Ms. Donna M. Strauss-Russo, LCSW

Wonderful therapist , great with teens

(The date of service is approximate because unfortunately I can't find the exact date I was there in my files.) 

I really wanted to like Donna's methods because they seemed fresher and different from therapists I'd had in the past. However, I had to stop seeing her after only 3 sessions or so for a number of reasons. She actually was reading her texts and nodding while I was talking during part of one session. I was appalled. She also seemed more concerned about fitting me into using the methods she developed, rather than trying to get to know me and determine what would work for me. She didn't seem very interested in trying to gain my trust, telling me "You're just not being honest with yourself" in a harsh way some time within the first 3 session. Maybe I wasn't... but sometimes people just aren't aware of themselves, and that is why they go to therapists. I didn't need her to make me feel like I was lying to her and myself when that wasn't my intention, but that was how she made me feel. The tipping point was when I texted her asking for suggested books on a topic that might help me at least get to a point where I could have a productive conversation during sessions with her. I asked for reading material that would help me figure out how to fit in better with the rest of the world, while still embracing my idiosyncrasies that I love about myself. She suggested books about personality disorders. I was insulted. It might be easy for someone to think I just didn't like the sessions because it was forcing me to admit things I didn't want to know about myself. Not true. I had a much better experience with another therapist I saw off and on for over a year after Donna, who made me think about and admit a lot of tough information about myself. Maybe I'm just the wrong patient for her, but I got the feeling she just didn't care to help me at all.