Ruby Chong

I work integratively, with Transactional Analysis and attachment theory particularly influencing how I understand relationships and the patterns we develop through our early experiences.

I don’t see myself as the expert on your life. Instead, I see therapy as a collaborative relationship where we can become curious together about how you learned to relate to yourself and others. I take an active role in our sessions: I will listen carefully, ask questions, reflect what I notice, and at times gently challenge patterns that may be difficult to see on your own.

The relationship between us is also an important part of the work. You don’t have to be the “good client” in therapy. There may be times when you feel angry with me, disappointed, upset, or disagree with something I say. Therapy can offer a different relational experience where difficult feelings can be expressed and the relationship can still remain.

For those who learned early in life that certain feelings were unacceptable, therapy can also provide a safe enough space to reconnect with emotions that once had to be hidden or pushed away. My hope is that, through being able to experience, you can begin to relate to yourself with greater compassion and recognise that your feelings, needs and presence have worth.

Perhaps you’ve reached a point where you feel lost or find yourself wondering, “Who am I?” or “What do I actually want from my life?” In a world that moves so quickly, it can be difficult to hear your own voice amongst everything you feel you should be doing.

Therapy can be a place to slow down, listen more closely to yourself, and begin discovering what feels true to you.

I hope therapy can become a space where you begin to feel more empowered, trust yourself, and understand yourself with greater compassion.

Sometimes this means looking at your family and what happened in the past. For me, this isn’t about blaming anyone. It’s about understanding what you learned while growing up, how you learned to survive, and whether some of those patterns are still serving you today. Together, we can notice and name these patterns, bringing them into your awareness so that you have more choice in how you want to move forward.

My approach is warm, gentle and empathic, but I don’t believe therapy should only be a space where everything is simply agreed with or reassured. I hope we can build a trusting relationship where there is room for honesty, curiosity and, at times, discomfort. Sometimes being gently challenged, while knowing that someone is staying alongside you, can help you discover something new about yourself.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or online, giving us a chance to briefly discuss what brings you to therapy and whether we might be a good fit. Before our first session, I’ll ask you to complete a short intake form and questionnaire, and to read and sign our therapy agreement. This helps me understand a little more about you before we begin our work together.