Dorothy Russell , LISW, LCSW

Dorothy Russell is a licensed social work clinician with seven years of professional experience who supports adults navigating stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and major life transitions. She holds LISW and LCSW credentials - LISW indicates Licensed Independent Social Worker and LCSW indicates Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and combines this clinical background with a practical, empathetic approach to help clients find clearer paths forward.

She emphasizes creating an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely and honestly. Dorothy works collaboratively with each person to identify goals, build coping skills, and develop strategies that fit their circumstances, whether addressing relationship or family challenges, caregiver stress, issues related to adoption or foster care, postpartum concerns, or feelings of emptiness and isolation.

Dorothy frames therapy as a courageous step toward a more fulfilling life and focuses on empowering clients to make sustainable changes. Her style blends evidence-informed techniques with a client-centered stance so individuals feel heard, respected, and supported as they pursue healing and practical growth.

Approaches that guide online care and progress

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their personal values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and motivation-related concerns because it emphasizes meaningful behavior change rather than getting stuck trying to eliminate every uncomfortable feeling.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the relationship and the individual’s experience, offering empathy, active listening, and validation to encourage self-exploration. This approach supports people working through identity, family, and life-purpose questions by creating space for their own insights to emerge.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through practical skills and structured strategies. It is commonly used for stress, anxiety, depression, and patterns that maintain addictions or compulsive behaviors.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dorothy collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as therapy progresses so care remains responsive and practical.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules, easier access when travel is difficult, and the ability to continue work from home or another comfortable setting. These options allow licensed professionals to provide consistent support in ways that match a client’s life and communication style.