Ruth Williams

Monday-Friday 9.30 am -5 pm

Evenings online/phone by arrangement 

Hello! Thanks for checking out my profile. Each person and situation is unique, so naturally, ideas about what may be helpful vary. I hold a pluralistic perspective which means I believe one type of support doesn't fit all, so I collaborate with you to consider your hopes and needs from sessions, along with your preferences and characteristics when deciding what we'll do and how we'll approach things. My training included person-centred, psychodynamic, gestalt, psychoeducational (CBT, TA) and creative approaches. I draw upon these learnings to weave a supportive working relationship with you.

I completed counselling training in 2018, and my experience includes working with adults in a GP's surgery, older people's residential care, bereavement charity, employee assistance and private practice contexts. I enjoy working indoors and outdoors, respecting that different environments may support and challenge us in different ways at different times.

With a career background in education and psychology, I also have knowledge and continuing interest in neurodiversity and human differences that impact development, identity, achievement, social disadvantage and mental well-being over the life-span. 

I offer options for long and short-term therapy according to the issues you bring to the process, the pace and depth that suits you, and what you can commit to.

I’ll relate to you in an authentic, personable way, supporting you with empathy and acceptance as you explore yourself, your situation, needs and hopes to grow towards a greater sense of well-being and fulfilment in your life.

I’ll hold a respected and resourceful space for you to connect with your thoughts, feelings, and experiences whether that’s over the phone, online, in a comfortable garden room, a community-based therapy room or out in nature.

I appreciate that sometimes words escape us, so I invite use of other spaces like a sketch pad, a journal, a sand or clay tray, or the natural environment to reflect on things actively and creatively. Movement, music, materials, objects and images can bridge the gap between complex feelings and words, whilst the process and experience of interacting with them engages the body and brain differently to discussion.

I encourage curiosity, self-care, self-compassion and connection within yourself and with the world around you, opening new perspectives and preparing you for life’s landscapes and weather.

It's important to feel you can relate to your counsellor and that you get a real sense they can help you towards what you hope for from therapy. So, our first session is about getting to know one another, and gives us a chance to consider together whether we're a good enough 'fit' for your purposes. Your first session is free of charge.

It's not unusual to feel apprehensive about your first session. For many of us, reaching out for a bit of support can feel daunting, and it may be the first step toward making a real difference in your life. I welcome you, whatever feelings you may have, and value your presence and interest in what counselling might hold for you. If there are particular physical, communication or sensory needs you have that might affect our work together, please let me know so that I can do my best to help you access my service, feel safe and comfortable.

When we meet, I'll ask you to tell me a little bit about yourself including; your preferences, strengths, interests, your well-being and day-to-day routines, and the significant people in your life. I'll ask, 'in a nutshell,' what brings you to counselling, what you hope for from it, and discuss the ways we might work together that would be best for you.

If we agree that more work together is appropriate, I'll send you a written contract to sign clarifying our expectations of one another, and schedule how many sessions you want and when. Further sessions can be paid upfront, or by bank transfer prior to each session.

It may become clear in the first session that working with me isn't suitable for you or that another type of support would be better. If so, I’ll support you to access what you need elsewhere.

To make an enquiry, please use the text box to the left or email and I will reply as soon as I can. To make an appointment, please email, phone or leave a message on my voicemail with your first name, phone number and when you are available for a brief callback to arrange a time.