Ruth Barrett

Ruth Barrett is a counsellor who focuses on relationships, grief and life changes. She works with people who are facing separation, loss, trauma or struggles with mood and anxiety. Ruth aims to create a calm and respectful space where people can talk and be heard at their own pace.

She trained in person-centred counselling and holds a Master’s in Clinical Counselling. Ruth is an Accredited Registered member of the BACP - the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists. She also practises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, attachment-informed approaches and psychodynamic ideas alongside a person-centred way of working.

Ruth has nine years of counselling experience and has worked in both private practice and the charity sector in Chester. That role involved supporting people connected with the NHS, local authorities and social services, including children and families facing difficult situations. Before counselling, she spent over twenty-five years in education with young people aged 11 to 18.

Her work often addresses the effect of childhood adversity and complex trauma on adult life. Common themes include codependency, communication problems, shame, isolation, panic and post-traumatic stress. Ruth offers an initial session to discuss what someone needs and whether to continue with a set of sessions or more open-ended work.

People who meet Ruth can expect steady support, practical thinking about next steps and time to reflect on feelings. She invites anyone wanting more information to get in touch and discuss how counselling might help.

How therapeutic approaches work in online counselling

Person-centred counselling focuses on listening and understanding. The counsellor offers empathy and acceptance so people can explore feelings and decide what matters to them. This approach helps with grief, relationship change and emotional overwhelm.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It uses practical exercises and short tasks to reduce anxiety, panic and low mood. Attachment-informed work pays attention to early relationships and how they shape current patterns, which can be useful for codependency and communication problems.

Deciding which approach to use is a shared process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels comfortable, then try methods that match the person's needs. That collaborative discussion can be revisited as work progresses.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the exact formats available before booking. Many people value online counselling because it can fit around work and family commitments, reduce travel time and make it easier to maintain regular contact. Practical options may include shorter check-ins or sessions that do not require video, but check what this counsellor currently offers when arranging appointments.