Hello, my name is Dr Ruth Smith and welcome to my website. 

I understand that that trying to find a therapist can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing and I hope that this website will help to ease the process. 

I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist and I have a Foundation Degree in Counselling, a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice and a PhD (doctorate) in Social Justice. My MA research considered intercultural counselling practice, specifically with refugees and asylum seekers and my PhD research focused on white trainee counsellors racial cognisance. I am an antiracist and LGBTQIA+ ally, disability inclusive and an intersectional feminist. 

I strongly believe that therapy can be transformative, allowing people to heal past pains and work through present difficulties. To do this, I prioritise the 'therapeutic relationship', creating a safe space where you will feel heard, accepted and not judged. I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and follow their ethical guidelines. I am passionate about social justice and human rights. As a person with a long-term chronic illness (ME), I understand the importance of being truly seen and understood, especially when we live in a society where those things are not always present. I believe that both personal experiences and systemic inequalities have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

 I have also trained with the world-renowned trauma psychotherapist Babette Rothschild in Somatic Trauma Therapy. I have been an academic lecturer, teaching counselling and sociology, and I have published articles related to counselling and psychotherapy. I also work as a consultant for ACT Student Support which offers one-on-one mentoring for students and individuals receiving Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

Please see my Counselling and Psychotherapy page for more information about my therapeutic approach and my experience. 

I can also provide Training and Guest Lecturing on topics relating to counselling, psychotherapy and social justice. This area of my work draws from my previous work as a university lecturer where I was committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. 

If there is something you feel you would like to explore but are unsure as to whether I may be able to help, please contact me and we talk about whether I would be the right therapist for you.