I have been dedicated to the field of social work since the age of 18, and long before that, I knew I wanted to become a therapist. My personal experience with therapy, where I felt alienated and misunderstood by a counselor who lacked lived experience with mental health struggles, deeply impacted me. This experience fueled my passion for this work and strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. I feel privileged every day to support individuals through their unique journeys, offering understanding and guidance as they navigate life’s challenges.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our initial visit, my primary focus will be to gain a holistic understanding of who you are. I recognize that intake appointments can sometimes feel impersonal, so I strive to engage with you right from the start and begin building rapport to help alleviate that feeling. To make the most of our time together, I will send you an intake assessment ahead of our session, allowing me to gather some background information before we meet. Typically, the first visit will last about an hour, and I encourage you to share as much as you're comfortable with. I understand that it takes time to feel fully at ease, especially with someone new, and I respect that process. As an open and welcoming person, I aim to create a warm and supportive environment, so I hope you'll feel comfortable and supported throughout our work together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Social work and social welfare have been passions of mine from a young age. Having personally navigated struggles, I remain deeply committed to continuous learning and growth, always seeking to expand my knowledge and enhance my skills to better serve my clients. This ongoing development allows me to reach and support a wider range of individuals. In our sessions, I strive to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where we can connect, share moments of laughter, and build a positive therapeutic relationship. While we focus on developing the skills necessary for you to thrive, my goal is to make therapy a comfortable, engaging, and ultimately rewarding experience—one that you look forward to rather than dread.
About Dayna Russo
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
I have been utilizing EMDR as a treatment modality for nearly six years. While I primarily employ this approach to assist clients in processing and healing from trauma, I also integrate various elements of EMDR to address a wide range of concerns across different therapeutic contexts.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the majority of my clients due to its broad applicability in helping individuals modify maladaptive thought patterns. CBT is highly effective and can assist most individuals in regaining control over their thinking, ultimately fostering greater mental well-being and resilience.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a valuable tool for promoting emotional regulation, enhancing distress tolerance, and developing interpersonal skills. In particular, I find that mindfulness and radical acceptance are two of the most impactful skills individuals can cultivate to improve their overall well-being and coping abilities.