As a trauma-focused therapist, I strongly believe that the negative cognitions we have about ourselves start with past trauma. I provide psychotherapy and EMDR therapy to those looking to resolve issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and emotional dysregulation.
Individual
My role as a couples therapist is to help couples clarify and strengthen strategies for one's abilities to navigate stress and pain in their relationships. Together, we can develop plans to deal with challenging life issues including life transitions that impact relationships, marriages, family, and professional or work situations.
Couple
Families and family relationships are complicated and sometimes overwhelming, which makes our lives complex and multi-layered. My role is to help you process and unpack these issues. Together, we can learn new ways of being and coping skills to overcome barriers influenced by our past traumas.
Family
OUR THERAPY SERVICES
How We Support You.
ABOUT US
Hi, We're Dustin & Elinah, the Founders of Clarity & Connections Therapy
Clarity & Connection Therapy provides individualized counseling that focuses on the tenets of ubuntu philosophy. The phrase 'umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu' is an African philosophical concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of human beings. It can be translated to mean 'I am because we are.' At Clarity & Connection Therapy we are a family.
Clarity & Connection Therapy
Personal Care. Professional Support.
Meet The Team
Dustin and Elinah are an interracial couple who come from completely different backgrounds racially and ethnically. Elinah has a background in psychology and social work whilst Dustin is an active military member of 22 years. Despite their differences, their unique partnership allows them to engage each other in many of the same techniques they employ with their clients.
Elinah Russell, Co-Owner/Therapist
I was born in the little town of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I was raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa and have had the best of both worlds. I had suffered loss and grief and had no idea what it all meant. We had no idea what it meant to be depressed, worried, or to use terminology like mental health. Instead, your capacity to overcome obstacles revealed your strength and resilience. Those who displayed symptoms of any mental health condition were deemed weak, "crazy," and occasionally witches (a phrase loaded with cultural ostracism). I say this to express my point of view.
As a clinician with over eight years of expertise in social work, I have worked with people from rural Africa, Europe, and the United States. In all these groups, I've learned that we can only discuss our well-being by considering the impact of culture, beliefs, values, and principles. We can validate others because validation is defined as "what is true for you." As a result, I can be sympathetic and empathetic to your situation and assist you in navigating your mental health journey. My background has taught me that for someone to comprehend my pain, as well as its expression or lack thereof, they must first understand who I am.
Dustin Russell, Co-Owner
I have served in the United States Navy for 22 years and have seen approximately 25% of the world. During my world travels I have experienced a variety of cultural elements, which have opened my eyes to the connection we all have with each other, whether it be food, song, or dance. Having a military background brings its own unique experiences and it has been helpful being in a space where I can explore worldviews and be validated. I am from Florida and growing up I was not aware of the impact of mental health on one’s life. Being married to a therapist has opened my eyes to understanding that there are more than three feelings (sad, angry, happy).
Since Elinah and I met we have shared this thought as well as our love for experiencing new cultures. We believe that understanding a person starts with foundational elements of their culture. This avenue has brought a lot of clarity to our relationship and further strengthens our connection with each other and our families. We are great supporters of the community and within this confine, we have developed an expansive tribe that supports each other. As a member of the military, I have seen the truth of this concept and the strengths of a tribe.