Ruth Burnett

After a childhood in which I moved country every couple of years, followed by many years working in Africa and Asia, I moved to Edinburgh, and went back to university.  I had always been interested in child psychology, and finally had the chance to focus on working with children and young people. 

 In my previous career, I often worked for long periods of time in areas of conflict, or crisis. I was deeply affected by what I witnessed; the trauma suffered by young people in these places. However, I was also interested their resilience, and in how different cultures address child and adolescent mental health.  

Wherever they grow up, whatever kind of childhood they have, young people may face complex situations at any age and stage.  They sometimes need help processing these challenges, and studies show that therapy can be hugely beneficial.  

For some, it helps to have someone independent with whom to talk through things that are making them sad or angry. Talking, play/art therapy can help children understand and make sense out of distressing events or complicated emotions.  

Over the past six years, I have completed over 850 hours of 1-1 child/adolescent psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy.  My approach is integrative; I use talking, art/play therapies, depending on what best suits the client.  I've worked with young people with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, attachment disorders, OCD, anger, bereavement, drug and alcohol abuse in the family, domestic violence - and more.  

I truly love this work, and have been able to see the positive impact therapy can have on a young person time and time again.