Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Russell MS, LPC-S, CEDS-C, EMDR Trained.
Hi Whitney, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been interested in exploring how people relate to their bodies. Early on in my college days I loved learning about kinesiology, anatomy & physiology, eating disorders, nervous system activation, fitness, body dysmorphia, nutrition…I found all of it very fascinating. So early in my career when I got the opportunity to work at an eating disorder treatment center, I jumped on it! To make a long story short, that was the catalyst that got me where I am today. Through my 15+ years of experience helping others heal their relationship with food, I discovered that the relationship with our bodies is the foundation for how we interact with and experience the world. Now, in my private practice, I help client’s learn more about their own bodies so that they can establish a compassionate, aware, and transformational relationship with themselves. I have found that this type of approach helps my clients find healing from addiction, body image issues, trauma, chronic pain, emotion dysregulation, relational conflict, and more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think my biggest struggle, which has shown up at different times throughout my career, has been imposter syndrome. Managing the anxiety and worry that I might not be good enough or that I don’t deserve a seat at the table. During one of the peaks of my experience with imposter syndrome, I did myself a big favor. I reached out to a respected colleague and scheduled some consultation sessions with her. She helped me to remember that I had all that I needed inside of me and that I just needed to get out of my own way! Now, when imposter syndrome creeps up, I try to verbalize my experience to trusted friends to help me find some resilience in the face of any shame or anxiety I may be experiencing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I founded Brave Haven Counseling back in 2019 and I was the only clinician at the practice for 5 years. Now, we are a group practice! We provide trauma-informed counseling for adolescents, adults, couples, and families throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and virtually across Texas. We specialize in eating disorders, trauma recovery, anxiety, body image concerns, relationship challenges, and personal growth. We use evidence-based approaches including EMDR and somatic-focused therapies while creating a space that feels compassionate, collaborative, and safe for every client.
We take a highly personalized and affirming approach to therapy, meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique experiences. Our practice is HAES-aligned, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and focused on treating the whole person rather than simply addressing symptoms. We also offer Walk & Talk therapy sessions, which allow clients to incorporate movement and nature into the healing process.
I am most proud of creating a safe place for clients to do daring and courageous work. Brave Haven Counseling was built to be a place where people can show up exactly as they are without judgment. Our goal is to help people reconnect with their resilience, strengthen their relationships with themselves and others, and feel hopeful about healing and growth.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I think the best word to describe me growing up is “active”. I loved to be outside, ride bikes, do craft projects, play with neighbors, and participate in team sports. I really enjoyed team sports and played all the sports offered in junior high, and went on the play for both my high school and college soccer teams. I also loved to learn, so I was very involved in school activities and academics. As a self-proclaimed nerd, I read a lot growing up and still do to this day!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bravehavencounseling.com
- Instagram: @whitneylpc
- Other: @bravehavencounseling
