Challis Russell

Challis Russell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationships, and life changes. She uses practical, down-to-earth conversation to help clients name what feels hard and find clearer next steps. Her tone is direct and compassionate, aimed at people who want steady support while they sort things out.

She approaches care with a whole-person view, attending to emotional, social, and physical needs rather than only symptoms. Challis listens first, then works with each person to set realistic goals. She blends client-centered work with tools from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches to make sessions focused and useful.

Challis completed a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Johns Hopkins University and has five years of clinical experience. Her caseload has included adults and adolescents affected by anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, and immigration-related stress. She holds licences in South Carolina and North Carolina as LPC and LCMHC respectively.

In session she may use mindfulness exercises to help regulate emotions and CBT techniques to challenge unhelpful thinking. Solution-focused steps are used when clients want quick, practical changes for daily life. The goal is to leave each visit with a clear, manageable plan.

She works with a broad range of concerns including relationship and intimacy issues, addiction, ADHD, attachment and adoption-related themes, grief, self-esteem, anger, and career questions. Prospective clients who need international access can note that she accepts international clients, and sessions are offered in English.

How her approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy puts your goals and experience first. In practice this means the therapist listens closely, reflects back what she hears, and helps you choose the pace and focus. This approach is helpful for people who want someone who adapts to their priorities.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. The therapist and client identify unhelpful thinking patterns and practice concrete skills to change behavior. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and some relationship patterns.

Mindfulness work teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase focus. These skills can help with stress, emotional overwhelm, and grounding after trauma.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to find which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and will adjust over time as progress is made.

If you plan to use online therapy, confirm the session formats before booking since the biography does not list specific options. Online care can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Discuss practical needs during intake so sessions match your routine and goals.