Hi, I'm Ruth

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I'm a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with 10 years experience of working therapeutically with adults, primarily within NHS mental health services. I have supported people with a wide variety of difficulties, diagnoses, and backgrounds, and am always eager to work with anyone who wishes to understand themselves better, and to try to improve how they are feeling. 

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As a clinical psychologist I can draw on a range of approaches to suit each person. One of my preferred approaches is using a model called CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy- and yes it’s pronounced like the animal!). Using CAT means we look at life and its difficulties through the lens of relationships, including our relationship with others, with ourselves, and with the wider society and world. This flexibility means there is space in CAT to bring focus to whatever parts of this are relevant to your individual needs. This could include personal relationship difficulties, feelings around neglect, rejection, abuse, trust, and criticism; difficulties you experience within society such as power structures, stigma, and marginalised identities; and, very importantly, how we relate to ourselves, and treat ourselves. Often people get stuck in the same patterns or roles in relationships, and can’t see a way out. CAT is very helpful in highlighting these patterns, and then, illuminating potential realistic alternatives. We work through all this together in a consistent, supportive, therapeutic relationship.

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This approach is not about any specific problem or diagnosis and instead enables me to work with any person who wants to understand themselves better, and find a way out of unwanted patterns. I find CAT to be a useful model for making sense with anybody, and have used this with men and women of all ages with problems relating to anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, burnout, dissociation, psychosis, chronic health problems, neurodivergence, and more. CAT also aligns with my values as it takes a non-pathologising approach, emphasising that everyone’s difficulties make sense in the context of their experiences and histories- be they personal relationship experiences, or societal oppression experiences. This fits with my values around social justice and trauma-informed care. I am passionate about supporting every individual to come to their own personal understandings of their own difficulties, and strengths, rather than using a diagnostic model.

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Some people may prefer to work in a CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) framework, which I am also happy to do, as a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist. I can also draw on and integrate both models, alongside other models including Compassion-Focussed Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. This can all be discussed and agreed together when we meet.

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Outside of work, I love good coffee and food, yoga, pilates, travel, and listening to podcasts.  

 

Qualifications:
Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Clin.Psy.D) University of Manchester (2021)

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Registrations

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