Dorothy Russell, LISW, LCSW - Therapist in Ohio

Stress and anxiety
Trauma and addiction
Values-based change

About Dorothy

Dorothy Russell is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction challenges, trauma and major life changes. She brings seven years of clinical experience and aims to make beginning therapy less overwhelming for someone taking a first step.

She creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about feelings and difficult events. Dorothy listens closely to understand what matters most to each person before suggesting ways to move forward. She focuses on practical strategies that can be used between sessions to reduce distress and build daily coping skills.

Her approach blends straightforward behavioral tools with acceptance-based work that helps people tolerate uncomfortable feelings while clarifying values and next steps. She also uses motivational methods to support change when someone feels stuck, and solution-focused techniques to set short-term goals and track progress.

Dorothy emphasizes collaboration and respects each client’s pace. She works with people from diverse backgrounds and attends to cultural factors that affect wellbeing and relationships. Her aim is to help people find clearer direction and steadier day-to-day functioning.

Clients can expect a practical, empathetic style that balances listening with concrete suggestions. Dorothy encourages questions and checks in about what is or isn’t working so therapy stays useful and relevant.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then take committed action toward what matters. It can help with anxiety, depression, and finding direction during life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing them with practical behavioral experiments to reduce symptoms and build new habits. It often helps with stress, worry, and low mood. Motivational Interviewing supports people who feel ambivalent about change by exploring values and strengthening internal motivation to move forward.

Dorothy aims to find the best fit collaboratively. She will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has worked before, then recommend which methods to try and adjust the plan together as therapy unfolds.

Confirm current session options before booking since specific formats are not listed in the profile. Online therapy can make regular meetings easier to fit into a busy work and life schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also offers flexibility for people juggling caregiving, work hours, or medical appointments. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, homework, and goal tracking to work over distance so progress continues between sessions.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Depression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stress Communication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / loneliness Life purposeMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

7+ years

Credentials

Maryland, Delaware, Ohio

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dorothy commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include caregiver stress, family of origin issues, postpartum depression, and multicultural concerns.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is collaborative and nonjudgmental. She combines listening with practical steps and short-term goals to help people manage symptoms and move toward valued changes.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has seven years of professional experience working with people facing anxiety, trauma, addiction, and related concerns.

What credentials and region are listed?

She holds LISW and LCSW credentials and practices in Ohio with licensure noted as OH LISW and DE LCSW in her background.

Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.

Which session formats are offered?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not list specific formats. Check the therapist’s profile or scheduling flow for up-to-date delivery methods.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Dorothy?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.