About Ruth Baker Counselling and Psychotherapy

Counselling and Psychotherapy

I am an experienced counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor. I work with individuals, couples, families, groups and organisations. I work with people both short term and long term.

People seek psychotherapy and counselling for a number of reasons. For many it can feel like a last resort seeking help or that in some way it is an admission of failure that they cannot deal with the situation on their own. Others recognise that simply talking something through in a confidential impartial setting can be really helpful.

Many people come for help when life has become difficult and they need support in making new decisions and finding different ways of living. They are looking to resolve grief, losses, difficulties in living, or some kind of problem or issue life has presented. Sometimes these may be rooted in earlier life experiences. The role of the counsellor and psychotherapist is to help a person gain a fresh perspective, feel better about themselves or the situation they are in, form new goals or ambitions which will then enable them to live feeling more fulfilled and positive about life.
Sometimes people may simply be looking for a way of getting to know themselves better. Or they recognise unhelpful repeat patterns in their lives and want to change them.

People seek help for a wide range of issues here are some examples:

Couples counselling; relationship issues; affairs and betrayals; physical , sexual and emotional abuse; trauma; deep unhappiness; life transitions; depression; anxiety; bipolar and other mental health problems; post natal depression; addiction issues including alcohol and drug problems and gambling; anger management; bereavement and loss; low self esteem; chronic physical conditions; unexplained physical symptoms; eating disorders; menopause; child raising issues; infertility; gender identity and sexuality, boarding school issues , redundancy issues.

You name it any area where someone is unhappy in their lives.

Counselling contracts tend to be shorter term.

Psychotherapy contracts tend to be longer term and work at greater depth.

I work with the issues presenting in the here and now by understanding the dynamics of what is going on and using the past to help to understand the process. Through deepening into this work difficult emotions can be accessed and worked through.

My training, work experience and any achievement

I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist.

My major training includes: a first degree in psychology, a masters degree in social work and probation studies, an advanced diploma in integrative counselling and a diploma in supervision. In addition to this I have four (plus)years further training in integrative psychotherapy. I have also studied a post graduate diploma in organisational development and executive coaching and a postgraduate diploma in couples work .

I have been in private practice as a counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor for nearly 20 years. In addition to this I have worked in a variety of settings including: hospices, probation, drug and alcohol services, mental health services, Devon County Council. I am therefore used to and experienced in working with people from all walks of life.

Each person requires an individual response to their unique difficulties. As an integrative practitioner I am able to apply different theories and styles according to each individuals needs. I am trained in a range of theories including: cognitive behavioural therapy, transactional analysis, gestalt, attachment theory, developmental psychology and psychodynamic theory. I am also interested in our relationship to the transpersonal in whatever context that emerges for us as individuals.

Alongside my therapeutic background, I have also practiced tai chi for 25 years and trained as a tai chi teacher. Through this experience I have become attuned to the body, somatisation and how we hold our physicality in response to daily living and life traumas. Tai chi is essentially a mindful practice and I apply these techniques and body awareness to my therapeutic work. I am curious about the moment by moment unfolding bodily experience and its relationship to the therapeutic work.

Human beings operate in a social context. Problems usually emerge out of relationships and it is the intentional use of relationship in the therapeutic relationship which has been demonstrated as the main healing dynamic. I aim to provide a safe, confidential space where it is possible to explore difficulties and grow from them. The therapy room can also be a space of laughter, joy and celebration.

I am an experienced teacher and facilitator in a variety of settings including: Advanced Diploma in Counselling at the Iron Mill Institute; Plymouth University Faculty of Health, Education and Society; Devon Partnership NHS Trust; Devon Fire and Rescue Service; St Luke’s Hospice; third sector organisations and independently.

I work with individuals, couples and groups as counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor and with all age groups. Privately and in organisational settings.

Further Information

Supervision

I am a qualified supervisor with a Diploma in Integrative Supervision.

I enjoy working as a supervisor and supporting other professional’s practice – be they at the beginning of their journey as a trainee or highly experienced. I provide supervision and a place to reflect and process in a range of contexts providing support for: private counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches; hospices; drug and alcohol agencies; doctors; complementary health practitioners and a range of other organisations where there is a therapeutic element to the work etc.