Dr. Ruth Slater
 

Having left the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (December 2020) and moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland, I am excited to be offering online psychotherapy support to residents of Ontario and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I have been a registered psychologist in Ontario since 1993 and am also registered as a psychologist in Newfoundland and Labrador (as of February 2021). My work has focused on helping adults, adolescents, children and families, in their efforts to cope with stressful life events (e.g., relationship difficulties, challenges with work or school, illness or injury). As an able-bodied, cisgender, white woman, I am aware of my position of privilege within Canadian society and strive to understand how this affects my role as a psychologist. My training in family systems approaches and my experiences through work in various community settings (e.g., hospitals, school board) have helped me to appreciate the multiple influences that affect each of us.

My passion for psychology and understanding the ways in which our minds naturally operate has been enhanced by my own mindfulness practice of 20+ years. I have training in traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as “third wave” therapies that include mindfulness practices (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy - MBCT). I have found that an emphasis on developing compassion, for self and others, has been particularly helpful for me and for others in developing mindfulness activities that are flexible, adaptable, and sustainable. I am a Trained Teacher in Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and am able to offer groups for adults wishing to develop their skills in this area, to assist with day-to-day living and/or their personal (e.g., parent) or professional roles (e.g., health care provider). I am also trained as a Trainer in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and I find that this approach, with its basis in identifying personal strengths and values, is very compatible with my overall approach.

I would be more than happy to speak with you by phone or video meeting to answer any questions you may have and to determine whether our working together would be a good fit.