Nadine Russo, LMFT

Big emotions don’t mean something is “wrong.” They’re a signal that your child—and your family—needs support.

Your child is struggling with intense emotions, behavioral challenges, and difficulty with emotion regulation. You see them having trouble navigating school and social relationships. It feels like you’re constantly reacting—trying to calm meltdowns, manage transitions, and help your child cope—while quietly wondering if you’re doing enough or doing it “right.”

It’s exhausting. And it can feel incredibly isolating.

What you want most is for your child to feel safe, understood, and more in control—and for you, as a parent, to feel confident and steady instead of overwhelmed and second-guessing yourself.

Deep down, what you really want is for your child to feel calm, confident, and understood—and for you as a parent to feel supported and hopeful.

I CAN HELP.

I specialize in working with children, teens, and their families—especially when big emotions, neurodiversity, anxiety, or school-related stress are impacting daily life. I love working with families early, when patterns are still flexible and hope is very real. I’m not just helping one person cope—I’m helping the whole system shift.

Families often come to me feeling stuck in survival mode. Over time, therapy becomes a space where things feel more manageable. Children begin to feel safer in their bodies and emotions, with fewer meltdowns or shutdowns. Parents move from fear and self-doubt to confidence, clarity, and connection.

My Approach

With children, my work is playful, curious, and attuned. I use therapeutic play, creativity, and gentle structure to meet kids where they are and help them feel safe enough to show me who they really are.

With teens and young adults, my approach becomes more collaborative and insight-focused. I help them navigate anxiety, school stress, relationships, and identity with practical coping tools and honest, supportive conversation—so they feel more grounded, confident, and in control.

With parents and caregivers, I offer support, perspective, and practical strategies—so you’re not carrying this alone.

I draw from evidence-based and family-centered approaches, including:

  • Therapeutic Play

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Family Therapy

My background includes extensive experience in school-based work, outpatient child therapy, and supporting children on the autism spectrum, which allows me to collaborate thoughtfully with families around school, home, and emotional needs.

You don’t have to do this alone. Call (860) 255-4017 today for a free 15-minute consultation, and together we’ll find the strategies and support your family needs to thrive.

I support…

Children (ages 3–12)

I help children who are navigating anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, ADHD, autism spectrum differences, trauma, or social difficulties. Therapy is engaging, developmentally appropriate, and focused on helping children feel safer, calmer, and more confident.

Teens & Young Adults

I support teens and young adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, school stress, identity development, or big life transitions—helping them build coping skills, emotional awareness, and resilience.

Parents, Caregivers & Families

I help parents and caregivers move from overwhelm to confidence by strengthening communication, understanding their child’s needs, and creating calmer, more connected family dynamics.

Availability & Locations

I offer sessions in our Avon and Farmington offices, as well as telehealth counseling for clients across Connecticut. I have after-school, evening, and weekend availability, making therapy more accessible for busy families.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Credentials:

  • CT Licensed Marital & Family Therapist (LMFT) (License #3322)

  • 20+ years supporting children, teens, and families

  • Extensive school-based clinical experience (therapeutic schools/programs)

  • Experience with autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, depression

  • Skilled in IEPs, behavior plans, and school collaboration

  • Trained in crisis support and risk/safety assessment

  • Utilize Therapeutic Play, CBT, DBT-informed skills, Solution-Focused, TF-CBT, Family Therapy