Ruth Sanders, AASW

Ruth Sanders is an AASW counsellor with eight years working in mental health. She focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, grief and supporting carers as they cope with life changes. Ruth aims to make the first step feel manageable and non-threatening. Ruth creates a welcoming space where people can speak about difficult feelings without judgement. Sessions emphasise what people already do well and build on those strengths. Conversations are practical and grounded, with clear steps to try between meetings. Her approach is client-centred and strengths-based, using techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy among others. She also draws on dialectical behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing when these suit the situation. Ruth tailors methods to each person rather than using one fixed plan. Ruth has experience helping carers and the people who support them manage compassion fatigue and caregiver stress. She also works with issues such as attachment difficulties, communication problems, isolation and life purpose questions. She supports people dealing with grief, mood changes, and the emotional impact of separation. Ruth believes change takes courage and practical support. She works collaboratively to set small, achievable goals and checks in on progress each session. If you want clear conversation and steady guidance while you navigate change, Ruth offers a calm, straightforward presence.

Approaches that translate well to online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on what matters to them. It encourages small committed actions that fit personal values and can ease avoidance and worry. Client-Centred Therapy puts the person at the heart of the process, with the therapist offering listening, reflection and support to help the client find their own way forward. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful cycles and reduce anxiety and low mood.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Ruth will talk with each person about their goals, preferences and day-to-day constraints, and together they will choose which methods to try. That joint planning makes it clearer which techniques might help most and how to adapt them over time.

Confirm the exact session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy routine, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some formats also let you work without being on camera or offer a simpler way to include a carer in planning. Discuss practical arrangements at first contact so sessions suit your schedule and needs.