Deanna Russo
psychotherapy

Welcome
Whatever big feelings are coming up,
you don’t have to go through them alone.
This is a safe space to voice the hard things, explore clarity, and heal.
Services
Individuals
In individual therapy, I attune closely to your emotional experience and help you understand the feelings that are showing up—whether it’s anxiety, depression, grief, or unresolved trauma. As a trauma-informed EMDR integrative therapist, I guide you in noticing where these emotions are held in the body and how to safely process and release them. Through EMDR and mind–body strategies, we explore what these sensations are trying to communicate and support your nervous system in finding relief.
Relationships
Whether you’re in a traditional monogamous relationship, ethical non-monogamy (ENM), or a polycule, your relationship system is its own unique entity. As a therapist trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help partners strengthen connection through mutual accountability, improved communication, and deeper emotional understanding. You’ll learn how to express your needs clearly, share your emotional experience, and understand your partner’s context— even in moments of conflict or overwhelm. In couples therapy and polyamory-affirming relationship counseling, we work toward embracing differences as part of the natural rhythm of your relationship, rather than sources of disconnection. I also offer support for anyone with navigating a partner's ADHD, ASD or AuDHD.
Co-Parents
Even if your relationship with your former partner has been challenging, it’s still possible to build a collaborative foundation focused on your children’s needs. Imagine approaching your co-parenting relationship the way you would a shared leadership role—working together toward a mission that lasts a lifetime. With certifications in High-Conflict Families and Conflict Resolution, I provide co-parenting counseling that helps you navigate communication difficulties, reduce tension, and make child-centered decisions. Together, we focus on creating a cooperative environment that supports your children’s physical, emotional, and developmental wellbeing. No matter the history, effective co-parenting is achievable.
Neurodivergence
As a Certified ASD Clinical Specialist, I provide strengths-based support for parents of neurodivergent (ND) children as well as adults who have been diagnosed later in life. Together, we identify self-advocacy strategies and personalized approaches to make daily life more manageable. Life doesn’t have to feel like a constant struggle. Parenting a ND child who may require long-term support can be both deeply meaningful and emotionally demanding. Preventing caregiver burnout is essential — not a luxury. Your wellbeing directly affects your child’s. My training in CBT strategies and ADHD parenting approaches also equips you with tools to nurture emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy self-esteem in children and adolescents.


About
After earning my BA in Psychology at Rollins College, I moved to Los Angeles and worked in television for many years. I earned my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Touro University Worldwide, graduating summa cum laude. My professional journey began in the clinical setting, where I conducted groups for an intensive outpatient mental health facility.
I'm here to help anyone reclaim the keys to their kingdom, whether that be through sexual identity, neurodivergence, grief, separation, etc. Other than the previously-mentioned certifications, I also offer healing through Internal Family Systems (parts work), all in the name of radical self-acceptance. My personal experience in being both a child and parent of divorce enables me to help families with a firsthand perspective. This is also true for parenting neurodivergent children. I welcome all sexual and gender identities and make LGBTIAQ+ affirming space a priority.
But I don't do it alone...
Meet Patty
World's Best Therapy Dog
Patricia is hypoallergenic 10lb Terrier-mix, but because she's a rescue, her age is a mystery. She has a calming energy that helps to relax clients, even those with cynophobia. Patty adds levity to tense situations with her playful demeanor but has an important job keeping the discussion volume at a respectful level. When anyone raises their voice, Patty barks. Her kind alarm ensures emotionally-contained communication for those in a high-conflict dynamic.
Registered Therapy Animal # MSA-1220124


Specialties
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Anxiety
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Career navigation
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Co-dependency
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Co-parent counseling
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Creative blocks
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Depression
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Divorce
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Entertainment industry challenges
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Gender identity
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Grief/loss
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LGBTQIA+ issues
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Love addiction
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New parents
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Neurodivergence
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Parents of children with disabilities
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Perimenopause
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Spirituality
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Trauma (PTSD & C-PTSD)
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Trans-affirming & parent support

FAQ
What is your rate?
I charge $200 per fifty-minute session and offer sliding scale spots based on need mainly to members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance at this time. However, I can provide monthly superbills for those with insurance coverage for out of network providers. Please check with your insurance carrier to see if your coverage may include this option.
What is a consultation for?
During our brief consultation, we can review your therapeutic goals and discover if working together is the right fit. If we determine not to proceed, I can offer referrals for other providers.
What can I expect in our first session?
We will spend the first few minutes reviewing ethical considerations, but the rest of our time together is my opportunity to get to know you and what you would like to work on.
Are sessions in-person or remote?
I offer both in-person and remote sessions, however I only work with clients who are in the state of California at the time of the appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
To avoid being charged the full session fee, I require 24 hours notice of cancellation.
Is Patty at every session?
I cannot guarantee Patty's attendance at every session but will do my best. If you are not yet ready to work with the World's Best Therapy Dog, you can request a pause on meeting Patricia.
Do you use any artificial intelligence in your practice?
I proudly boycott A.I. in my personal and professional life. Your personal information will never enter an A.I. program.
Contact
To schedule a free consultation, please email deannarussotherapy@gmail.com
