Update on services offered

Due to relocation to Melbourne, appointments are now by Zoom only, and services are therefore limited. Face-to-face appointments are no longer available.

Professional supervision for people in ministry is offered by Zoom, and some counselling and clinical supervision for counsellors who use narrative therapy in their work may be available. Please contact me to discuss the options.

Appointments are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 6pm.

Therapy

Professional supervision for people in ministry.

Clinical supervision for counsellors using narrative ideas.

Counselling appointments for adults may be available.

All appointments are by Zoom, and appointments are available on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Supervision

Professional supervision for those who work in ministry is offered by Zoom.

Clinical supervision for counsellors who use narrative ideas is offered by Zoom.

Affiliation

  • PACFA (Clinical) Reg. 21741
  • CCAA (Clinical) Reg.17283
  • ARCAP Registered

More than 40 years experience as a counsellor and teacher

Ruth Thorne Counselling has now moved to Melbourne after operating in Sedgwick for over 10 years. Services are now limited and only offered by Zoom.

Professional supervision for people in ministry is offered, and some clinical supervision for counsellors using narrative ideas. Some appointment may be available for counselling of adults.

Ruth writes and presents seminars and workshops. 

Qualifications and accreditation

Ruth has a Masters degree in Counselling from CHC and a PhD in Counselling and Psychology from ACU. She is on the Australian National Register of Counsellors, and holds clinical registration with the national registration body PACFA. Ruth is accredited as a counsellor and clinical supervisor by the CCAA, a national counsellor certifying agency with strong ethical guidelines as a clinical member. Her focus is on counselling for women, men, couples, families, young people and children around issues of relationships, grief, abuse, depression and anxiety and the challenges that life throws at us.

Ruth is a founding member of the Central Victoria Narrative Network, and an active member of the Mental Health Professional Network, and continually works to update her knowledge and skills through professional development.

What others have said

Ruth’s exceptionally patient and generous counselling enabled me to calm my anxious mind, and live meaningfully according to my core values. She helped me see myself and my relationships with greater compassion and objectivity. Ruth’s approach combined extensive knowledge, keen insight and deep respect for my autonomy and individuality.

Highly Recommended. I’ve known Ruth for over 40 years and I believe you will not find a more sensitive, informed, compassionate counsellor.

A very kind, deeply reflective and thoughtful person.

I’ve known Ruth through professional supervision for several years and come to appreciate the care she takes in reflecting on her practice. She is always on the look out for creative ways to improve her work and does loads of thinking and reading between visits with clients. I would recommend Ruth as a counsellor of reliable integrity and professionalism.

Ruth has a wonderful calming nature, guiding gently with patience and professionalism.

Ruth contributed significantly to the Centre’s evaluation projects, leveraging both her theoretical knowledge and practical experience to help improve practices and outcomes. Her calm, thoughtful and professional approach made her an invaluable team member.

Working with Ruth made me think deeper and consider new possibilities.

Thank you again for your timely appointments. You were amazing at getting [my 10 year old son] to think, question and talk about his situation.

Approach to counselling

My approach to counselling focuses on helping clients to identify the problem that is influencing their life, and then assist them to find ways to take a stand against the problem.

This view assists people to gain perspective and to manage the problems that try to give them trouble. In the counselling field, this is termed a “narrative approach” to counselling. See the section “Narrative ideas” for a further explanation about Narrative Therapy.

I do not see myself as “the expert” with all the answers. Rather I see my role as a facilitator who can help people to find their own solutions and goals. 

Some clients will need only a few counselling sessions to achieve these goals, while others may require much more.

You are encouraged to discuss and ask questions concerning the timing or direction of counselling at any time. As a client you are in control and may end the counselling relationship at any point. I will be supportive of that decision.

If counselling is successful, you should feel that you are able to confidently face life’s challenges in the future with the problem no longer dominating your life.

Professional Ministry Supervision

Clinical Supervision

Also referred to as Ministry Supervision, Professional Supervision is an opportunity for people in ministry to take time out to reflect on an aspect of their life and work in a safe, judgment-free and confidential space.

  • The goal is enhancement of ministry effectiveness
  • The context is an atmosphere of trust and openness
  • The vehicle is a relationship of building trust and mutual accountability
  • The focus is ministry experience

The supervisory relationship

Supervision is offered in a relationship where two persons share in constructive dialogue, with the goal of enhancing ministry effectiveness for the person seeking supervision.