Contact me for details and rates.

Contact me to discuss your need and applicable rates.

Workshops in the following areas which have been presented include the following:

Responding to Trauma: A narrative approach – Amity Foundation, Nanjing, China

Academic writing skills, including research and essay writing – Christian Heritage College

Assertiveness – Employ Me!

Buttons: Dealing with Transference and Counter transference – DRUG ARM Australasia

Effective Communication in the workplace – Employ Me!

Counselling [...]]]>

Workshops in the following areas which have been presented include the following:

Responding to Trauma: A narrative approach – Amity Foundation, Nanjing, China

Academic writing skills, including research and essay writing – Christian Heritage College

Assertiveness – Employ Me!

Buttons: Dealing with Transference and Counter transference – DRUG ARM Australasia

Effective Communication in the workplace – Employ Me!

Counselling Microskills – Australian Institute of Professional Counselling

Social and Cultural Competence – Australian Institute of Professional Counselling

Solution Focussed and Narrative Therapy – Australian Institute of Professional Counselling

Workshop to be presented in the near future:

Please contact me to discuss the need of a workshop presented in this area or a counselling related topic.

I also work from Empower Psychology + Counselling, 180 South Pine Road, Enoggera, for those who prefer that location.

Many of our problems are the result of social patterns. Using a Narrative Therapy approach we will discover together how social expectations and family patterns have influenced us and how we can access resources to resist those patterns and expectations.

Is it me?

It starts like this: a Problem enters and starts to [...]]]> Is it all about me?

Many of our problems are the result of social patterns. Using a Narrative Therapy approach we will discover together how social expectations and family patterns have influenced us and how we can access resources to resist those patterns and expectations.

Is it me?

It starts like this: a Problem enters and starts to influences our life. At this time we say, “I wonder where that Anxiety is coming from?” or “Where did that Cynicism creep in?” or “I wonder if I might have a problem with addiction to …” Over time, the Problem can take root in our lives and we can start to think of the Problem being who we are! Now we think things like, “I’m an anxious person.” Or “Yes, I am so cynical – that’s just me! I can’t help it.” Or “I’m an addict.”

When we use Narrative thinking, the challenge is to unearth where the Problem crept in, and begin to separate the Problem from the person. You are not the same as your Problem. You are a person who is struggling with a Problem.

So what to do?

In Narrative Therapy, you will have a chance to explore your Problem, its history in your life, its entry points, its scheme to dominate your life and its weaknesses. The effect of society to reinforce your Problem will also be explored.

The next step is to identify how you prefer to live your life – free of the domination of the Problem. Your values, purposes, beliefs, hopes and dreams will be explored.

What’s the goal?

Rather than being dominated by a Problem, you will be able to rewrite your history until you see yourself as a person of value who has indeed had a struggle with a problem, but that you are way more than your problem. Together we will begin to rewrite your story, and identify other people in your life who can support you in this preferred way of being.

The fees are $80 an hour when you see me at Empower Psychology + Counselling, as GST is charged.

I see children, adolescents, adult men and women, and the elderly. The session format could include individuals, a couple, families, or children.

When working with children, I incorporate art therapy, play therapy [...]]]> Many of the concerns in our life involve other people. Whenever possible, I use a collaborative approach, involving partners, friends, and family members when appropriate.

I see children, adolescents, adult men and women, and the elderly. The session format could include individuals, a couple, families, or children.

When working with children, I incorporate art therapy, play therapy or sand tray. Parents and siblings are encouraged to be a part of the session when this is appropriate.

Other times can be arranged.

Please contact Ruth to ask for the next available appointment at Ferny Grove or Enoggera.

My approach to counselling focuses on helping clients to identify the Problem that is influencing their life, and then assist them to find the capacity and resources to take a stand against the Problem. I see problems as not residing “in” people, but external to the person. This view often frees people to gain [...]]]>

My approach to counselling focuses on helping clients to identify the Problem that is influencing their life, and then assist them to find the capacity and resources to take a stand against the Problem. I see problems as not residing “in” people, but external to the person. This view often frees people to gain perspective and open them to possibilities about managing the Problems that try to give them trouble. In the counselling field, this is termed a “narrative approach” to counselling, or Narrative Therapy.

See the section “A little more about narrative ideas” for a further explanation about Narrative Therapy.

I do not see myself as “the expert” with all the answers. Rather I see my role as a facilitator who can help people through questioning to find their own solutions and goals. Some clients need only a few counselling sessions to achieve these goals, while others may require much more. You are encouraged to discuss and ask questions concerning the timing or direction of counselling at any time.  As a client you are in control and may end our counselling relationship at any point.  I will be supportive of that decision.  If counselling is successful, you should feel that you are able to confidently face life’s challenges in the future with the Problem no longer dominating your life.