Dorothy Russell

Dorothy Russell is a licensed social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and life changes. She aims to make the first step toward support feel manageable. Dorothy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, respectful space where clients can talk about hard feelings and begin to find clearer direction.

She frames therapy as a collaborative effort. Dorothy combines Trauma-Focused Therapy with practical methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to address distressing memories, unhelpful thinking patterns, and values-based goals. Motivational Interviewing is used when clients want help finding the momentum to change behaviors related to addiction or stuck routines.

Dorothy draws on seven years of professional experience as a licensed independent social worker (LISW) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She works to keep language simple and sessions focused on real-life steps. Expect conversations that move between understanding feelings and trying small experiments to shift day-to-day patterns.

Her additional interests include caregiver stress, family of origin concerns, grief and abandonment issues, postpartum mood changes, multicultural concerns, and navigating blended family dynamics. She pays attention to how these life contexts affect mood, motivation, and relationships.

Dorothy practices in Ohio and conducts sessions in English. She asks people to consider what they want from therapy and to bring that sense of purpose to early sessions so they can set clear, achievable goals together.

How her approaches guide online therapy

Trauma-Focused Therapy focuses on gently addressing distressing memories and reactions. It aims to help people reduce the hold of past trauma on daily life and build safety and coping skills. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, values-driven steps even when feelings are uncomfortable. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and building a trusting relationship so people feel heard and understood.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Dorothy will collaborate with each person to identify which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences. Early sessions are used to try strategies and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are set by the practice. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also let clients focus on verbal work, worksheets, and in-the-moment coaching from wherever they are during the appointment. Licensed professionals will help shape sessions so they fit into everyday life and support progress toward your goals.