Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy
About Me
Erika Russina's professional interests and clinical experience focus on relationship issues and interpersonal conflict; family and parenting challenges, work-life balance; stress, anxiety and mood management; self-concept. Erika strives to create a warm, non-judgmental environment in which clients feel understood and comfortable exploring issues, while cultivating self-awareness and coping skills to create positive change. Ms. Russina works with adults, as well as adolescents who are 18 and above. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a holistic/mind-body approach to address each client’s specific needs.
Erika Russina earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University, with an undergraduate degree in Psychology as well. Ms. Russina attained further graduate training in Counseling, Ethics and Diversity from Lindenwood University. She also received training in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy from Albert Ellis through the Albert Ellis Insitute.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Board Certified counselor. Erika's goal is to to provide people with the insight and tools to significantly improve their emotional health and overall quality of life. She offers nearly 20 years of professional experience as a counselor, working for a diverse clientele through her previous work with the Veteran's Administration, a children's treatment center, and non-profit agencies. She has been in private practice since 2004.
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Ms. Russina has published the following research in the Journal Of Clinical Psychology (Vol. 54), "The Relationship Between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Depression, Somatization, Self-Esteem and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder."
Her biography has been published in Marquis' Who's Who of American Women (22nd & 23rd Editions), as well as in Marquis' Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare (4th Edition).
Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
Anxiety
CBT is a preferred treatment for anxiety disorders.
Many people worry about everyday stressors such as school, work, family, health. Anxiety differs in that the worry becomes so significant that it impacts their school/work, family or social functioning.The person finds it difficult to control or manage the worry to the point that interferes with everyday life.
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With treatment, a person can return to their daily functioning, resolve the key issues that contribute to the anxiety, and interact with the world without excessive worry.
Parenting
Parenting can produce challenges for many families. Whether there is divorce, a behavioral issue, family stress, or struggles with school, therapy can help to provide tools for parents and families to resolve problems, to co-parent effectively, and to improve overall family relationships.
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that can impact your feelings, thoughts, relationships with other people, and even your day-to-day functioning. It is much more common than many people realize, affecting approximately 18 million Americans every year.
Stress
While stress is part of our everyday lives, it can become unhealthy when people aren't managing it well. Excessive amounts of stress can lead to relationship difficulties, health issues, trouble sleeping, job issues, and more. Psychotherapy can help people learn strategies for dealing with stressors (CBT, mindfulness, relaxation, exercise, etc.), to find a better life balance, and to function in a more proactive manner.
Relationships
Sometimes relationships with family, significant others, co-workers, can be difficult to navigate. CBT can help people to understand their role in relationship conflict. With this understanding, they can learn to accept responsibility and make changes in the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that contribute to the conflict.
Adolescent Therapy
The Adolescent years can be confusing and difficult for parents as well as teens. If you have concerns that your teen's mood changes, social relationships, family relationships and overall functioning don't seem healthy, it's a good idea to reach out to a professional. Most teens will benefit from having someone with whom to discuss the difficulties they face as they navigate the path to adulthood.