in high-intensity healthcare including critical care and forensic nursing, Siobhan has built a framework that prioritizes psychological safety above all else. In practice, this means we avoid "forced" social interactions, respect individual emotional boundaries, and empower children to engage at their own pace. We create a sanctuary where every child feels seen and understood, rather than pressured to perform.
Are Mind Forge programs eligible for OAP (Ontario Autism Program) funding?
Yes. Because our programs are overseen by a Regulated Health Professional (RP) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), they are designed to meet the criteria for Core Clinical Services funding. Siobhan’s role as a Director ensures that the necessary intake, goal-setting, and documentation are handled with the clinical rigor required for government funding and insurance purposes.
How do you balance evidence-based therapy with gaming?
This balance has been Siobhan’s professional and personal focus for over 15 years. We blend proven modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) into the narrative flow of the game. Instead of a clinical office, our "clinic" is the gaming table, where social skills, emotional regulation, and executive functioning are practiced in real-time through immersive storytelling.