Author Archives: Dr Joseph Russo

About Dr Joseph Russo

Born and raised in Woodland Hills, California; now residing in Laramie, Wyoming (or "Laradise" as we call it, for good reason), with my wife Cindy, our little schnauzer, Macy Mae, and a cat named Markie. I hold a BBA from Cal State Northridge and an MBA from the University of Nevada at Reno. My first career was in business, for some 25+ years. In 2007, I shifted gears and entered the helping professions as a mental health counselor. I earned an MA in Educational Psychology and a Doctorate (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision. In my spare time I enjoy mentoring young and not-so-young business and non-profit executives as they go about growing their businesses and presence. I also teach part-time at the University of Wyoming, in both the Colleges of Education and Business.

Therapeutic Journaling

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Dr Joseph Russo

I have kept journals over the years. At times, I called them My Management Journal, then later, My Daily Record of Events. My inspiration was no less than good old Benjamin Franklin who maintained what he called his Virtues: Daily … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Blogging, Business, Counseling Concepts, Depression, Positive Mental Attitude | Comments Off on Therapeutic Journaling

Fix the Problem

Posted on January 24, 2024 by Dr Joseph Russo

Often, we find ourselves in a mess. We’ve had a bad breakup, lost a job, been reprimanded by a boss, received a poor grade on an assignment, or … whatever. As I work in my practice as a life coach … Continue reading →

Posted in General Musings | Comments Off on Fix the Problem

Your Relationship Just Ended – Now What?

Posted on January 4, 2024 by Dr Joseph Russo

          In my work as a therapist and as a Life Coach (more the latter), I work with clients suffering through unsatisfying or deteriorating (or broken) relationships. My own belief is that much of the tumult … Continue reading →

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Organize a Mastermind Group: Surrounding Ourselves with Life-Givers, not Life-Suckers

Posted on October 21, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

This is adapted from Living for Monday, a neat little blog should you ever have occasion to want to, well, live for Mondays. Plus, it was taken from my learnings as a TEC Chair in South Australia, for which I owe … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging, Business, General Musings | Comments Off on Organize a Mastermind Group: Surrounding Ourselves with Life-Givers, not Life-Suckers

Assertiveness – a Primer

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

One of the downsides to being an Introvert was, for me, an inability to assert myself. I stumbled for words, which only reinforced the idea that I couldn’t do it. Or I wasn’t confident enough in my position or convicted … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Assertiveness, Counseling Concepts, General Musings, Positive Mental Attitude, Victimhood | Comments Off on Assertiveness – a Primer

Individuation – Separating from Our Parents

Posted on September 3, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

I begin this post with a quote from Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, in which he summarizes the reasons for, and the process of, separating from our parents: The infant is dependent on his parents for almost everything he … Continue reading →

Posted in Counseling Concepts, General Musings, Helicopter Parenting, People (in general), People in general | Comments Off on Individuation – Separating from Our Parents

Small Talk – the Essential Lubricant

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

        Small Talk – those polite conversations about unimportant or uncontroversial matters, especially as engaged in on social occasions. Yuck. Talking about unimportant matters? WHO DOES THAT? Why waste my time? Well, it turns out that those … Continue reading →

Posted in General Musings | Comments Off on Small Talk – the Essential Lubricant

My Organization System – Papered and Paperless

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

I spent some time this morning with a friend. He’d recently purchased a new iPad and wanted to move toward the idea of a “paperless office.” Or, perhaps more generally, a “paperless life.” He asked about what I do in … Continue reading →

Posted in General Musings, Paperless Movement | 2 Comments

Dr Russo’s Review of Cognitive Distortions: How to Think like a Mature Adult

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

          In my practice, as I am sure other therapists do, I have treated many clients who present with clinically significant distress that, if not wholly based on distortive thinking, is largely the result of so-called … Continue reading →

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Ten Good Reasons to Carry a Paper Notebook

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Dr Joseph Russo

I am harping these days on the carrying of some sort of notebook with you at all times. I can tell you this: Every single one of the great leaders I have worked for, people for whom technology was a wonderful tool, … Continue reading →

Posted in General Musings | 1 Comment