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.

Tearing Down Statues: The Height of Self-Centered Thinking

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

Our youth have decided that various memorials to past events are offensive and are demanding that they be torn down. Nothing new – the Soviets did it in their attempt to re-write the past. Now American youth are doing it. … Continue reading →

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A Bourgeois Prejudice: Thoughts on Tattoos and How They May be Killing You

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

I don’t have any tattoos. You can check if you want 🙂 First of all, they cost money, don’t they? Secondly, I cringe at sight of them; seriously, and when I see one, I default to a projection of uncleanliness. … Continue reading →

Posted in General Musings, People (in general), State of the Nation | 2 Comments

Learning is Supposed to Feel Uncomfortable

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

It is said (and I say it, often) that therapists, mentors and coaches “disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” I couldn’t agree more! Peter Bregman – a coach – describes his experiences in a recent workshop: The process our … Continue reading →

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Switch to a Dumb Phone and Get Smart(er)

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

As many of my readers know, I don’t allow the use of technology in my classrooms. This includes smartphones, tablets, computers … whatever.  Instead, I encourage them to listen to me and to their fellow students as we digest important … Continue reading →

Posted in General Musings | 2 Comments

Russo’s Alphabet Relationship Theory

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

In my work as a life coach, and occasionally in my work as an executive coach, I am asked, “what kind of relationship should I strive for?” My reaction is usually, “wait, what?” But then I remember that relationship health … Continue reading →

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Go Forth and Fail

Posted on July 13, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

In my classes, usually on the first day, I acquaint students with one of “Dr Russo’s Maxims” – that, as freshmen, “you won’t necessarily know what you are doing, but go forth and fail anyway. I cannot know that you … Continue reading →

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Validation

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

Years ago, while pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology, a class I was in was shown a delightful little movie entitled “Validation.” I recommend watching it before continuing with this (rather long) blog post about what it takes to … Continue reading →

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Relax, at least you’re an American

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

Sometimes, the advent of July 4th gets me down. I am traveling on university business and as I sit in a hotel room in the middle of Germany – itself the epicenter of once-fanatical and now renewed nationalism – I … Continue reading →

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Please Delete Facebook – And Here’s Another Reason Why

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

My regular readers know that for several years now I have recommended quitting Facebook. In my doctoral research, I came to read dozens of studies about how this social media site was contributing to a rise in depression diagnoses, an … Continue reading →

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Resilience in the Face of Harsh Criticism – Here’s a CURE

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Dr Joseph Russo

Most of us have been “gobsmacked” at some point in our life. Learning how to deal with it is crucial I love that word – gobsmacked. I learned it whilst living in Australia a few years back. Basically, it means … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Counseling Concepts, General Musings, People (in general), People in general | 2 Comments