Samantha Rutt

Many of the people who come to see me have spent years coping. They've built successful careers, cared for others, pushed through difficult situations and kept going, often without realising the toll it has taken on them. Eventually they find themselves feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, constantly on edge or wondering why they no longer feel like themselves.

I am a qualified Humanistic Counsellor with a Foundation Degree in Psychology and Criminal Behaviour. Alongside my counselling practice, I am undertaking further professional training through the School of Breath Science, exploring the relationship between breathing, physiology and the nervous system, and how these influence our response to stress and adversity.

Before becoming a counsellor, my career centred on understanding people under pressure and recognising patterns of behaviour. Today I bring that same curiosity into the counselling room, offering a warm, compassionate and non judgemental space where we can make sense of your experiences together.

I believe counselling is about more than simply talking about problems. It is about helping you understand yourself, your experiences and the patterns that have developed over time, so that change becomes possible.

My approach is grounded in Humanistic Counselling, which means our therapeutic relationship sits at the heart of the work we do together. I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to work alongside you with curiosity, honesty and compassion, helping you explore your experiences without judgement.

Alongside counselling, I draw on my knowledge of psychology, stress physiology and the nervous system, where appropriate, to help clients better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physical responses. Many people find that understanding why their body responds the way it does helps reduce self blame and creates opportunities for meaningful change.

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, trauma, emotional overwhelm and life transitions. Together we explore not only what has happened, but also how those experiences may continue to influence daily life today.

Rather than offering quick fixes, my aim is to help you develop greater awareness, self understanding and confidence, so that you can respond to life's challenges with greater flexibility and resilience.

The first session is about understanding your world before trying to change it.

Rather than jumping straight into solutions, we'll take time to build a picture of what life currently looks like for you. We'll explore what has brought you to counselling, the pressures you're carrying, how these are affecting you emotionally and physically, and what you hope will be different through our work together.

We'll also begin to explore your experiences through the lens of your nervous system, helping you understand how your thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physical responses may be connected. Many clients tell me that this first conversation helps them make sense of experiences they've struggled to explain for years.

This is also an opportunity for us to decide whether we feel we're the right fit to work together. There is no pressure or obligation to continue, and you're welcome to ask any questions about the counselling process.