empowering
approach
About Ann Russo
Ann Russo combines her MA in Theology with a passion for social justice to provide transformative training and consulting on sexuality, spirituality, and inclusive care.
- Expertise in religious trauma, queer identity, non-monogamy, sexual empowerment, and inclusive mental health.
- Founder & Clinical Director of AMR Therapy.
- Empowers mental health providers through education, consulting, and training in affirming, trauma-informed care.
- Champions inclusive, culturally responsive practices to transform mental health and wellness spaces.
Partnering for Education, Advocacy & Healing in Inclusive Mental Health
Now Accepting Bookings for:
Tune In with Ann Russo
Podcast: Empowerment & Healing
Spirit Talk Show – Bedtime Stories for Grown Ups
From Ann’s early questions about faith and identity to the Religious Trauma Treatment Model. A conversation on how faith communities can both wound and restore, and what it means to
Tune In with Ann Russo
Podcast: Empowerment & Healing
Fun With Sex Podcast
Religious trauma, and how unpacking shame connects to identities like ethical non-monogamy, queer, and sex positive. A conversation about Ann’s experience as an author and therapist.
Tune In with Ann Russo
Podcast: Empowerment & Healing
Can’t Host: Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men’s Sex and Relationships
How shame, rejection, and religious conditioning shape the mental health of queer people, and why it can be hard to find a therapist who feels safe and affirming. Includes liberation
Tune In with Ann Russo
Podcast: Empowerment & Healing
The P***y Centered Living Podcast
How religious stories about women’s sexuality, from the Virgin Mary to Mary Magdalene, still shape bodies, relationships, and mental health, even for people who were not raised religious. Also covers
Tune In with Ann Russo
Podcast: Empowerment & Healing
The Awakening Podcast
From a non-believing queer household, to choosing faith, to being rejected by it, to seminary and the creation of the Religious Trauma Treatment Model. A conversation on what religious trauma
Tune In with Ann Russo
Podcast: Empowerment & Healing
Where Do We Go From Here?
Growing up in a queer household, exploring Christian theology, and working in religious trauma therapy. A conversation on how religious shame and purity culture shape sexuality and self-worth, why autonomy
Testimonial
What Others Are Saying
“Ann embodies trust, compassion, and understanding, and has guided me with wisdom and sensitivity not only towards clients but also towards my own growth. Her openness to feedback and collaboration fosters a nurturing environment for learning and development.”
Tammy N.
Grassroots Organizer
Ann is all the things you want in a good therapist—empathetic, supportive, empowering, an excellent communicator, authentic, personable, and non-judgmental. She’s also whip-smart and has a delightful personality. “
Thom D.
Founder and CEO
“My partner and I found Ann’s practice online. After our initial intake, she decided she wanted to take us on as clients instead of referring us elsewhere. We valued her dedication to helping us. We’ve been in therapy for a few months and our communication has grown tremendously. We’re looking forward to continuing our couples’ journey with Ann’s support.
AP and Benton R.
Director and Analyst
“Ann helped me when I was navigating tough transitions in my career and my personal life in my early 30s. With her knowledge of the various systems in our culture and society and her support, she helped me gain the confidence I needed to create a life true to me. Ann is clear in her communications, and generous with her knowledge.”
James K.
Social Worker
“Ann is an outstanding therapist, bar none. I have a chronic condition and have been seeing Ann since 2015. When she established her private practice, I opted to pay out of pocket to keep her as my therapist. Now that’s a testimonial! “
Emily O.
CEO
“Ann is wonderful! Our sessions provided stability for me during some of the most turbulent times of my life. Ann always showed up with compassion and created a space free of judgment where I felt safe and supported to work through challenging issues. Ann’s communication was clear and direct while always being kind. Thank you for everything, Ann!”
Liza P.
Researcher
Blog
Discover New Perspectives
“Do I have to be perfect before you’ll stop looking?” She said it without tears. She had left the church
That’s what a lifestyle club felt like to me. Eventually. I grew up in a polyamorous household. I’m a sexually
The First Time I Lost a Client I remember the first time I lost a client. It was about ten
The week I signed my book contract on religious trauma, she died. For months afterward, the manuscript and the grief
Most people still do not understand what freeze looks like. And that ignorance is harming survivors. I am exhausted by
This week a federal directive signals the removal of queer people from federal language and presence. Again. We are erased