Jillian Russell is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (CASDCS), and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with over 20 years of experience working in mental and behavioral health settings. She has extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient care, with a strong focus on developmental disabilities, trauma, and complex emotional needs.

Advanced Training / Certifications

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

• Infant Mental Health

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Autism-Informed Care

• Play Therapy Techniques

• Therapeutic Recreation Interventions

• Sandtray Therapy

Specialties

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Developmental Disabilities

• Learning Disorders

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD / Complex Trauma

• Grief and Loss

• Anger / Behavioral Concerns

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Conduct Disorder

• Neurodivergence

• Family and Behavioral Challenges

Jillian has a particular passion for working with neurodivergent individuals, children with developmental differences, and clients navigating trauma or complex life experiences. Her background in therapeutic recreation allows her to incorporate creative, engaging, and movement-based interventions that help clients connect, regulate emotions, and build confidence.

Approach

Strength-Based, Person-Centered Care – Jillian believes therapy should feel supportive, engaging, and individualized. She meets clients where they are and tailors treatment to their strengths, needs, and interests. Her style is warm, flexible, and interactive, often blending evidence-based therapy with creative approaches such as play, humor, social stories, music, art, games, and role-playing.

She works closely with families when appropriate and values collaboration with schools, caregivers, and other providers to support long-term growth and well-being.

More About Jillian

Jillian earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Henderson State University. She has remained committed to ongoing professional development throughout her career and enjoys integrating both clinical and recreational approaches to help clients thrive.

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys creative activities, spending time outdoors, sports, music, and finding ways to bring humor and connection into everyday life.

“We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.”