Ruth Holmes

A safe space to feel heard, understood and supported Starting counselling can feel daunting. Perhaps you have been carrying difficult experiences for a long time, feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions, or struggling to make sense of things that have happened in your life. Whatever has brought you here, taking the first step towards counselling is an act of courage. I am a qualified Counsellor and Integrative Therapist, offering a warm, compassionate and person-centred approach. Alongside my counselling practice, I bring over 20 years of professional experience as a qualified Social Worker, giving me a valuable understanding of trauma, relationships, family dynamics and the complexities of people's lives. I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and accepted without judgement. My aim is to provide a safe, confidential and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels right for you. How I can support you: I have experience supporting adults with a range of emotional and personal challenges, including: - Childhood trauma, abuse and neglect. - Domestic abuse, coercive control and unhealthy relationship dynamics. - The impact of narcissistic behaviours and emotionally abusive relationships. - Anxiety, depression, low mood and emotional overwhelm. - Relationship difficulties, separation and family conflict. - Loss, grief and significant life changes. - Adoption, attachment difficulties and separation from family. - Neurodiversity and experiences of later-life diagnosis. I have a particular interest in working with people who have experienced childhood trauma, survivors of abuse, relationship difficulties, adopted adults and those separated from their families. Sometimes the ways we have learned to cope were necessary to help us navigate difficult circumstances. However, those same coping mechanisms may no longer feel helpful in our adult lives. Counselling can offer an opportunity to explore these patterns with compassion, understand where they may have come from and consider different ways of moving forward. I also have experience supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those who have received a later-life diagnosis. I recognise that understanding yourself through the lens of neurodiversity can bring different emotions and reflections about past experiences, relationships and identity. Counselling can provide a supportive space to explore these feelings without judgement. “A space where you can be yourself” Opening up to someone you have never met about deeply personal experiences can feel incredibly vulnerable. You may worry about being judged, misunderstood or finding the right words to explain how you feel. You don't need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling. You don't need to know exactly what you want to talk about, and you certainly don't have to share anything before you feel ready. I work in a person-centred way, meaning you remain at the heart of the counselling process. We work together, exploring whatever feels important to you, at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. My approach is trauma-informed, recognising the importance of emotional safety, trust, choice and empowerment. Whether you want to process painful experiences. "You don't have to carry it all alone. Sometimes being heard is where healing begins."