Ruth Forbes

I have extensive experience of working with people who are grappling with the challenges of life. I’m an attentive listener. I am interested and curious in you and your life. I believe that relationships are at the core of all aspects of our lives. I have never lost sight of the privilege of working alongside someone at their point of struggle. I believe real change can be achieved and that respect, acceptance and confidentiality are crucial aspects of the working relationship.

I initially trained as a social worker in the late 1970s and worked in a number of settings before specialising in adult mental health. The therapeutic nature of this work led me to undertake further training in psychodynamic counselling at the Scottish Institute of Human Relations, qualifying in 1999. I proceeded to develop a career which straddled both social work and counselling; teaching social work at the University of Edinburgh alongside maintaining a private counselling practice. I retired from the university in 2018 but continue to practise as a counsellor on a very part time basis. dovelight offers a serene,  ambient and beautiful setting to continue this work.

I love the balance of my current life. Perhaps not very original for a woman of my age, I enjoy gardening, reading and yoga. A walk in the country is also good for the soul as is time spent with friends and family.