About me

I have worked for over 20 years as a therapist specializing in working with children that are victims of abuse and trauma. More recently, at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was working at a public health center with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and was able to see the long-term effects of stress. This can affect people in so many areas of their lives including physical health, mental health, education, employment, substance abuse, and relationships. These concerns can follow people for decades.
During the pandemic, we especially see the need to take care of ourselves on the emotional, spiritual and physical levels. So many people are struggling right now! So many kids have spent the pandemic isolated from their friends and struggling with virtual schooling. It is no wonder that depression and anxiety have increased so much. Both Anxiety and Depression have increased by at least 25%! Thoughts of self-harm and suicide have also increased in teens. So many people are struggling right now. There are many skills that we can work on together to deal with these problems. I am very focused on needing to pay attention to our self care and healthy habits, which will help you feel better both physically and mentally. Please know that you are not alone!! I truly enjoy helping people realize their strengths to heal in a positive way.


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Trauma, Abuse
  • Parenting issues
  • Depression
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
LGBT , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Domestic Violence , Forgiveness , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 28

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

MI LMSW 6801069412


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ruth Westfall. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Feb 20, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Ruth has been such a great start for my healing. She sends me videos and homework that has opened my eyes to the fact that I need to move forward on my journal of loving myself and doing what I need to do for myself and only me. I will continue my healing w Ruth. Thankyou so much Ruth~

Written on Jan 15, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 2 months on issues concerning depression, grief, and coping with life changes

Ruth hss been easy to talk to and I love ideas she has had.

Written on Jan 10, 2024 after therapy with Ruth for 1 month on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, anger management, and coping with life changes

Ruth is very kind and patient and brings a sense of ease from the first session.

Written on Jul 17, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and intimacy-related issues

Ruth is very considerate and understanding. She listens to my concerns and offers ways to navigate through my emotions. She makes me feel heard and valued. I really appreciate her and this platform!

Written on Jun 07, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks on issues concerning anger management, and coping with life changes

Ruth is great & I am enjoying therapy with her.

Written on Jun 05, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and eating disorders

She is a good listener, warm, and thoughtful.

Written on Apr 10, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and adhd

She is amazing always helpful, she always responds in a timely manner, and is willing to listen.

Written on Apr 06, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and adhd

Ruth is always on time for our sessions and she's available via the chat function. She always sends me the most helpful worksheets. I have a difficult situation that I'm grappling with and an overwhelming amount of things stressing me out, and Ruth is able to help me prioritize these things so we can work on them all, a little bit each session.

I am engaging more in self-care because of my sessions with Ruth, and I'm definitely already seeing progress. She has helpful suggestions for my healing; I highly recommend Ruth. She is great at what she does.

Written on Apr 05, 2023 after therapy with Ruth for 1 week on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, and adhd

She’s truly amazing. She listens when I need to feel heard & shares advice when I feel lost. She always responds quickly & opened my eyes to how helpful therapy can actually be.

Written on Aug 04, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Great support! Thanks and looking forward to some more good talks!

Written on Jul 12, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Ruth is the absolute best. I have come across some unsatisfactory therapists, but Ruth ended my search for a good one. She listens to you, validates your feelings, and works with you how YOU want to be worked with. She even gives so many resources to look up!

Written on Jun 15, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd

Ruth has been very helpful in listening to my problems and helping me understand why I did the things I did - and she also does a good job of trying to explain to me why things were done to me. She gives me a lot to process and helps walk me through my thoughts as they evolve.

Written on Mar 17, 2022 after therapy with Ruth for 2 weeks

I'm just so grateful

Written on Aug 21, 2021 after therapy with Ruth for 3 weeks

Ruth has been responsive and helpful. My child has only had a couple of sessions so far, but it is good to know the counselor is there if we need her via chat and video call.

Work with me!