Ruth Fitzgerald , BACP

Ruth Fitzgerald is a counsellor who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, depression and the ups and downs that come with chronic health and life changes. She works with people facing relationship problems, grief, addictive behaviours, anger, low self-esteem and the strain of caring roles. Ruth uses a calm, non-judgemental manner and aims to make sessions feel manageable from the first meeting.

She offers time to talk through what feels difficult and to notice patterns that often repeat in everyday life. In sessions she will help people look at the events and feelings behind their current struggles and think about small, practical steps to cope better. The work is paced to suit each person so they can explore difficult memories and emotions without being overwhelmed.

Ruth draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at how past experiences affect present relationships and choices. She also uses client-centred listening to keep the person’s priorities in focus and practical strategies from cognitive behavioural approaches when helpful. This mix supports insight alongside concrete ways to manage symptoms and reactions.

With nine years of experience and BACP registration, Ruth brings steady, experienced support for people adjusting to illness, chronic pain or other long-term problems. She encourages self-understanding so people can expand their options and move towards a life that feels more manageable.

To begin, visitors should check session arrangements and follow the site’s Start Therapy process to book a first meeting and complete the short matching questionnaire.

Approaches that translate to online work

Ruth uses psychodynamic ideas and client-centred listening alongside cognitive behavioural techniques. Psychodynamic work focuses on understanding how past experiences shape today's feelings and relationships, helping people make sense of repeated patterns. Client-centred work places the person's priorities at the centre, with the counsellor listening and reflecting so the person can find their own solutions. Cognitive behavioural strategies look at thoughts and behaviours and offer practical steps to reduce anxiety or manage mood.

Finding the right approach is collaborative. Ruth will discuss goals and preferences, and together they will decide which combination of listening, insight work and practical strategies suits best. This helps make sessions feel useful from the start and adjusts over time as needs change.

Confirm the available session formats before booking so you know what will be offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around daily life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also means people can access steady support while managing long-term health or caregiving demands, helping therapy sit alongside ordinary routines.