Hi. I am an LISW in Ohio and LCSW in North Carolina and received my degree from the University of Southern California. I am a USMC veteran and am also married to an active duty service member. Much of my background is in crisis work and short-term therapy models. I love to focus on ways in which one can make adjustments to their routine and add in healthy coping skills in order to better improve their overall functioning. Solution-focused therapy is what I base most of my treatment on and the goal is for you to feel better and be able to function without support of me!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session is not going to seem super therapeutic. This session is information gathering, completing screenings, and coming up with a treatment plan and goals. While you may want to unload everything at this session, we will get as in depth as we can with the time allotted. We only have so much time to complete everything needed for the initial session and for what insurance requires as well. Follow-ups are MUCH more focused on what you want from the session and focused on interventions and techniques to begin feeling better. I do inform all my patients that the first session is not how therapy will be in the future and to expect it to feel far less therapeutic than the rest of your time with me.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I think my strengths as a provider are being able to connect with a variety of people and personalities in a short time frame, making the sessions extremely comfortable for the patient to discuss things on their mind, keeping things light-hearted at times (you will get the real and authentic me and I will laugh and be genuine in sessions), being direct even if uncomfortable to hear, and overall meeting you where YOU are at. It is not fair to expect more of you if you are not quite ready for the next steps, however, I will challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone. Change is not comfortable and not always easy- if it was, we wouldn't need therapy!

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I love working with individuals who are driven to identify their problems or struggle areas and work hard to improve their well-being. Those who are interested in finding solutions in a shorter time frames and looking ahead at life without ongoing support from a therapist are those who I have spent most of professional career working with. If you are looking for longer-term or maintenance therapy, we can chat further to see if I would be a good fit for you.

About Ashley Russell