How Maria works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW, CSW
- Licensed in
- Colorado
- Years in practice
- 25
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Maria
Maria Russo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado with 25 years of experience. She draws on a psychology undergraduate degree and a Master of Social Work to help people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and anger. Maria speaks plainly and focuses on practical steps people can use day to day.
Her approach centers on helping people move from surviving to living with more joy and authenticity. She listens first, then helps clients identify strengths and patterns that keep them stuck.
Background and approach
Sessions often include goal-setting, skills for coping with life changes, and strategies for managing strong emotions like anger or craving behaviors. Maria has long focused on the effects of childhood trauma and how early experiences shape adult responses. She combines real-world problem solving with attention to personal meaning.
That can include working through family of origin issues, relationship problems, substance use concerns, or feelings of emptiness and low self-worth. Her style is warm and direct. She encourages people to experiment with new behaviors between sessions and to notice small gains.
Motivational techniques are used when someone wants to change habits related to addiction, health, or relationships. People who connect with Maria tend to want more from life - more peace, closer relationships, and clearer direction. She supports clients in building practical coping skills, strengthening inner resources, and taking steps toward lasting change.
What Maria works with
Everything Maria lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Maria's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Coaching
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Blended family issues
- Cancer
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
Approaches Maria lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and helping the person lead the conversation. The therapist offers empathy and reflection so clients can find their own answers and build on their strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is useful for anxiety, depression, anger, and coping with life changes.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with clients about their goals and preferences and then try methods that fit. This is a collaborative process and approaches can be adapted as needs change over time.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care more flexible. Video allows face-to-face conversation; phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit into a work break. Live chat and messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, ongoing coaching, or when writing feels easier than talking. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent around a busy life.
Questions people ask about Maria
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, relationship issues, addictions, parenting concerns, and other life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm, direct, and goal-oriented. She listens closely, helps set practical goals, and uses homework between sessions.
What is her clinical background?
She holds a Master of Social Work and has 25 years of practice working with trauma, mood concerns, addiction, and family origin issues.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado and also holds the CSW credential.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.