Rebecca Russell
Meet
Mental Health Therapist
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children and pre- teens. I am passionate about working with anxiety, OCD, issues of self-esteem, life transitions, emotion dysregulation, and chronic illness. She has received training in and utilizes CBT, ERP, SPACE, ACT, emotion regulation strategies, and behavior management.
I am excited to meet you! I grew up in Iowa City, Iowa, before moving to Madison, Wisconsin, for college. I always knew I wanted to work in a helping profession, but wasn’t initially sure whether it would be in the medical field, music therapy, or mental health. Once I decided to work in the mental health field, I majored in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After I graduated in 2015, I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for my Master's in Social Work with a concentration in medical social work. I completed my master's internship at Riley Hospital for Children and graduated in 2017.
I started my career as a school-based therapist for Kindergartners through 5th graders. It was in this setting that I truly discovered my passion for working as a therapist with children. I was inspired by the resilience that I saw in all of my students as they navigated challenging situations and emotions. I then moved to a private practice setting where I honed in on children struggling with issues related to anxiety and OCD. It has been a privilege to help children see that they can conquer their fears and live the lives they want.
​
My approach to therapy is centered on the belief that children are resilient and can use their strengths to move forward when facing challenges. I love cheering on my clients and families and celebrating their victories, no matter how big or small. You will find me to be empathetic, compassionate, collaborative, and fun. I use integrative therapy approaches and strategies, including psychoeducation, CBT, mindfulness, ACT, and emotion regulation techniques. I also utilize ERP and SPACE for clients with OCD or anxiety. I believe that children learn in a variety of ways, and I enjoy incorporating music, art, stories, or play based on what your child needs.
​
Outside of work, I love walking on the Monon Trail with my husband and my dog, Luna. I also love spending time at coffee shops, reading, watching movies, and playing the piano. I look forward to working with you and your family!