Dr. Russon's Approach to Relationship Therapy
I provide specialized clinical care to couples and families using empirically-supported approaches. Empirically-supported approaches are therapies that have demonstrated their effectiveness for addressing core therapeutic issues, like depression and relationship conflict. From over a decade of practicing attachment-informed therapy, I have learned that human beings are highly adaptable and have an innate capacity for change, growth, and healing. This capacity is fueled through our connections to close others in our lives. As such, the approaches I use aim to strengthen relationships as a primary method in supporting mental health and personal wellness. To learn more about my approaches to practice, please scroll down to read about attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) and emotionally-focused therapy for couples (EFT).
Attachment-Based Family Therapy
- I am a certified therapist, supervisor, and trainer in ABFT. ABFT was developed by Drs. Guy Diamond, Gary Diamond, and Suzanne Levy and has undergone rigorous testing, demonstrating its helpfulness in addressing adolescent and young adult depression, suicide, trauma, and relationship challenges. I have been practicing and studying ABFT since 2015 and have been honored to work with many families in supporting young people who are struggling.
- To learn more about ABFT, please visit the ABFT International Training Center website.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy for Couples
- I have received advanced training in emotionally-focused therapy for couples and provide EFT-informed work with my clients. EFT was developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and is one of the most successful therapies for addressing couple distress.
- To learn more about EFT, please visit the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally-Focused Therapy.
Training & Supervision
I am an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor (see my AAMFT supervisor page here: AAMFT Supervisor page) and a Person-of-the-Therapist instructor. I am also a certified trainer and supervisor in attachment-based family therapy and have received advanced clinical training in emotionally focused therapy for couples.
My approach to supervision is grounded in Harry Aponte’s person-of-the-therapist (POTT). POTT teaches service professionals to use their vulnerabilities effectively to empathize with others. After several years of training with Dr. Aponte in Philadelphia, I have developed a POTT practicum course for doctoral students and Virginia Tech and use the approach with my supervisees.