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Hi, I’m Ruth, and I’m an online psychotherapist committed to helping people who are navigating life’s challenges. My journey into therapy wasn’t a straight line, but each step has brought me closer to understanding how the mind works, how trauma shapes us, and how healing can happen.
I’ve spent my career listening to people’s stories—stories of pain, resilience, and transformation. From my background as a scientist with an analytical, problem-solving mindset to my training as a psychotherapist, I bring both empathy and practical strategies to the work I do with clients.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is centred on creating a warm and compassionate space for my clients, where they can feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I understand that opening up can be difficult—whether it’s about trauma, unprocessed grief, or a life that you feel stuck in. But I also believe that with the right support, healing is possible, even when it feels like there’s no way out.
In therapy with me, you won’t be judged. Instead, we’ll work together to understand your experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and help you reconnect with who you really are—and who you want to be. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, navigating stress and burnout, or simply looking for ways to feel more grounded in your day-to-day life, I’m here to guide and support you on your journey. I offer a personalized approach to therapy, focusing on your unique needs, struggles, and goals.
I am a compassionate, knowledgeable and insightful psychotherapist who blends scientific rigour with deep empathy to help people heal, feel safe in themselves, and reclaim a life of meaning and connection.
Whether you’re looking for practical tools to manage day-to-day, or a place to gently work through deeper experiences, my aim is simple: to help you find relief, to live well and move towards a life that feels more balanced, joyful and free.
My Background
MA Counselling – University of Manchester.
Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapies – University of Bolton.
BSc. (Hons) Psychology – The Open University.
Foundation Year in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy – Leeds University.
Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling – Salford University.
Certificate in Clinical Supervision - Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy
ACTO accredited Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling.
Rewind Training - RASA Merseyside
Before training as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I worked for almost twenty years as a Biomedical Scientist specialising in Microbiology for the NHS. Nowadays, in addition to offering private practice sessions at Lifeworks Therapies, I also work part-time as a psychotherapist with the emergency services.
I have worked in a variety of settings, and with a wide range of individuals. I have experience working with the Samaritans, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, NHS IAPT services, in a Lancashire Drug and Alcohol service, in a variety of charitable sector settings and in a Tier 3 NHS weight management service.
I have worked therapeutically with a diverse group of individuals, from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and who have been struggling with anxiety, family & relationship issues, depression, panic attacks, work-related problems, self-harm, sexual abuse, bereavement, anger, low self-esteem, loneliness, trauma, suicidal feelings and more. Although your issue/s may fit into one or more of these categories, I do believe everyone’s problems are unique and prefer not to use medicalised labels unless you want me to.
Why I Became a Therapist
Becoming a psychotherapist was, in many ways, a natural progression from my own personal experiences and my desire to understand human behaviour. Growing up in an environment where emotions weren’t always expressed openly, I became an observer, trying to make sense of how people connect, what keeps us distant, and why we sometimes struggle to feel seen or valued. My background as a scientist helped me develop a logical and analytical mindset, but it was my deep curiosity about people’s inner worlds and my compassion for their struggles that led me to this work.
As I worked with clients, I realized how powerful it is to hold space for someone—without judgment, without rushing them through their process. Over the years, I’ve learned that healing is not a “one-size-fits-all” journey. Each person has their own unique path, but everyone deserves to be supported with respect, dignity, and care.
A Bit More About Me Personally
While I deeply value the seriousness and depth of my work, I also believe that humour has an important place in therapy. Life is complex, and sometimes laughter is the best way to break the ice or lighten a heavy moment. It’s not all about “fixing” what’s broken; it’s also about finding joy and meaning in the process of growth.
Outside of work, I’m someone who holds joy in the simple things; walking in the sunshine, having deep conversations and getting lost in a good book. I believe in balance, and that includes finding time for the things that bring me peace and joy outside of my professional life. These moments help me stay grounded and connected to my own well-being, which is essential in doing this work with others.
