- CBT techniques
- Client-centered work
- Narrative approaches
About Maria
Maria Russo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado with 25 years of experience. She works with adults on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship struggles, addictions, grief, parenting concerns, and anger.
Over a long career Maria combined academic training in psychology and social work with personal experience of overcoming childhood trauma. She draws on that background to help people spot patterns that keep them stuck and to build practical coping skills. Sessions focus on clear steps people can use to handle strong emotions, improve communication, or reduce harmful habits.
Her approach is straightforward and conversational. Maria uses Client-Centered work to listen and reflect, Cognitive Behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thinking, and Narrative ideas to separate a person from the problems they carry. She also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find the reasons they want change.
People meet her to work on everyday problems like workplace frustration, resentment in close relationships, parenting strain, or recurring grief. Maria pays attention to how past trauma shapes current reactions and helps clients develop alternative responses to anger and stress.
In the room she helps people identify strengths, test small changes, and practice new ways of responding. She focuses on skills such as coping strategies, problem solving, and clearer self-expression. The goal is more effective daily functioning and steadier emotional control over time.
How Maria’s approaches inform online work
Maria commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy to listen and reflect, helping people name their feelings and priorities. This approach supports people who need a clear, accepting space to talk through anger and relationship strain.She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify thinking and behavior patterns that fuel anger. CBT provides concrete tools for testing thoughts, changing reactions, and practicing new responses to triggers. Narrative Therapy is used to separate a person from their problems by rewriting the stories that keep unhealthy patterns alive; this can help with issues like shame, identity after trauma, and recurring resentment.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose approaches based on goals, needs, and personal preferences. That collaborative process may shift as practical skills are tried and results are reviewed.
Session logistics and formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. The main practical benefit of remote sessions is flexibility - they can make it easier to fit short check-ins into a busy day, reduce travel time, or choose a quieter moment for focused work. Online sessions still allow for guided exercises, cognitive skill practice, and narrative conversations that translate into changes in everyday behavior.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Colorado
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to anger?
She works with stress, anger, relationship conflict, trauma, addictions, grief, and related issues such as control and communication problems.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is conversational and practical, combining listening with hands-on tools like cognitive techniques and motivational conversation to support change.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of clinical work, drawing on an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s in social work.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCSW and CSW licensed in Colorado and practices with that credential.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to start working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.