Rebecca Russell, MSW, LCSW
About Me
When I’m not at work, I love to go out on the Monon Trail for a walk with my fiancée and my puppy (a cockapoo named Luna) or try out a new recipe for dinner. Along with cooking, I like watching cooking/baking shows like the Great British Baking Show or Chopped. I also LOVE to watch scary movies.
I also love to read and play piano. As a kid, I took both piano and cello lessons. I would go once a week to both for an hour and work with my teacher (who I still take lessons from). We’d talk over our goals and then I’d be given things to practice at home the rest of the week. This was a great example for me of being guided through learning something new and seeing the progress I could make when I took the time to practice throughout the week. I feel this is very similar to the therapeutic process!
My Specialties
Anxiety
and related issues, including social anxiety
Self Esteem
and confidence issues, especially around fitting in
Life transitions
such as moving or making new friends
OCD and related disorders
Grief and Loss
Also comfortable with
ADHD, Chronic Illness, and Depression
A ‘Lil Bit More Info
AGES SEEN
Rebecca loves working with ages 5-13.
She loves working with clients who are anxious or have trouble with their self-esteem and don’t fit in. She really enjoys helping these kids to be confident in who they are. She loves helping them gain confidence and develop into the person that they would like to be. Rebecca also has recently discovered she really enjoys doing ERP with OCD clients.
PHILOSOPHY
Rebecca feels it is important to start with a strong foundation and create a great therapeutic relationship with kids and their families. She believes this helps kids to start building their skills and continue to make progress from there. She likes to help kids and families focus on the victories that they achieve, no matter how big or how small and to help them feel motivated to continue forward.
Q & A TIME
What is a quote or saying that has meaning to you personally?
I grew up reading and loving Harry Potter, and love this quote from it: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” I like to think about who or what are my “lights,” and how I can rely on these people, places, activities or thoughts to get through the rough times.
What excites you about working with kids?
I love the outlook and perspective that kids have on the world. They approach situations in refreshing ways and can be so creative. I also love that kids are so strong and resilient. They are amazing at facing challenges, and seeing their strength motivates me to be the best support for them that I can be. Lastly, kids are just fun! They enjoy the little things in life and I do too!!
What is your philosophy on parent involvement?
Parents are so important to the therapy process! I only spend limited time with your child each week, but you spend every day with them. Children look to their parents for guidance, and parents can be that reinforcement at home for what their children are learning. I hope to partner with parents and be a team so that we can all work together to best support them as a family.
Education & Experience
Rebecca received her undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin where she majored in Psychology. Her graduate degree is from the University of Illinois’ School of Social Work with a concentration in Health Care. Recently, she completed the training “My Grief is in Bursts” at Brooke’s Place. She loved this training and it was definitely one of her favorite trainings so far. She is excited to finish her training in ERP for OCD and hopes to specialize in this!
Master Of Social Work
from University of Illinois with a concentration in Health Care
Bachelor of Arts
In Psychology with a Certificate in European Studies
University of Wisconsin
OCD Specific Training
4 Day Intensive Workshop: Exposure and Response Therapy for OCD
SPACE (supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions)
16 week intensive with ongoing supervision with Jessica Hood, MSW, LCSW
Certified Anxiety Treatment Professional
School Based Therapist
Hospital Social Work
Intern at Riley Hospital
Additional Training
Trauma Focused CBT, My Grief is in Bursts, Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Intro to Polyvagel Theory, Positive Parenting Solutions, and Helping Anxious Kids: Anxiety Treatment for Children & Adolescent