Helping you move forward

I am a qualified Counsellor working in private practice, based in the Nottingham area. I work with a non-judgement and compassionate approach to support my clients who are experiencing issues that have impacted their lives, I aim to facilitate change and growth, and I believe this occurs as a result of the therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client.

I graduated from the University of Nottingham with a first-class Batchelor of Arts with honours degree in Humanistic Counselling practice. My training included a detailed focus on bereavement and loss and trauma.

I have experience working therapeutically with children and teenagers within Primary and Secondary School settings, I also have experience working as a bereavement counsellor where I work with children, young people and adults.

I use a variety of techniques within my counselling practice to suit my client’s individual needs. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework for counselling professions. I also attend regular continuing professional development events/workshops (CPD) to help grow and nourish my practice

I am currently offering appointments either face to face, online using Zoom or by phone, with young people and adults.

To make an appointment, or have a brief conversation about my services, please call me on 07554 217426, or send an email to ruthshaw@protonmail.com.

Alternatively, you can submit an online enquiry form.

I offer appointments Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm. Some evening appointments may be available. Therapy is most effective with weekly sessions, although I am flexible to your needs.

How much does it cost?

I offer a free initial assessment lasting upto 15 minutes.

Daytime sessions between 10am and 5pm – 50 Minutes – £45.

Some evening appointments may be available.

Payments are requested by bank transfer, 24 hours prior to the time of the session.

Discounts available for Counselling Students – please enquire.

If a session needs to be cancelled for any reason, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required, otherwise payment of the full fee for the missed session is still required.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is about us meeting and to get a sense of how we might work together. It is really important that you feel the therapist is the right fit for you, as the relationship between the therapist and client is crucial. You need to feel comfortable with your therapist, and so this first session provides an opportunity to see whether you do and whether you would like to start having some therapy. We will have a chat to see how I may be able to help you and I’ll take some personal details from you before we decide to start working together.

How many sessions will I need?

This really depends on the nature of the issue that you bring to therapy. Often people decide to start therapy to discuss one particular issue and the work evolves to include many areas of their life that they want to work through. Initially, I would suggest we meet for at least 6 sessions, by which time, we can decide whether longer-term work is needed. For some people, they can find that 6 sessions is enough to work through more straightforward concerns.



What happens if I cannot make a session?

I do require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice if you are unable to make a session, otherwise I have to charge for the missed appointment.



Will what I talk about with you remain confidential?

I offer strict client confidentiality. What this means in practice is that everything you say to me will remain confidential with some very specific exceptions, which I will explain to you when we meet. In order to work safely and ethically in line with the BACP Ethical Framework, I may from time to time discuss themes of our work with my supervisor, but at all times, your name and personal details will remain private to ensure your privacy.