Ms Ruth Edwards

A conversation with Ruth Edwards

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I was drawn to the counselling profession from my teen years when I felt that there were insufficient supports for teens in high schools. Although my route to becoming a counsellor was long, it was always in my vision.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  If I were to name one philosophical approach that has influenced my professional and personal development, it would be Existentialism. As we travel through life, bigger questions arise. What is our purpose? What legacy do I wish to leave? The older you get, I find these questions require deeper exploration and understanding. If only we all had the wisdom of age when we were younger!

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I have a particular interest in Attachment Theory; how our attachment style plays out in our life; how it affects our relationships; our interaction with others; our ability to connect. I am also interested in how our attachment style affects our susceptibility to addiction, and the underlying causes and trauma that triggers addiction in the first place.

• What methods do you use?

  I am a very flexible practitioner who places great emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. I have been trained in using a wide range of therapeutic modalities and interventions, but recognise that clients are the best expert on their own lives. I will use whatever modality is appropriate in the moment but remain flexible on what is going to be effective in each session. I don't believe that one therapeutic approach suits everyone.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  I believe that the client will determine when progress is being made. If it is not, then therapeutic approaches and interventions need to be re-assessed and re-evaluated. Progress is not like a magic wand. Sometimes we may be working on a particular issue when something more pressing comes up. By working collaboratively with a client, they are in control of what we work on.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Training to be a counsellor/psychotherapist requires a deep understanding of yourself. This understanding then helps to truly empathise with others who may be going through similar situations. I believe that I am a better person for my training as not only can I walk in the client's shoes, but I can see what needs to be done. I am not sure whether that really makes me a better person, but it makes me a better therapist.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  Being a counsellor/psychotherapist is what was traditionally "a calling". Like nursing and teaching, I think you always knew that you wanted to help others. In my work I get to help people from many walks of life; many of whom I would never usually meet. When I see clients making progress, overcoming addictions, getting their lives back on track and feeling positive about life, that's when I feel that there is no problem that is ever too large to be shared and overcome. That's what gets me up in the mornings.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  All the time. See my profile picture.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  I feel that there are many problems in the world today. The largest challenge I see is staying connected. With each other, with community, and globally. We have the world at our fingertips with technology, but never really connect with others.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  I am an avid reader. The first books that inspired me were "Wuthering Heights" and "The Odessa File". The latter inspired my fascination and love of history, and the lessons we need to learn.