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About: Ruth-Ann Stewart, MA PSYCH, RSW

EDUCATION
I am a member of the Canadian Counselling Association and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Registered Clinical Social Worker for Private Practice. I received my Early Childhood Education Certificate in 1978, and then went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 1983. I interned at the Children’s Psychiatric Outpatients’ Unit at V.G.H. and with the Ministry of Social Services. I returned to school in 1990 to complete an internship in Bowenian multigenerational family systems therapy (couples and family therapy) at North Shore Counselling Centre. In 1996 I completed the Masters of Counselling Psychology Program at Antioch University in Seattle, specializing in Couple and Family Therapy. I also have specialized training in Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, EMDR, and Trauma.

EXPERIENCE
I have been in the helping profession for 29 years. Over that time I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, including child protection, adolescent treatment programs, the children’s psychiatric unit at V.G.H., Project Parent (as a Family Therapist), school-based counselling through Family Services, as a Contract Therapist at Share Counselling Centre, and for a number of Employee Assistance Programs. I have been in private practice for 15 years. My current clients come from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds. I work with children and adults, individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with the First Nation communities of Bella Coola and Tsawwassen on a contract basis. I teach various courses at community colleges. I also supervise intern students and other psychotherapists.

TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY
Although I adhere to the multigenerational family systems framework with a feminist perspective, my approach to counselling varies depending on the issues to be resolved and your needs. My counselling approach may include (but is not limited to) different therapeutic approaches or techniques, including family of origin, person-centered, cognitive, behavioural, existential, humanistic, and art therapy. I will use whatever framework or techniques I think would be of most benefit to you.

Much of my work has involved treating anxiety and depression, trauma survivors, substance misuse, loss and grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder, life transition, personal growth, career exploration, and couples issues. I find that many issues that come up in therapy go back to early childhood. I don’t believe that the client should live in the past, but I do believe we often need to go back in order to overcome what keeps us from moving ahead.

I do not guarantee any particular outcome from treatment. I do guarantee that I will use my skills and perform all of my services for you in a professional, competent manner. The course of treatment hinges on such factors as the severity and duration of the problem and the motivation and cooperation of the client.

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YOUR RIGHTS
Clients always have the right to request a change in counselling approach, referral to another counsellor, or termination of therapy at any time. As a member of the Canadian Counselling Association and a Registered Social Worker, I am accountable for my work with you. If you have any concerns about the course of treatment, please discuss them with me. If you determine that I cannot help you, you may seek out another therapist or you can ask me to help you find one. Should you feel that I have been unethical or unprofessional, you may contact the Canadian Counselling Association at (613) 238-4236 or The Board of Registration for Social Workers at (604) 737-6809.

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STATEMENT ON THE LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
All counselling is strictly confidential. Records related to your psychotherapy or counselling (even the fact that you are a client) are only to be released to others with your express permission (usually written) or by court order. You are entitled to privacy and to expect that all communication and records related to your service are kept confidential. You may expect to be fully informed as to any written material sent out on your behalf.

There are only three exceptions to this contract of confidentiality. Your therapist is required by law to report to the proper authorities in the case of child abuse (if a child is being hurt or is in danger), if there is any possibility of a suicide or homicide, or if subpoenaed by the courts.

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