About Me

I'm Ruth, an integrative therapist passionate about empowering children, young people and their families to live their best possible lives. My career with families begun in 1987 when I gained a NNEB Nursery Nursing qualification. As a nanny, childminder and nursery nurse I gained valuable knowledge and experience in child care and development. I became supervisor of a pre-school developing professional relationships with a number of agencies, together working together to support the families in our care.

After a period of time in educational settings, I became aware that there was a huge need for emotional and psychological wellbeing support and made steps to become a counsellor to help fill that gap. I have never looked back, in 2012 I gained a BA Honours Degree in Counselling at Sunderland University, initially studying Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I now work as an integrative therapist which means incorporating various counselling theories to suit the client.

Through out my own life I have faced many adversities, it was as I was navigating through one difficult period that I was supported by a counsellor who helped me to see the real me and the potential I had. At that time I was hiding in a cloud of fear. The changes I made during this period of therapy gave the confidence to do what I had always wanted, make a career to help others who may be on a similar journey. It is important to remember that no two individual will ever face the same journey, even if they are travelling together.

As a school counsellor and integral member of pastoral teams, I've gained invaluable experience helping young people navigate life's ups and downs. I'm also a parent myself, keenly aware of the pressures of modern society. Together, these experiences inform my approach, ensuring you receive compassionate, tailored support.

I am passionate about providing a safe space for individuals to explore their experiences, challenge their thought processes and belief systems and consider making changes if these are holding them back from achieving their full potential to enjoy everything life has to offer and reach for higher goals. I love to witness the sparks of joy and resilience rekindled in young and more mature minds. Nobody is too old to make changes, after all, I was nearly 40 when returning to study.

I continuously learn and research the extra familiar harms within the world and its impact on todays society, research on neuro-science and the impact of trauma on brain development. I regularly adapt my counselling skills and knowledge to remain relevant and effective. Your safety and well-being are always my top priorities.

Therapy starts with the relationship, a safe space to think, talk will come when the client is ready, I am willing to stay in the quietness if that is what the client wishes. My creative soul loves weaving fun and engaging activities into sessions, making them safe spaces to explore emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and discover alternate perspectives. I'm here to guide you with empathy, understanding, and a dash of imagination.

Whether you're a child, young person, or parent seeking support for yourself or a loved one, look no further. I'm here to empower you and build a brighter tomorrow, one step at a time. Reach out today!

Relevant Training

BA (Honours) Counselling
University of Sunderland, 2014

Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead

Female Genital Mutilation

Prevent

Lead Practitioner for Early Help Assessments

Self-Harm and Suicide Awareness

Neurodevelopment in Early Years

Child Sexual Abuse

ARFID