Ruth Sanders, AASW
Practical, compassionate support for life changes
Details
| Name | Ruth Sanders |
|---|---|
| Credentials | AASW |
| Based in | Australia |
| Registered with | AASW |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 8 |
About Ruth
Ruth Sanders is an AASW counsellor with eight years working in mental health in Australia. She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, grief and major life changes. Ruth aims to make the first step into therapy feel manageable and respectful for anyone who is unsure where to begin.
Ruth describes her approach as client-centred and strengths-based. She focuses on building an open space where people can talk about what matters to them without judgement.
Background and approach
Sessions are practical and grounded in day-to-day problems, not abstract theory. She draws on a mix of methods, including Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and cognitive and dialectical techniques. That variety means she can adapt to different needs, whether someone wants help with coping strategies, shifting unhelpful patterns, or making sense of a painful life event.
Ruth works with carers and individuals facing compassion fatigue and caregiver stress, and she helps people who are coping with attachment issues, communication problems, and isolation. She also supports those working through relationship endings, family of origin wounds, and feelings of guilt or shame. Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person.
Ruth helps clients set small, achievable goals and practises skills in-session that can be used between meetings. She encourages people to name their values and make changes that fit their life. Ruth believes asking for help is a brave step.
She aims to empower people to find clearer meaning, better coping, and more manageable day-to-day routines as they move forward.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief among the things Ruth works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Grief
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Attachment issues
- Avoidant personality
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Co-morbidity
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Ruth among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Ruth among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Ruth among the ways she works.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Listed by Ruth among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Ruth among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Ruth among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Ruth directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Ruth directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How Ruth uses Narrative and ACT online
Ruth commonly draws on Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online sessions. Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about their lives and helps separate the person from the problem, which can be useful for grief, shame or long-standing patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values and build small actions around what matters, often useful for anxiety and stress.Finding the best approach is part of the work. Ruth treats the choice of method as a collaboration - she and the client discuss goals, try different strategies and adapt based on what is helpful. That way therapy stays practical and relevant to everyday life.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text messaging suit people who prefer written reflection or want flexible, ongoing check-ins between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving and other commitments.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Ruth support?
Ruth supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief and coping with life changes. She also focuses on caregiver stress, compassion fatigue, mood concerns and related issues.
What is Ruth's therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centred and strengths-based, aiming to create an open, non-judgemental space. Sessions are practical and focused on small, achievable changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Ruth has eight years of professional experience in the mental health field in Australia.
What credential does Ruth hold and where is she based?
Ruth is credentialed with the Australian Association of Social Workers, listed as AASW, and practises in Australia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Ruth offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Ruth?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Ruth are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Ruth where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
Or see other therapists in Australia »
This is a partner link. We will earn a commission if you sign up through it, at no cost to you. It does not change what you pay or the order of the listings.
Other listings in this directory
- Patricia Pardy, LMHC, LCPC - New York
- Wendy Galyen, LCSW - Indiana
- Danielle Doskocil, LPC, LCMHC - South Carolina
- Moushumi Ghose, LMFT - California
- All therapists for stress, anxiety »