GinaMarie Russo, LMFT, LMHC, MEd, EDS

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Case Manager

Education

I am a 4-time Gator Alumni. I received my Education Specialist and Master of Education degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Florida in December of 2020. Additionally, in 2009 I graduated with my Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and my Bachelor of Arts in Special Education in 2008. I am a current PhD student in the Counselor and Counselor Education Program.

Professional Interests

I believe that there is deep and vital healing when we are part of healthy, safe, and secure relationships and in the transformative nature of self-awareness and presence. I believe in the inherent strength, worth, and dignity of every person and trust that each person has the capacity to be Self-led when they are given space to heal. I also believe that the pathway to being in healthy relationships with others requires us to be in right-relationship with ourselves. That can often look like challenging ourselves and taking real, raw, honest looks at parts of us we might feel out-of-touch or uncomfortable with.

Approach to Therapy

I am a collaborative, trauma-informed, relational, and emotionally-focused clinician. In my work, all parts of my clients are valid, welcome, and important. My goal is for my clients to always feel respected during the therapeutic process. I utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT/EFIT), and the Enneagram to help facilitate intra- and inter-personal awareness, self-acceptance, empathy, and connection.

Approach to Wellness

I believe that wellness is a holistic process and that it requires balance. Self-care, boundaries, and connection are essential components to creating wellness in our lives. The activities of wellness can look very different from person to person and also at different times in our lives. Sometimes and for some people, we may need more peace and alone-time. While at others, we may need more intentional energy and connection. Wellness is an ever-moving process of finding a balance that fits.

Other Activities

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my children, finding opportunities for play and pleasure, exploring different cities, and drinking butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.