Ruth Parchment CBT Cambridge Psychotherapist
- CBT Cambridge Cognitive Behavioral Therapy BABCP Ruth Parchment Psychotherapist - RuthParchmentCBT
About me
I began my career as a CBT Therapist in 2012. I initially worked for the NHS as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, before qualifying as a CBT therapist and expanding into working Integratively. I have worked across the UK in a variety of mental health and wellbeing services, supporting people experiencing a wide range of emotional difficulties and life challenges. My previous roles have included working in psychiatric and secure forensic hospitals, supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental health difficulties, rehabilitating offenders within primary care services, and also supporting university students facing emotional and physical challenges during their studies.
Throughout my career, I have facilitated therapeutic groups for clients experiencing difficulties such as social anxiety, low self-esteem and also substance misuse.
My work within both NHS and private services has also included supervising therapists and delivering training to mental health professionals.
Alongside my core CBT training, I have completed additional specialist training in Long-Term Health Conditions and LGBTQIA+ affirmative practice. I continue to undertake ongoing professional development to ensure my work remains informed by current research and best practice.
How I see change
I believe that lasting change comes not only from developing practical skills, but also from understanding ourselves more deeply.
One therapeutic approach that has particularly influenced my work is Narrative Therapy. Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories we develop throughout our lives. As we experience events and relationships, we naturally create meanings about who we are, how others see us, and what is possible for us. These stories can shape our confidence, relationships, choices and sense of identity.
Sometimes the stories we carry become restrictive, leaving us feeling stuck, disconnected or trapped in familiar patterns. Therapy can provide an opportunity to step back, explore these stories with curiosity and compassion, and develop alternative perspectives that feel more helpful and empowering.
I have a particular interest in experiences of belonging, identity, rejection, shame, self-worth and connection. Themes such as fear, guilt, invalidation, isolation and disconnection often sit beneath emotional difficulties and can have a profound impact on how we experience ourselves and the world around us.
My approach is warm, collaborative and non-judgemental. I believe clients are the experts in their own lives and I aim to create a space where you feel heard, understood and supported. Rather than telling you what to do, I work alongside you to better understand your experiences, identify what may be keeping difficulties going and help you move towards meaningful and lasting change.
Alongside developing a deeper understanding of your difficulties, you will take away practical tools and techniques that can help you become your own therapist, enabling you to continue building on what you have learned long after therapy has ended.
I am in regular clinical supervision and have had my own therapy as part of my professional and personal development. I believe both are important in helping me continue to grow as a therapist and provide the best possible support to my clients.
Outside of therapy
I enjoy screen-writing, acting, dancing and dabbling in whatever arts and crafts i'm feeling drawn to in the moment. I've always been fascinated by people, stories and the many different ways we make sense of ourselves and our experiences. Whether through conversation, creativity or movement, I am interested in what helps us feel more connected, alive and present.
I also enjoy spending time in nature(Ive recently discovered a love of hot springs). Time spent with friends, community and the natural world help me feel grounded and renewed. Im reminded of the value in slowing down, staying curious and making space for what really matters most, principles that I also bring into my therapeutic work.
Qualifications
- Evidence Based High Intensity CBT for Long-Term Health Conditions, University of East Anglia
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (BABCP Accredited Course), Distinction, Buckinghamshire New University
- Postgraduate Certificate in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies in Primary Care, Liverpool John Moores University
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Conversion for Graduates), Open University, BPS Accredited
- MA Historical Research, University of Liverpool
- BA (Hons) History, Queen Mary, University of London
Continuing Professional Development
- Fostering Queer Joy: Affirming Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with LGBTQIA+ Youth and Their Families
- Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Clinical Trial Practice
- New Developments in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies for OCD
- Narrative Therapy: Foundations and Key Concepts
- Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD)
- Queer Counselling and Narrative Practice
- Regulating Emotion in Therapy with People with Persistent Depression
- Treating Trauma Master Series
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Conference
- Narrative Practice and Narrative Therapy
- Understanding and Working with Self-Harm