Ruth Ilson

An experienced therapist who can help you to heal your past, live your present, and create your future.

About me

I have worked as a humanistic integrated psychotherapist and counsellor in the Stoke Newington, Hackney and Islington areas for over twenty years. My clients are drawn from mixture of private, medical and mental health referrals. Currently I divide my working week between my private practice and my work in the voluntary sector and with local health authorities.

My original training was as music therapist. This is a way of using instruments and voice as a way of communicating with adults who have learning disabilities and I continue to run these sessions. I am involved in facilicitating reminiscence therapy groups for the voluntary sector. I have also run workshops in, ways of communicating, for Islington and Camden Social Services

I believe that the wide range of people I have counselled the different problems and situations that we have worked through - informs and enriches my current therapeutic work with all my clients.

Humanistic Integrated Therapy

This approach is based on the understanding that the same therapeutuc model will not benefit everyone. I was able to study several different therapy methods. This means I do not start with one theory or view into which all clients are fitted but rather can draw on a range of skills to discover which approach will enable us to make the best contact with each other as your therapy progresses

Why therapy?

Many of us encounter difficulties and challenges in our lives. Often, we can address them on our own or with the support of friends. However, there are times when life events become overwhelming. You may become aware of certain repeated, destructive patterns in your life but feel unable to prevent them from happening - it can seem as if your choices have been taken away and you feel powerless. At times like this psychotherapy can help you to become aware of how and why these patterns originated. It also supports you to look at the part you play in creating and perpetuating them - for this is the part that you can change.

Although understanding the past is an important part of the therapeutic process, actual change can only happen in the present. Change means choosing to do things differently and that can seem very risky and frightening. Psychotherapy will help you develop a stronger sense of yourself so that you can contain that anxiety, take back the power that you give away and create the life you want. (Do click on the web link if you would like to find out more about the different aspects of my practice)

Couples therapy
Transcultual Counselling
Adults with learning disabilities (music therapy)
Adults with mental health issues.
Memory loss in the elderly (reminscence therapy)

My fees are £55 - £70 per full 60 minute session, Couples: £70 - £85 per sixty five minute session. Where you place yourself on this scale depends on your financial situation.

Cancellation Policy.

If you are not able to make your regular time I am happy to rearrange if there is an appointment available. If you are unable to attend I require 48 hours notice after which I will ask you to cover the full fee.

There is free parking at the N.16 location.

Just a quote that has always resonated with me,

'...the extent to which a person can do things differently in the present, to that extent will the past be healed.'

G.Yontef (1993)