Howdy! My name is Russell and I look forward to meeting you and working together! Taking the step to seek out therapy services can be the biggest hurdle to overcome, yet here you are. You made it! Even exploring options for therapy demonstrates the motivation that you have for positive change in your life. I enjoy taking a collaborative approach to working with all of my clients because you are the expert in your own life and know yourself the best. I am here as a support while you discover more about yourself. I am a LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) with the state of North Carolina. I have a background working with various ages and demographics in a variety of settings. This includes children aged 6+ to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, assisted with Intensive In-Home services for at-risk youth and their families, as well as with clients in traditional office-based environments providing outpatient therapy. My clinical expertise and the most frequent concerns that I help clients with are anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, relationship issues, family issues, and phase of life concerns. I tend to naturally gravitate toward adolescents who are struggling with navigating their lives, however, I enjoy working with all individuals regardless of age or background since life is a struggle for all of us. I tend to take a laid-back, relaxed (but professional) stance when working with clients to make the therapeutic process as welcoming and comfortable as possible!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session together, I'd like to take time to get to know you better and for you to get to know me. The first session is usually spent gathering an overview of background information and history and discussing the major concerns, or symptoms, that you may be experiencing. We will then collaborate on the best path forward to achieving your desired outcomes over the course of therapy sessions.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I generally take a varied approach when using treatment methods. I will pick and choose between treatment modalities depending on each client's needs. This might include CBT exercises, mindfulness and grounding techniques, screening tools and assessments, active listening so you can vent about your worries and be heard, a gentle challenge here and there to encourage insight into your inner workings, and ultimately a strong dose of unconditional positive regard throughout the process. Regardless of the methods and tools, I am here for you - to be a support and advocate for your overall well-being. I've got your back!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I'm a big proponent of encouraging each individual to be their biggest supporter and allowing themselves to feel self-compassion towards themselves. I'm also a big advocate for open, transparent communication as that can often facilitate understanding. I tend to ask a lot of questions to not only get to know you to a greater degree but to also promote you being able to get to know yourself better.