Ruth Nathaniel
Therapeutic Orientation & Technique
Existential Therapy
Mindfulness & Acceptance
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Areas of Specialty
First-Generation Experiences & AAPI
Identity Development
Anxiety & Depression
Emerging Adults
POC & Bicultural Stress
Family Dysfunction
Spirituality & Religious Identity
Grief & Bereavement
Tough Life Transitions
Enneagram Typing & Growth
Professional Background
Illinois LPC 178.015866
Supervising Clinician: Alexandra Hoerr, LCPC 180.010561
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Moody Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL
BA of Arts & Science in Neuroscience & Ethics in Life Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Locations: Virtual Illinois & Colorado, In-Office Denver, CO
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Regardless of how you feel today, one of your greatest human qualities is your capacity for growth and increased awareness of who you are.
You may have no idea where to start, or feel some resistance but are curious of what exactly therapy may entail. Alternatively, you may have specific goals such as practicing boundaries, addressing anxiety, or navigating a bicultural identity. In any of those cases, you’ll be happy to know that therapy is a collaborative space that draws upon your experiences and goals, my knowledge and skills, and our shared humanity to produce real concrete change in your life. In other words, no feeling or situation is off limits and you’re encouraged to bring it all into session.
So how might we create real change? We will shift you from “flying on autopilot” to fully engaging with your life through increased consciousness and mindfulness so we can actively accomplish your goals one step at a time. We’ll explore the full range of your emotions, which ought to be understood and wielded instead of silenced. We’ll peel back the layers on formative moments in your life, and explore how it may have shaped you. We’ll figure out what your story has been so far, and where you want to take it. I enjoy guiding clients through various tools and techniques such as mindfulness, the Enneagram, CBT, DBT, and logotherapy, but most of all, we’ll utilize the mutual respect and honor in our partnership to affirm your identity, deepen your self-concept, and help you explore who you were created to be.
While that’s the basic approach I take to therapy, I am always receptive to my clients’ feedback to ensure they’re getting the most out of each session and adjust accordingly. I’m witty and warm, and often share in bouts of laughter or tears with my clients. I feel akin to those experiencing anxiety or depression because I too navigate those features in my mental health journey. Finally, I am the daughter of immigrants and the persecuted Tamil people; I hold sacred space for those of us who are navigating multiple cultures and values, carrying generational trauma, and exploring what it means to be a part of a diaspora.
Now that you know a little bit about me, I’d love to get to know you, and the first session is a great starting point. Inquire about scheduling today!
Bicultural Considerations:
As a bicultural person, you may be feeling a sense of ‘otherness,’ and it’s difficult to feel like you’re not fitting the spaces you’re told you belong to. Navigating competing expectations with loved ones is messy! However, it is possible to gain clarity of your own personal values while also honoring the lineage you come from. If you resonate with this know that you are worthy of support, and I’d love to meet you and walk alongside you.
Articles by Ruth
Reflecting on 2022
Written by therapist Ruth-NathanielWelcome to 2023! Usually the new year inspires change and goals, but before you set out to do any of that, I would...
Renewing Your Sense of Wonder
Written by therapist Ruth NathanielWhen was the last time you felt curious, excited by something you’d recently discovered, or felt the renewed sense of...
Bi-Cultural Values: An Introduction
Written by therapist Ruth NathanielWe do not emerge into the world with natural instinct like our fellow mammals, so how do we learn to be human? Culture. It...