PuttingFamilyFirst

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RS Portrait of Russell Silver
Online therapist

Russell Silver

Compassionate, practical counseling for families

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Credentials
LCPC
Experience
12 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Russell

Russell Silver is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with 12 years of experience. He focuses on practical help for common life struggles like stress, anxiety, addiction, career questions, and parenting. He speaks plainly and encourages questions so families can find a therapist that fits their needs and style.

He aims to remove stigma and jargon from the process. Russell helps clients sort through emotions and look at thoughts and actions in useful ways.

Background and approach

He leans on strengths and practical steps rather than only dwelling on problems. Russell has a background in hospital-based outpatient counseling across rehabilitation, mental health, and substance use. That experience shapes his work with people adjusting to life changes, new disabilities, recovery from substance use, and relationship challenges.

He also brings experience related to adoption and foster care, blended family issues, and fatherhood concerns. In sessions he combines client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral tools and solution-focused strategies. He also uses motivational interviewing and mindfulness techniques to build small, achievable changes.

Russell is trained in the Gottman Method for marriage relationship counseling and integrates that training when appropriate. He has particular experience with fertility and pregnancy concerns, caregiver stress, and process addictions such as problematic pornography or gambling. Russell lives in Illinois and uses a straightforward, strengths-based approach that aims to meet parents where they are.

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online care

Russell commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in his online practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing small behavioral changes to reduce anxiety, stress, or problematic habits. Client-centered therapy emphasizes active listening and creating a respectful space so people can make sense of their feelings and goals.

He also draws on the Gottman Method for relationship-focused work when appropriate, using research-informed exercises to improve communication and reduce conflict. Each approach offers concrete tools clients can practice between sessions, which fits well with remote work using video or messaging.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist collaborates with clients to pick methods that match their needs, preferences, and goals. That choice can shift over time as progress is made or priorities change.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy family schedules, allow follow-up through brief messages, and support ongoing work when in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals can use these options to deliver structured therapy and coach practical skills across common family and life challenges.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Russell work with?
He addresses relationship and family issues, parenting, stress and anxiety, career and life changes, addictions, and intimacy-related concerns. Additional areas include adoption and foster care, blended family issues, fertility and pregnancy matters, and process addictions.
How would you describe his therapy style?
Sessions are client-centered and down-to-earth, with a focus on strengths and practical steps. He blends cognitive behavioral techniques, solution-focused tools, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and Gottman Method ideas when relevant.
What is his professional background?
He has 12 years of experience working as a hospital-based outpatient counselor in rehabilitation, mental health, and substance use settings. That background informs work with disability adjustment, recovery, and life transitions.
Where is he licensed and based?
He holds an LCPC credential and practices in Illinois. The license is IL LCPC 180.014313.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not work with international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How do I start therapy with him and what does it cost?
To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on the therapist's availability. Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
12 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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