Psychotherapy & Counseling

Although the terms 'psychotherapy' and 'counseling' are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between these processes.  Counseling tends to address concerns with less probing of one's past and more focus on present day situations and solutions.  It assumes one is basically healthy from a psychological standpoint and simply in need of some professional guidance.  It may involve giving direct advice to the client if necessary and is often practiced by people with diverse backgrounds, levels of training, and perspectives.

In contrast, psychotherapy is a deeper process that often delves into the factors and motives behind one's thoughts, feelings, or behavior that lead to one's present day existence.  It addresses different forms of psychopathology and areas where one may need rebuilding in order to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.  It encompasses all of the aspects of counseling but goes beyond to achieve a more fundamental transformation.  Practitioners are generally highly credentialed licensed therapists who are trained to deal with challenging problems.

Dr. Russow is experienced in providing both of these types of services and they often will be blended seamlessly into her work with clients.  The treatment process may involve individual, conjoint, or family sessions that are short-term solution-focused or long-term personal growth-oriented depending upon the needs and wishes of the particular client(s).  Sessions may be held anywhere from twice weekly for acute problems to once or twice monthly for 'tune up' discussions, with the average being one session per week.  In most cases, services provided in the office are covered by insurance.  However, this will depend upon whether or not Dr. Russow is a participating provider with the particular insurance company.

Topics addressed often include:

  • Crisis intervention
  • Adjustment & coping difficulties
  • Life transitions
  • Stress management
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bereavement
  • Grief & loss
  • Medical illness & disability
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • HIV / AIDS
  • Aging
  • Dementia
  • Death & dying
  • Relationship problems
  • Divorce
  • Self-esteem
  • Communication
  • Assertiveness training
  • Social skills building
  • Pragmatic problem-solving
  • Codependency
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Vocational / career concerns
  • LGBT issues
  • Personality disorders
  • Human sexuality
  • Phobias
  • Bipolar disorder (manic-depression)
  • ADHD (ADD)
  • Psychosis
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Psychological and neuropsychological assessment & evaluation

Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and rewarding at the end.