When you find yourself in a place of emotional unrest, trouble managing life's events/transitions, uncertain in your decision-making in your personal life/career/education, needing help with family or social relationships, or struggling with mental or physical health concerns, Ruth offers over 20 years of experience to help you find your path to the healthiest version of yourself.

Through a solutions-focused/strength-based approach, Ruth provides a safe and confidential space to promote positive growth and well-being to individuals and couples within a mindful and trauma-informed process. Ruth believes that the working alliance between herself and her clients is a collaboration between two experts:

The client is the expert in self
The therapist is the expert in the process

Together there is no more powerful force for creating change!

At Groundwork Healing we do not believe in "dealing" with problems; we help you to PROCESS, which in turn, is the catalyst in Taking Back YOUR Power.

Sometimes you have to NAME IT, to TAME IT

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Counselling Services

Grief & Loss

During our lifetime, we will all experience loss. With each significant change in our lives, we undergo the grieving process. Whether it is a loss of a relationship, an aspect of your health, change through a catastrophic event, or a death-related loss, although the intensity of the grief may differ, the process is the same. Let us help you transcend your grief. Let us help you re-discover your your purpose while accepting how your life has been changed by loss.

Trauma

Trauma reactions can be emotionally and physically debilitating. Trauma can "stop your world from turning" and cause you to further isolate. This isolation/avoidance systematically removes you from important relationships, healthy activities, and important support networks. Trauma reactions cause you to appear fearful, angry, and disconnected. Oftentimes, trauma drives people to self-medicate, lash out at those they need and love most, and/or neglect/abuse themselves. We can help you process your trauma/PTSD. Take the first step to regain you power. Contact us for a safe and confidential consultation.

Anxiety/Depression

When your "fight or flight" response is working overtime, you are experiencing anxiety. Anxiety can interrupt your daily function by interfering with your ability to focus and concentrate on needed tasks at work, home, and with family/friends. You may experience intrusive thoughts/concerns that keep you up at night, or prevent you from entering the world and/or social activities. It's Exhausting!

Depression is an emotional wall that separates you from family, friends, and community. Depression can lead to a decrease in self-worth, an increase in hopelessness, and possible suicidal thoughts. We can help! Connect with us to explore how we can walk along side you through these difficult times.

Substance Use

There is no shame in your game! People who use substances are not flawed, they are engaging in pain control through self-medication. Whether it is physical pain, or emotional pain, your pain is real. There was a time when your substance of choice filled a functional role in your life. When you felt in control. But now, the substance is in control. We can help. Recovery is not a place, it's a process. Whether you want to pursue abstinence, or controlled use, we are here to help you through the process and reach your desired goals/outcomes that fits your needs. We offer a judgment free space for you to explore the best approach to take back your power!

Eating Disorders

Problematic eating habits can be a reaction to anxiety, OCD, historical trauma, child sexual abuse, or the pressures society places on individuals to meet unrealistic expectations of body image. Shame, self-loathing, and/or the need for control, creates a distorted view of self. You can never seem to be "good enough". Sometimes your body is the only aspect in your life that you can control. Let us help you explore how to create a space where you can love yourself. Where you can expand your power to every aspect of your life. We care that, you care, about you!

Couples

Are you having trouble communicating with your partner? Has the intimacy disappeared from your relationship? Do you feel alone and misunderstood? Has there been a betrayal? Are you trying to navigate a separation? Couples counselling can help! No matter what phase your relationship is in, we can help you work through the core issues and barriers that are creating disharmony in your happiness and well-being. Sometimes you need that third person in the room who can observe and listen to discover how you can re-discover each other. Contact us! we can be that third person.

General Counselling

Everyone is a dynamic and unique individual. Sometimes your struggles do not fall into a definitive category. This does not mean your concerns are not valid, or are lesser than other's. Whatever your needs (work, school, stagnation, lack of motivation or direction, or other), let us assist you.

How/Where do we connect?

Counselling service are delivered in three platforms to suit your needs:

In-person (in your home, or in a secure private and neutral space)
On-line via Zoom or Teams
Via Telephone