RUTH BARNES AT ONWARD COUNSELLING
A calm space to explore what's next, at your own pace.
I offer a confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s happening, feel genuinely heard and begin exploring things from your own perspective. We can work together to understand what feels difficult, what may be keeping you stuck and what moving forward could look like for you.
Ruth Barnes
Level 5 (DipHE) Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Ruth Barnes
Level 5 (DipHE) Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Counselling for what you're experiencing right now.
You might be dealing with something identifiable, or simply aware that life feels heavier or more confusing than usual. You do not need a formal diagnosis or a crisis to reach out.
Sometimes knowing that something feels difficult is reason enough to talk it through.
Counselling is available for people aged 16 and over.
- Anxiety, worry or feeling overwhelmed
When thoughts feel persistently crowded, tense or hard to quieten.
- Periods of low mood
Persistent flatness, low energy or feeling disconnected from what usually brings joy.
- Trauma and difficult past experiences
Past events or painful memories that continue to cast a shadow over daily life.
- Major life changes and transitions
Navigating bereavement, career shifts, health changes or unexpected crossroads.
- Relationship and interpersonal strain
Tension with family, partners or colleagues, or repeating patterns that leave you hurt.
- Identity and self-esteem
Uncertainty about who you are, harsh self-criticism, or questioning your value.
- Personal boundaries
Finding it difficult to say no, recognise your limits or trust your own instincts.
- Feeling stuck, lost or unsure what comes next
Knowing something needs to shift, but being unsure where to begin.
What working together actually feels like.
There is no prescribed script to follow. You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or have things neatly organised before we speak.
Being genuinely listened to
I'll listen carefully to what you bring, without judgement or assumptions. You don't need to have everything worked out before we begin.
Setting your own direction
You decide what feels important to explore. I'll work alongside you, helping you make sense of things and gently challenging where it may be useful.
A relationship built on trust
Our work is built on honesty, acceptance and consistency. There is space to pause, reflect, sit with silence or return to something when you feel ready.
My work is grounded in a Person-Centred approach and informed by integrative counselling. You remain at the centre of our work, while I can draw thoughtfully on different therapeutic ideas, offering guidance and gentle challenge where it may help.
About the ApproachMy work is grounded in a Person-Centred approach and informed by integrative counselling. I believe many of the answers and understanding you are looking for can already exist within you. My role is not to decide where you should go, but to work alongside you as we explore what you bring, offering guidance and gentle challenge where it may help.
A consistent, personal relationship from your first conversation.
I'm Ruth. I offer a warm, personal space where you can talk openly and take things at your own pace. I'll be the person you speak with from our first conversation onwards, so there's no need to repeat your story or adjust to somebody new.
Alongside my counselling work, I tutor Level 2 counselling students in Cambridge. I also offer one-to-one Student Mentoring for those studying from Level 2 through to Level 4.
A straightforward way to begin.
Starting counselling shouldn't feel complicated. The free consultation gives us a chance to talk, see how it feels to work together and decide what happens next.
Initial consultation
A relaxed, free 15-minute phone or video conversation. We'll talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling, and you can ask any questions you have.
Decide what feels right
If we both feel comfortable continuing, we'll agree your first session and I'll send over the counselling agreement for you to review and sign.
Begin your sessions
Your first paid session gives us time to settle into the work together and go through any practical details we still need.
Online counselling is available nationwide. Local home visits may be considered in some circumstances.
View Pricing & Session OptionsInitial consultation
A relaxed, free 15-minute phone or video conversation. We'll talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling, and you can ask any questions you have.
Decide what feels right
If we both feel comfortable continuing, we'll agree your first session and I'll send over the counselling agreement for you to review and sign.
Begin your sessions
Your first paid session gives us time to settle into the work together and go through any practical details we still need.
Online counselling is available nationwide. Local home visits may be considered in some circumstances.
View Pricing & Session OptionsWould you like to talk about it?
Let's talk about it.
Online counselling nationwide • Counselling for ages 16+