Ruth Fillery-Travis

I am an experienced, Registered BACP Counsellor working face-to-face, online and by telephone with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, sadness, grief, or struggling with relationships and family issues. Whether you want to make more sense of your self or things that have happened to you, or you are looking to find a surer and safer path in life, I can help you find ways to overcome challenges and distress, and improve your relationship with yourself, others, and the wider world.

I work in a quiet, confidential therapy practice in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, south Manchester. I have a background in academia, and before becoming a therapist I gained a PhD. I have worked with clients from 10 years to 78 years old, and I am open minded and non-judgmental. I welcome people form all walks of life, and I offer therapy adapted to your specific needs and experiences.

How I work

Experiences in life, changes in ourselves, and relationships with other people can bring us to a place where we are sad, anxious and overwhelmed. Feelings can spill out into our lives, and things can feel out of control. We can feel stuck in a cycle of negative feelings, thoughts and actions, or lost without choice as other people's needs and voices over-rule us. It can get to a point where we struggle to make sense of everything that's going on in our heads and hearts, and we feel isolated and alone, sad or numb.

I offer a place to make sense of what's happening, and to find a way through. I provide warm, compassionate and non-judgmental humanistic therapy to help reduce distress and improve your relationships and your experience of life. We can work together to look at both the root of your distress and your day-to-day experiences, in a safe environment that fits your needs.

I believe in tailoring therapy to the individual, and I will always be guided by what is important to you. I can help you unpick and untangle the things that have you confused or stuck, help you find the answers you need to move forwards, and gain deeper self-understanding and efficacy. I am resilient, creative and analytical, and I can provide a deeply safe, valuing relationship, and also offer challenge and humour where beneficial.

I care about you and I will stand with you throughout your therapy. I am invested in your process and development, and you can trust me to hold the difficult things you might be bringing without judgement or blame, and in confidence. We can give counselling a structure if you need, or we can let things flow, and you can have as much space as you need. When we work together, there'll be no questionnaires or interrogations, and my focus will always be on your feelings, thoughts and needs. If you are looking for professional help with a real, human approach, I encourage you to get in contact with me.

Specific practice areas

I work with people from across the country, in many different stages of life, career and age, so don't feel that you need to be presenting with a specific issue to work with me - it's my job as a therapist to create a relationship where we can connect, where you can bring your troubles, and which promotes your wellbeing, whatever you are bringing. I will hold a safe and boundaried space for you, and I commit to always ensuring that I am suitably educated to support you; I will never rely on you to explain things to me.

It can sometimes be helpful to know that your therapist has specific experience, and so I find it useful to say that I have experience supporting people who are exploring ADHD, ASD and Autism, and Neurodiversity experiences and diagnoses. I welcome people looking to explore these identities, whether that is within or outside a formal diagnosis. I have also worked for many years with people exploring their gender, sexuality or relationship identities.

I also have a particular interest in supporting people who have previously received therapy, and in promoting therapy where you feel empowered to ask for what you want, and raise your concerns if you are not receiving that. I enjoy working with people who are looking to support and improve their assertiveness and confidence, be that at work or in relationships.

Availability

I offer appointments that work around you, and at the moment I have availability in the daytime, Monday to Thursday. I usually work weekly, but depending on your circumstances and needs we can discuss fortnightly or twice-weekly sessions.

I am working face-to-face, online and by telephone. I'm happy to work with you in a way that works for you - with or without a webcam! Some people like video calls, some people find them hard work; I've been working on telephone and by video for a number of years, so we can work in whichever form feels most comfortable for you.

Getting in contact

You can find out more about me on my website, drop me an email, or call on 07378 344472 to discuss how I can help.

talkingwithruth@gmail.com

www.talkingwithruth.com/

Session costs

Sessions are £60, and each of my sessions lasts the standard 50mins. Payment is by bank transfer.

• LGBQTIA+ informed therapy
• Relationship diversity, e.g. polyamory, kink-aware therapy
• Anti-racist practice
• Sexuality and gender exploratory and affirming therapy for asexual, aromantic and non-binary and questioning people
• Pre-trial therapy and support for those involved in a criminal investigation