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Claire Ruthven

Individuals and Couples Counsellor

Thanks for reaching out.

You may have arrived here for any number of reasons; I welcome you to make contact, and I hope to be able to help.

I've provided counselling and support to individuals, couples and families for over 10 years, both in my private practice and in the community health sector.

I'm currently based in Carlton North, Melbourne.

Telehealth sessions are available for any location.

My approach to counselling starts by allowing space and time to get to know you, and what has brought you to seek support at this time. I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life, and I aim to create a warm and trusting experience in sessions.

I've assisted people who have experienced anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma at different life stages; from childhood through to senior years.

Counselling enhances the quality of our lives and relationships by helping us become more aware of thoughts, patterns, ideas and values; this helps us deepen our insight into why we are who we are, allowing us to become who we want to be.

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About Me

My approach is guided by years of experience and training in psychological and therapeutic techniques including psychodynamic/relational theories, emotion focussed therapy (EFT), the polyvagal theory, trauma informed practice, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and focused psychological strategies. I often weave all these techniques toegther in a session.

I trained for 2 years with Australia's preeminent relationship counselling organisation, Relationships Australia. I'm a registered mental health social worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

I address these areas (and more):

- Relationship and couples counselling

- Depression

- Anxiety

- Historical trauma

- Parenting and transitions in parenthood

- Pregnancy and fertility journeys

- Grief and loss

- Life dissatisfaction

- Barriers to experiencing a fulfilled and meaningful life

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Education and Training

Tertiary Education

Specialist Course in Couples Therapy and Internship, Relationships Australia/Swinburne University
Bachelor of Social Work, La Trobe University
Graduate Certificate in Careers Counselling and Education, RMIT University

Professional Training

Fighting For Connection: Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Clinical Supervision Training, The Bouverie Family Institute Centre
Family Foundations Facilitator Training, The Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Parent-Centered Parent Work, Ron Ingram
Child and Family Development, Centre for Child and Family Development with Ruth Schmit Neven

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Fees and Availability

Sessions run for 55 minutes.

Please contact for availability and appointments.

Fees are set in line with AASW recommendations,

operating via a sliding scale based on household income.

Fees range from $100 to $160 and will be established during an initial consult.

Medicare rebates are available with a referral from a GP for a mental health care plan

and can assist with fees significantly. Rebates are currently unavailable for couples counselling.

Please contact me to discuss further details and to make an initial appointment.

Get In Touch

Get in Touch

You can contact me via email, at:

ruthven.counselling@gmail.com

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