Hello, my name is Dr. Ruth Smith, and welcome to my website. I understand that finding a therapist can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing, and I hope this website will help ease the process. 

I am a qualified psychotherapist with a Foundation Degree in Counselling, a Master's in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, and a PhD in Social Justice. I am an antiracist, an LGBTQIA+ ally, disability-inclusive, and an intersectional feminist. I firmly believe that therapy can be transformative, enabling individuals to heal from past pains and navigate current challenges. To facilitate this, I focus on the 'therapeutic relationship', creating a safe space where you will feel heard, accepted, and not judged. 

I am deeply committed to social justice and human rights. As someone with two long-term chronic illnesses (ME and FND), I understand the significance of being truly seen and understood. I recognise that both personal experiences and systemic inequalities affect our mental health and wellbeing.

Beyond my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, I have trained in Somatic Trauma Therapy with the world-renowned trauma psychotherapist Babette Rothschild. For more details about my therapeutic approach and experience, please visit my Psychotherapy page. 

I have worked as an academic lecturer, teaching counselling and sociology, and have published peer-reviewed articles in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Alongside my therapeutic practice, I also work as a consultant and mentor for ACT Student Support. In 2024, I was nominated for the Speaker of Year award by the Women's Business Association.

I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and adhere to their ethical guidelines. Additionally, I am a member of The International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.