Ruth Reay


Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Following the lockdown I have been seeing clients on Zoom and find this a surprisingly focussed and useful way to work.
As we all learn to live in closer proximity with family members, or in more isolation, existing anxieties, feelings of depression, loss of self confidence and family conflicts can become amplified. We are living in an extraordinary time and I believe we can use this as an opportunity to renegotiate healthier relationships and ways of living. I feel privileged to be in a position to take time out with couples, families and individuals to reflect on positive changes which can be achieved.
With over thirty years' experience of working with couples, families and individuals, both in the NHS and in independent practice, I am used to working with a wide range of family constellations and am constantly surprised and rewarded by how all sorts of challenges and difficulties can be overcome.I have a particular interest in working with couples and families with inter generational relationship issues.
My approach is to listen carefully and to open doors to different ways of viewing situations. Where there is conflict and anger I look for ways of channelling these into positive exchanges. Where there is anxiety and sadness we think together about the sources of these and look at ways of developing alternative feelings and behaviour.
I encourage conversations which lead to healthier relationships, including your relationship with yourself.
I structure our sessions so painful feelings can be safely explored and you can leave feeling re-energised.
I sometimes use exercises, homework and art materials but mostly we spend time reflecting together about your experiences, concerns and hopes.
Training, qualifications & experience
B.A. and M.A.
UKCP Registered.
Initially I worked in Higher Education training Social Workers, then in the 80s set up and ran one of the first family therapy courses in the UK. As one of the first trainers I was able to achieve formal recognition through submitting evidence of my practice.
I worked as Consultant Family Therapist in Social Services and then in Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the NHS.
I have been in independent practice for the past 15 years.
I have found independent practice most rewarding as people can access therapy at an earlier stage in their difficulties than was possible for those using the NHS.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£45 per session.
Lower fees can be requested if you are on a low income or have lost your income due to the pandemic.
When I work
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning | |||||||
Afternoon | |||||||
Evening | |||||||
Night |
I try to be flexible to fit in with family responsibilities and working hours.
Further information
As a Grandparent I am very interested in how families enable children to grow up well in the modern world with it's many distractions and stresses.
I understand how factors such as employment/unemployment, education,ethnic heritage, privilege and disadvantage impact upon family life. I have a lot of experience of working with different types of partnerships and know that all of them go through difficulties at times. In my experience seeking therapy in the early stages of such difficulties is more likely to lead to a good outcome than letting things drift.
I have experience of running parenting groups and feel I can support parents in the most important task of their lives.
I am committed to equal opportunities and am happy working with different sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds,ages and religions.
I adhere to the ethical codes of the Association for Family Therapy and UKCP