Elizabeth G. Russell, LCSW

02/07/2026

Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means your nervous system is activated. These small shifts can help bring it back down 🤍
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01/27/2026

I am holding deep grief, anger, and concern in response to the recent tragedies in Minnesota and the harm experienced by individuals, families, and communities. Violence — especially when tied to systems of power, enforcement, and injustice — does not occur in a vacuum. It leaves lasting psychological wounds and reinforces fear, trauma, and mistrust, particularly for communities who are already marginalized.

As a therapist, I want to say this clearly: the distress you may be feeling right now is not a personal failure — it is a human response to systemic harm. Anxiety, rage, numbness, sorrow, hypervigilance, and exhaustion are all understandable reactions when safety, dignity, and human life are violated.

Mental health cannot be separated from social conditions. Trauma is shaped not only by individual experiences, but by policies, violence, racism, and the ongoing threat of harm. Healing must include truth-telling, accountability, and collective care — not silence or minimization.

you are feeling activated or retraumatized by what you’re witnessing:
• Your feelings make sense
• You are not “too sensitive”
• You are allowed to rest and resist
• You deserve support while you show up for justice
For those protesting, organizing, grieving publicly, or supporting loved ones — your actions matter. Community care ismental health care. Please remember that rest, boundaries, hydration, grounding, and connection are not indulgences; they are necessary for sustainable resistance.

As a therapist, I stand for safety, dignity, and liberation-focused healing. I stand against violence, dehumanization, and systems that harm under the guise of protection. And I stand with those calling for accountability, justice, and change.
You do not have to carry this alone.

With solidarity and care,
Liz Russell, LCSW

11/22/2025

So many of us are feeling anxious right now. 😬Anxiety can trigger thoughts and feelings that are SO uncomfortable. 😣 Our tendency is to try to avoid situations that make us anxious. We even try to push our thoughts away (which rarely works) 😓 Instead of avoiding, pushing away, or trying to stop the anxiety, we can practice sitting with the discomfort and uncertainty instead of running from it. And if we can have the courage to sit with it and realize we can tolerate it, that is so empowering! 💪🏼 Will you have the courage to sit with the uncertainty today?

10/21/2024

One of my favorite ways of helping people reach their goals is to help them make changes to their behavior. 🙌🏻

It can be so challenging to stop those not so healthy habits, and start (and stick with) healthier ones. 🤔

Luckily for us, there is numerous research on the most effective strategies for behavior change because we KNOW how habits form. 💡

Even if you already know these strategies (which are no secret), it can help so much to have someone to guide you and support you along the way. 💛

If you are struggling to make changes on your own, I’d be happy and honored to support you on your journey to success. 🙏

Links in BIO

05/19/2024

Let’s talk about stress! 😓 We all have it sometimes, even when good things are happening in our lives. 🤨 Stress can have a negative impact on our health, our weight, and of course our mental well being, and can even contribute to us developing or worsening our mental health issues. BUT- With the right tools, we can cope with it. You can read more on the blog on my website. ⭐️ Link in BIO. Thanks for reading! -

05/13/2024

🌈 Life transitions are like the chapters of our personal storybook. 📘 Whether it's the exhilarating leap into adulthood, the bittersweet goodbye to an empty nest, or the unexpected twists that catch us off guard, these moments shape who we are. 🌟
But guess what? Mental health therapy isn't just for those in crisis. It's for everyone! 🤗 Whether you're feeling stressed, navigating life changes, battling anxiety, or wrestling with shadows of depression, therapy is your ally.

So let's normalize seeking support. 🤝 Let's celebrate the courage it takes to say, "Hey, I need help." ❤Because therapy isn't about weakness; it's about resilience, growth, and self-compassion. 🌱

⭐ Comment YES below if you agree that therapy is for everyone! And remember, you're never alone on this journey. 🌈

"MentalHealthMatters

03/25/2024

I love meeting new people who are ready for hope, change, growth, and above all simply feeling better.

My schedule will be expanding in May just in time for Spring. A great time for growth and change for all of us. Are you ready?

It's super easy to book a consultation right from my Calendly page: calendly.com/believeinyourselfcounseling

Or check out my full website at: believeinyourselfcounseling.org

02/10/2024

Get a free copy of my new Self Love E-Workbook just in time for Valentine’s Day! 💓

Includes fun activities and journaling exercises designed to help you to love yourself, improve your mood and self esteem, and increase gratitude.

Can’t wait for you to check it out and give it a try. ❣️

Sign up to get your copy now: https://mailchi.mp/8a83aa020da9/free-mini-self-love-e-workbook

❣️Be your own most loving Valentine this year! 💕

Enter your email below and hit the Subscribe button.  Receive your free PDF of my Self Love E-Book! Celebrate your Valentine's Day with Self Love this year. 

02/02/2024

Are your own self doubts getting in the way of you having the life you want? You reaching your goals? You even getting started? It can be so difficult to feel motivated when our own thoughts are beating us up all the time. Sometimes all we need is somehow to truly listen. Make us feel heard and validated. And finally learn tools to help build our confidence and feel motivated, so we can feel happier with our lives 🩵 — Link to book free consult in Bio.