Whittney Russell, M.A., AMFT

Whittney’s passion for counseling began during her high school years. After experiencing stressful life events she recognized the value and need of receiving support from others who cared to listen. This encouraged her to pursue a career and overall lifestyle of caring for and sitting with others as they process their own life stories.

Whittney received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, San Diego. While she was an undergraduate, she participated in research and volunteer work through Rady’s Children’s Hospital and Alexa’s PLAYC. Her work with early education of typical developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder reinforced her appreciation for the field. After graduating she continued working in the realm of special education through the Portland Public School district. In Portland, Whittney provided medical, academic, and emotional care to a set of children looking to integrate into a general education classroom environment. Being present and uplifting was a notable foundation for these children and thus made Whittney curious to learn more about early attachment styles, so she pursued work at a facility for mothers participating in drug rehabilitation. Whittney worked alongside infants, children, and their mothers to support families in developing a stronger attachment based on safety, security, and consistency.

In the next phase of her career, Whittney pursued her master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University. Here she received her degree in clinical counseling and began her clinical training at BrightQuest Treatment Centers, a treatment facility for individuals and their families who have suffered from trauma, mood and thought disorders, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and drug-induced psychosis. Though under an alternative clinical supervisor at the time, this is where Whittney first met Joey. Together they ran group sessions and were witnesses to one another’s individual therapy work.

After Whittney graduated from her master’s degree program, she practiced under a psychiatrist, Dr. Maria Carolina Court and an Emotion-Focused Therapy specialist, Dr. Lisa Palmer Olsen. During this time, she worked with children, teens, young adults, and families to address depression, anxiety, adjustment, attention-deficit and hyperactivity, identity, and relational issues. Her passion for therapy continued to grow with each of her client encounters. She thoroughly valued this work, but after connecting with Joey and hearing about his personal journey and the progressive work that he is doing to support individuals and families during the IVF and surrogacy process, she knew this was something that she wanted to be a part of. Thus, she has decided to continue her therapy work alongside her role as a mental health professional for individuals, couples, and families pursuing IVF, surrogacy, and/or donor journeys.