David Russell, Psy.D.
Author & Recovery Coach
Developer of Integrated Self-Realization — trauma-informed guidance for addiction recovery and lasting purpose.
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Psy.D.
Doctor of Psychology
Dissertation successfully defended in Clinical Psychology.
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CCDP-D
Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional – Diplomate
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
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Instructor
Specialized Law Enforcement Instructor
Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
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Recovery Coach
Recovery Coaching
Inner Pursuit of Happiness, October 2022 – Present.
My Story: The Beginning
In 1985, I began my career in Occupational Therapy, specializing in the treatment of mental illness and brain injuries. For the next 23 years, I remained dedicated to this field while advancing my education in Clinical Psychology. Life events eventually diverted my professional path, requiring me to work in several unrelated industries, including in-home healthcare, satellite installation, and HVAC, to navigate financial challenges.
In 2012, I was hired by the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections, where I provided treatment services to individuals within the justice system. It was during this time that I began developing what would become my therapeutic model, Integrated Self-Realization.
My Story: Finding My Purpose
During my time in clinical service, I was credentialed as a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional – Diplomate (CCDP-D) and held IC&RC international certification for addiction-focused mental health treatment. I was also certified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training as a Specialized Law Enforcement Instructor. At the time, I held a Master’s degree, which was the credential reflected throughout my public service career.
Following my retirement due to disability, I was able to complete and successfully defend my dissertation in Clinical Psychology. This allowed me to fulfill a long-standing goal by earning the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree.
Throughout my work, I recognized a recurring pattern: many individuals achieved sobriety, but not true recovery. Evidence-based practices were not reaching the root cause. What I found consistently was unaddressed childhood trauma and neglect, particularly among justice-involved populations. This insight became the foundation for Integrated Self-Realization, a therapeutic approach grounded in Jungian psychoanalysis and influenced by Internal Family Systems Therapy.
I wrote my books to provide practical tools for people struggling with addiction and personality disorders, especially those caught in the revolving door of the criminal justice system. Today, I remain dedicated to promoting trauma-informed care and purpose-driven recovery through holistic and innovative approaches.
My Books and Recovery Work
Explore my books designed to encourage, inspire, and help you create a happier, more meaningful life.
