John Michael Russian

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. My background includes working with teens in intensive mental health treatment settings, and I've completed EMDR Basic Training to help individuals work through trauma and difficult life experiences. I also enjoy helping engaged couples build strong foundations for marriage through premarital counseling. Outside the office, I'm an outdoorsman who appreciates adventure, a good sense of humor, and meaningful connections with others. I bring that same genuine, down-to-earth personality into my work as a therapist.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and straightforward. I believe in creating an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself while also being challenged to grow. I'm not someone who simply sits back and nods; I engage in the conversation, ask questions, offer honest feedback, and help you explore what's keeping you stuck. I incorporate EMDR and other evidence-based approaches based on your individual needs, balancing deeper emotional work with practical strategies for everyday life. And when appropriate, I believe a little humor can go a long way.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your experiences, current challenges, and what you'd like to accomplish, but there's no expectation that you share everything right away. My style is relaxed and conversational, so you can expect genuine interaction, thoughtful questions, and a judgment-free environment. We'll also discuss what working together might look like and begin identifying goals that are meaningful to you. Most importantly, I want you to leave feeling heard, understood, and comfortable moving forward.