Therapist/Supervisor Detail

Who Am I?

My Name is

Ruth Stephen

.

About Me

Hi You may be looking for therapy because something feels difficult, perhaps anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, or a sense of feeling stuck or not quite yourself. It may be something else entirely. You might not have a clear way of describing it yet, and that’s OK. I offer a relaxed, thoughtful, safe space where we can explore what’s going on for you, at your pace, and in a way that feels manageable. I will listen carefully to your story and work alongside you with warmth, curiosity, and respect. You may be longing not to feel alone in what you are experiencing, or you may be well used to dealing with things on your own, so seeking support may feel unnatural. I’m here to help you with this. My name is Ruth, and I offer counselling through my practice; Cedar Tree Therapy, based on the edge of Nottingham city centre. I work from a quiet room with a view of a cedar tree that inspired my practice name. For me, the cedar tree reflects something important about therapy, and about being human: deep roots, and the uniqueness of each individual. Therapy can create space to feel more grounded, supported, and able to grow in your own way. I am trained in a relational developmental integrative approach and hold a Master’s degree from the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute. This approach to therapy brings together numerous complementary theories. It means I consider how your past experiences, especially early relationships, may shape how you feel, cope, and relate today. Together, we can explore both what is happening in your life now and the deeper patterns that may sit underneath. The therapeutic relationship itself is an important part of the process. I aim to offer a space where you can feel safe, heard, and understood. My work is trauma-informed and rooted in humanistic perspective. I take a holistic approach, recognising the connection between mind and body, and that some experiences may be difficult to put into words. Where helpful, we can work creatively as well as through talking, should you wish to. My approach is down-to-earth, gently warm, and thoughtful. I aim to offer a space that is inclusive, caring, respectful and accepting, where diversity is welcomed, and you feel taken seriously. I am interested in you and your unique story, and tailor our work to your needs. We begin with whatever feels most important to you right now, and I will work at a pace that feels respectful and manageable. Therapy can help you develop greater self-awareness, understand patterns, and find new ways of relating to yourself and others. My hope and intention is that our work supports you to feel more at ease, more connected to others and yourself, and better able to navigate your life. Experience: I have Master’s-level training in Integrative Psychotherapy and a BA (Hons) in Humanities, which has informed my understanding of the human experience in its wider context. Alongside my private practice, I have experience working in an NHS-based counselling and psychotherapy service, supporting adults with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties. I have also worked as a therapist in a service supporting women. Before training as a therapist, I spent over fifteen years working within the third sector in a management role, a support team role, and as a volunteer. These organisations offered mentoring, and varied community-based support initiatives. Earlier professional experience involved product management for a national corporation. These experiences gave me insight into the pressures of working life, organisational environments, and the complexity of people’s lives. I also bring my lived experience, which informs my empathy, perspective, and grounded presence in the therapy room. Professional Membership: Registered member of BACP and UKCP Work guided by BACP, UKCP & Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute frameworks Committed to confidentiality, supervision, reflective practice & CPD Holder of indemnity insurance, enhanced DBS & ICO (GDPR compliant)

I work with

Adults - individual

I can help with

I work with a range of issues, with more details on my Counselling Directory listing, which you can find in the 'Website' area below. But you don’t need to have a clear label for what you are experiencing. If something feels difficult, that is enough. You, as my client, will be at the centre of the work we do together. Your unique experience and what you are going through will guide our focus. I have a particular interest in early relational trauma, attachment, and long-standing or complex emotional difficulties.