Amanda Russell

Dr. Russell completed her M.S in Clinical Mental Health in 2011 at the University of Memphis and completed requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider in 2014. She returned to the University of Memphis to complete her Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision and graduated in 2020. Dr. Russell began her career working as a Counselor at a non-profit Residential Treatment Center for women who were diagnosed with substance use disorders and other co-occurring disorders. It was there that she discovered a passion for working with individuals who have limited access to resources. She went on to develop the Intensive Outpatient Program at this organization and became the Primary Counselor for the women who completed residential treatment and were living at a Halfway House. Dr. Russell then began working at a non-profit family counseling center as a family counselor. She moved up in that organization to become the Director of Strategic Planning for Offender Services and eventually became the Clinical Operations Director.

Dr. Russell specializes in intimate partner relationship issues, family relationship issues, grief, anxiety, trauma, anger and aggression, substance use disorders, and depression. Dr. Russell has extensive experience conducting risk and needs assessments, counseling individuals and families dealing with a vast array of treatment concerns, and facilitating treatment programming for men who have committed intimate partner violence. Additionally, she has experience with program development, program evaluation, and organizational strategic planning.

While working as the Clinical Operations Director at a non-profit family counseling practice, Dr. Russell realized that supervising and teaching assessment skills to Masters level counseling interns were some of the most fulfilling aspects of her position. Dr. Russell’s passion for teaching lies in the opportunity to help novice counselors build their confidence, skills, and understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of human behavior so that they can have a positive influence on so many more individuals than she could on her own. Dr. Russell enjoys giving upcoming clinicians detailed and supportive feedback to assist in their growth. Dr. Russell believes that as an instructor, she can help her students be successful by creating a safe place for critical thinking, expressing ideas, and assimilating new information; allowing opportunities for experiential learning; and providing clear expectations and learning goals for students. Dr. Russell has experience teaching courses such as Pre-Practicum in Counseling, Principles of Group Counseling,

Assessment in Counseling, Neuroscience: Bridging Brain and Behavior, and Internship II.

Dr. Russell’s research interests include most issues related to family dynamics, and specifically issues related to Intimate Partner Violence. She has a history of providing service to her Department and the community. She previously served as the CFA for Beta Phi chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. Additionally, she previously served as the Vice President of the Memphis and Shelby County Domestic and Sexual Violence Council.