Ruth Farrell, MA, MDiv
My name is Ruth and I journey with my clients through life’s ups and downs. From childhood through older adulthood, with individuals and couples, I accompany people as they explore life’s questions, worries, stresses, grief, trauma, joy, and even ordinary moments. It’s my honor to hold my client’s life experiences with them as they grow.
My Education and Experience
I hold a bachelor’s degree with majors in English and Music from Wheaton College. I also have two master’s degrees, one in divinity (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) and one in pastoral counseling (Loyola University Chicago). My career has included experiences as a piano teacher, choir director, schoolteacher, pastor, chaplain, mediator, and now psychotherapist.
My diverse experiences with people across the lifespan have expanded my understanding of the human experience and ability to sojourn deeply with my clients. For example, as a teacher, I fine-tuned my skills in motivating students to learn and grow. As a chaplain and pastor, I grew in my capacity to suffer with those who are suffering. As a mediator, I expanded my communication skills and understanding of complex interpersonal dynamics. I use all my experiences and education to help my client’s find hope and healing.
How I Help My Clients
I believe people are intricate and influenced by many factors. Together, my clients and I explore how their body, relationships, workplaces, schools, communities, history, family of origin, and even their spirituality impact their mental health. I see clients of all religious and spiritual backgrounds, including those who do not identify as religious or spiritual.
I tailor the interventions I use in session to each client. Most often, I find myself pulling from Narrative therapy, Family Systems theory, Internal Family Systems theory, Psychodynamic, Gottman Method, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. Most recently, I've completed training in EMDR to help clients who have experienced trauma. I have completed Levels 1 & 2 of the Gottman Method couples counseling training. I am also a certified Prepare-Enrich counselor. Finally, I work with children using a range of play, art projects, movement, and music.
My Specialties & Passions
Relationships (including Couples Counseling): Being in relationships (with a partner/spouse, family member, friend, schoolmate, co-worker, neighbor, etc.) is challenging at times. I work with clients to develop boundaries, clear values, and communications skills to make difficult relationship moments more manageable.
Trauma Recovery: Trauma, particularly complex trauma and religious trauma (sometimes called “church hurt”), challenges the core identity of those who experience it. I am passionate about helping clients find their way back to themselves after trauma.
Chronic Illness: Navigating chronic illness requires patience, strength, endurance, resilience, and more. I encourage and support clients as they face the at times daunting task of managing (and hopefully even learning to thrive with) a chronic illness.
Life Transitions: Many people find change to be hard and facing life transitions can be overwhelming. I help clients find peace and purpose as they navigate life’s liminal moments.
Stress, Depression, and Anxiety: Sometimes life feels like it’s too much. When that occurs, we can sometimes feel alone and hopeless. I help clients find glimmers of hope when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Children: Kids need a listening ear just as much as adults do. Through play, art projects, movement, and music, I help kids process difficult experiences, explore the confusing parts of growing up, and develop skills to manage challenges that come their way.
More About Me
I am a Pennsylvanian by birth but have lived all over the country (from Massachusetts to Hawaii and several places in between). For the last decade, I’ve been a resident of Lake County, Illinois. I love to walk in the forest preserves around my home, bake all kinds of goodies, make music, read (just about anything), spend time with friends, and take travel adventures (I’ve been to 47 states and 18 countries so far).
Ruth Farrell currently sees clients in-person and via teletherapy. If you are interested in seeing Ruth, feel free to contact her directly through our website or by phone (847)754-3838 ext. 5.
If you are one of Ruth’s current clients, you can send her a message through the Simple Practice portal.