ChangeAtYourPace.org Need help now?

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Ruth Westfall

Ruth Westfall

LMSW

Michigan

Seasoned therapist focused on practical change

Continue with Ruth

At a glance

Credentials
LMSW
License
LMSW, Michigan / 6801069412
Experience
30 years
Languages
English
Location
Michigan

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Trauma and stress
    • 30 years experience

    About Ruth

    Ruth Westfall is an LMSW who brings 30 years of clinical experience to her practice. She focuses on helping people cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and the stresses of daily life. Ruth uses practical strategies to support emotional healing and clearer thinking.

    Ruth has spent decades working with people affected by trauma and victims of crime. During the COVID-19 pandemic she worked alongside a psychiatric nurse practitioner at a public health center and saw how prolonged stress affects many parts of life. She notes that anxiety and depression rose notably during that time and that the effects can last for years.

    In sessions Ruth helps people identify strengths and learn skills to manage moods, panic, and overwhelming stress. She draws on approaches such as Motivational Interviewing to support change, Client-Centered Therapy to keep the work grounded in the person's priorities, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thinking patterns.

    Ruth also supports those facing caregiving strain, grief, relationship and family concerns, and issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence. She includes attention to physical wellbeing and basic routines when those areas affect mood and functioning.

    People who choose Ruth can expect straightforward, calm guidance aimed at small, achievable steps. She works from Michigan and conducts sessions in English. To begin, the site process asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a time that fits their needs.

  2. How Ruth’s approaches translate to remote sessions

    Ruth uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change and build motivation in manageable steps. This approach is useful for decisions about behavior, substance use, or making life changes. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which centers on listening, validation, and letting the person's priorities guide each session. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another tool she draws on to identify unhelpful thinking and practice different ways of responding to stress and mood symptoms.

    Finding the right approach is part of the work. Ruth treats the process as collaborative and will help clients decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. She adjusts pacing and techniques based on what a person needs and how they respond over time.

    Session formats are not specified in the biography, so prospective clients should confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time, allowing a quieter space during a lunch break, or avoiding the need to be on camera for every check-in. Many people find remote sessions helpful for consistent progress and easier scheduling, and Ruth will work with each person to find a practical arrangement that supports their goals.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes

    Also works with

    LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

    Additional focus areas

    Caregiver issues and stressDomestic violenceForgivenessIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    30+ years

    Listed in

    Michigan

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Ruth commonly help with?

    She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, parenting strain, grief, anger, self-esteem, and related mood issues.

    What is Ruth's therapeutic style like?

    Her style is practical and person-focused. She uses Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness tools to help people make meaningful changes.

    How long has she been practicing?

    Ruth has 30 years of experience working as a therapist, including time supporting people affected by trauma and victims of crime.

    Where does Ruth practice and what are her credentials?

    She practices in Michigan and holds the credential LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker.

    Which languages are supported for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    Can people outside the United States work with Ruth?

    International clients are not currently accepted.

    How are fees handled for sessions?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with Ruth?

    Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists

Ruth Westfall Continue with Ruth