Ruth Martin

What inspired you to get into your profession?

I've always worked in the helping professions in one way or another; ever since I volunteered at a homeless shelter at university, I have found that working with people gives me an enormous sense of fulfilment. I worked as a mental health social worker for a number of years but was keen to have more time and space to work in a more therapeutic way, hence why I retrained as a CBT Therapist. 

We briefly touched on what CBT is, but can you give us a clearer overview of cognitive behavioural therapy, and how it works? And how does it differ from other therapeutic approaches? 

CBT is time-limited and solution-focused.

Time-limited means it isn't open-ended like other kinds of therapies, and a typical course of therapy is between 8-20 sessions.  

Solution-focused means that time is spent talking about the problem, but time is also dedicated to finding solutions and strategies and there is more of a focus on change. 

What types of difficulties or mental health issues can be effectively treated through CBT? Are there any specific areas or conditions where CBT is shown to work best and what kind of issues do you work with or specialise in? 

Yes, lots! According to extensive research, CBT is proven to be a very effective form of therapy for the following; Anxiety, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, Postnatal depression, Social Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Health Anxiety, Work-related stress, Eating Disorders and body image issues. I specialise in working with anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders and postnatal depression. 

Can you give us an idea of how you go about assessing and identifying unhelpful thoughts or behaviours that are negatively affecting the emotions and actions of your clients? What methods or techniques do you use to help them challenge and replace these thoughts with healthier ones?

I start by helping the person identify their goals e.g. how they would like their lives to be different and what changes they would like to make. Then we look at the kind of negative thought patterns or behavioural patterns they want to try and break out of. However, sometimes people come to therapy without specific goals and you may not know exactly how or why things aren't working, so an initial assessment can help us to figure this out together. 

What role does the patient play in their healing process during CBT? How do you empower and equip your clients with the necessary skills and tools to apply CBT techniques in their daily lives? 

A very active one; I like to work collaboratively. I believe that we all possess the knowledge and resources to address our own problems - I see my role as helping the client to unlock this knowledge, access these skills, and acquire some additional tools along the way.

In your experience, what are some common misconceptions or misunderstandings about CBT?

• Misconception: That it is all about the present and ignores the past. 

• Response: Whilst the aim of CBT is to work with the difficulties in the here and now, it is also important for us to acknowledge a client's history and consider how the past might link to the present issues. 

• Misconception: It is rigidly structured and there isn't space to explore feelings and experiences fully.

• Response: CBT is a time-limited therapy so there tends to be more of a focus on goals and how to use the time most effectively, however, I like to work flexibly and allow plenty of space for processing and exploring emotions and experiences. 

Can you share any advice or insights for individuals who are considering CBT as a form of therapy? What should they expect and how can they make the most out of their CBT experience?

If you can commit to giving yourself an hour of self-care once a week, then you are very likely to get something out of the process. If you are willing to do the work outside of the sessions as well as during, you are going to optimise your chances of positive outcomes from therapy. 

Can you share a rewarding moment or some positive feedback that has stayed with you?

I have had many rewarding moments in my career, moments that made me feel privileged and proud to be a therapist. When people start a journey feeling very stuck and hopeless, then finish the therapy saying they feel a renewed sense of hope and a change in perspective, then I feel a deep sense of contentment. 

What’s the best outcome you hope for your client to take away with them?

The 'best outcome' completely depends on the client and their subjective experience. However, I often feel very pleased if a client finishes therapy saying they have developed more self-compassion - we could benefit from more self-compassion!

Do you have a dream client?

I'd love to sit down with some famous women from history who society deemed mad, bad or sad. I'd like to offer them the empathy and understanding they may not have received at the time. 

What words/phrases do you overuse?

• Word: Terrific 

• Phrase: 'Can you get me something from Gail's' 

What is the last book you read?

'Come as You Are' by Emily Nagoski, is a fabulous book about the mystery and power of female sexuality 

What are your favourite local haunts?

There are so many great new places popping up; Harvest and Ciullos to name a few...

How do you unwind? 

Cooking Thai food 

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

I'm an amateur pop culture historian 

What’s the future for R M Talking Therapy, is there anything planned this year you could share with us?

I'm currently studying for a Post-graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling. I want to broaden my skills and offer several different therapeutic approaches to a client. Ultimately I aim to fit the therapy approach to the client and not the other way around.