Ruth Macmillan

I work with children, teenagers, and adults, specialising in the areas of domestic abuse and addiction. My experience includes supporting victims of abuse in housing services and working in recovery with people affected by dependency. I also trained with Place2Be in play therapy, which has given me creative tools to help children and young people express themselves when words are hard to find.

Every person’s story is unique, and my approach is always person-centred. Together we explore your world, gently making sense of your experiences and finding the solutions that fit best for you. My aim is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel heard, supported, and able to move towards positive change. 

Our work together is guided by what matters most to you. Some clients want space to talk openly, others prefer creative methods, or to explore how past and present relationships shape their lives. We go at your pace, in the direction that feels right for you.

My training, including play therapy with Place2Be and experience in domestic abuse and addiction services, has shaped a flexible, person-centred approach. This way of working supports deeper understanding of yourself, not just what you’re going through, but why it feels the way it does. With greater insight, clients often find it becomes easier to make choices and changes that really last.

Every person’s story is unique, and I work alongside you to ensure the process reflects your needs and priorities.

I offer a free initial consultation so we can meet and see if working together feels right. It’s a chance for you to ask questions, share what’s brought you to counselling, and get a feel for how I work.

In our first full session, we go over the counselling contract so everything is clear, and begin to explore your goals and your story. Some people know exactly what they want to work on, while others take time to discover this — either way, the focus is always led by you.

I work Monday - Friday 9am -7.30pm 

Saturdays 9am - 4pm

I work with children, teenagers, adults and couples. I support people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and life changes. Many people come to counselling when they feel stuck, disconnected from themselves or others, or are struggling to cope with the pressures of everyday life.

I am trained in Couple and Relationship Therapy, helping people improve communication, understand relationship patterns and navigate conflict. Whether you are experiencing a crisis, facing significant life changes, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, counselling offers a space to explore both perspectives and develop greater understanding, connection and trust.

I am trained in Play Therapy and use creative tools to support children and young people to express themselves through art, play and storytelling when words are hard to find.

Alongside these common challenges, I have extensive experience supporting people affected by trauma, domestic abuse, addiction and recovery. My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, recognising that every person's story is unique. Together, we can make sense of your experiences, build on your strengths and find a way forward that feels right for you.

My aim is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel heard, supported and empowered to make positive changes in your life and relationships.

Couples

Relationship counselling offers a supportive space where both of you can slow things down, feel heard and begin to understand what is happening beneath the conflict. Together we explore the patterns that keep you stuck, improve communication and rebuild connection. Whether you are facing a crisis, recovering from betrayal, navigating parenting pressures or simply want to strengthen your relationship, therapy can help you move from blame and frustration towards understanding, teamwork and lasting change.

Children

Sometimes children show us they are struggling through their behaviour long before they can explain it with words.

Using play, creativity, art and storytelling, I help children express feelings, make sense of difficult experiences and build confidence in themselves. Sessions are tailored to your child's individual needs, providing a safe and accepting space where they can explore worries, develop emotional resilience and discover healthier ways of coping.

Teenagers

Being a teenager today can feel incredibly overwhelming.

Pressure from school, friendships, social media, body image, family relationships and the constant influence of online content can leave young people feeling anxious, isolated, angry or unsure of who they are. Some teenagers may find themselves struggling with low self-esteem, self-harm, unhealthy coping strategies or feeling caught up in toxic online influences that affect how they see themselves and the world around them.

Therapy provides a confidential, non-judgemental space where young people can talk openly, make sense of what they are experiencing and feel accepted for who they are.

Adults

Life can feel overwhelming, leaving you anxious, stuck or disconnected from yourself. Counselling offers a space to make sense of your experiences, understand patterns that may be holding you back and reconnect with your strengths. Together we can explore your story, build self-awareness and help you move towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Every journey starts somewhere.

You may arrive feeling lost, overwhelmed, stuck or uncertain about what comes next. You may already know exactly what you want to work on, or you may simply have a sense that something needs to change.

Our first session is a chance to begin exploring your landscape together. We will look at where you are now, what obstacles stand in your way and what hopes, values and possibilities might be waiting beyond them.

Along the way, we may discover hidden strengths, untangle old stories, understand repeating patterns and find new paths forward. Some journeys focus on healing, some on growth, some on relationships, and many involve all three.

You don't need a map before you begin. We create it together.

That last line is particularly memorable and captures the spirit of the work you often talk about with clients. It feels hopeful, collaborative and full of possibility rather than clinical.