I work with parents whose adult children are estranged from them. Some have been completely out of touch for years, some are in contact regularly but with unsatisfying outcomes, and many more fall somewhere in between.

Some of my clients' children are in their 20s, others are much older. The estrangement may be a new development, it may be long-standing, or somewhere in between.

Whatever the details, estrangement of adult children can be an extremely painful and complicated experience for parents. I offer hope, tools, and emotional healing for parents in this situation.

I'm licensed in both Colorado and Oregon (C2577), and am a Distance Credentialed Counselor. I offer sessions online and by phone, as well as in person.

As an experienced organizational trainer, I also offer assertiveness training to companies and groups.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and have worked with adults, couples, and adolescents in my practice of psychotherapy for over 35 years. My post-graduate training includes The Family Institute, Northwestern University. My specialties include eating disorders and body image issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, stress management and couples therapy. My approach to psychotherapy is psychodynamic (to understand and process past experiences), with the addition of cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) techniques to help facilitate and maintain positive change. I enjoy working with adolescents 15 and older, and with adults throughout the life-span. I offer a free 20 minute initial phone appointment. I am not in network with insurance, but will reduce my fee in the case of financial need.

Ruth believes that every person has the ability to grow towards health. With the support of a caring and strong therapist, clients are able to find the courage to look into their darkest places and find light. Symbol and metaphor are powerful tools to help move through this journey.

Ruth has found experiential therapies such as play therapy and wilderness therapy to be very effective.

Play Therapy is very effective in helping children ages 3-12 who experience a wide variety of issues.

• Social and Behavioral problems • Anxiety and Fears • Depression and Lack of Self Esteem • Physical and Sexual Abuse • Adoption and Foster Care • Trauma • Divorce or Separations • Transitions • PTSD

Ruth also works with adults and adolescents who struggle with these issues. Sessions can take place in her office or wilderness settings.

As a Contemplative Psychotherapist I believe that all humans have inherent wisdom and clarity. This is called Buddha Nature in Buddhism or "Brilliant Sanity" in Contemplative Psychotherapy. This approach allows clients to increase their awareness of themselves and find ways to change habitual patterns that are bringing suffering into their lives. I use mindfulness and somatic based interventions to support clients see and feel the connection between body and mind, which leads to higher levels of integration and wellbeing. I have a lot of experience and training in working with relational trauma and attachment, and therefore my approach is client centered and and trauma informed.