top of page

​​​​

About

Ellie Ruggeri

I love all things creative, including music, art, poetry, drama, dance and anything that encourages us to express ourselves. I enjoy helping children with this and have worked in schools, children's homes, as a nanny, as a social worker, a supervising social worker, and of course as a psychotherapist. Prior to working with children I used to be a sound engineer, and still love to 'geek out' when it comes to anything sound/music-related. My psychotherapy training was with the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) in London, which focused on the importance of empathy in the therapeutic relationship. I have a particular interest in neurodivergence, which includes working with autism and ADHD, and enjoy finding ways to celebrate those of us who are 'out-of-the-box' thinkers.  

Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

'Integrative' child and adolescent psychotherapy means a range of theories and techniques are integrated to best meet the needs of each individual. The work might include using play and creativity to help children/young people express themselves while using a mainly psychodynamic model. This means I am interested in how a child's early development might impact their current behaviour, and the therapeutic relationship is the main vehicle for effecting change. In order to address any presenting issues in a meaningful way and improve mental health at a deeper level, all factors of the child’s life are taken into account. My work is informed by neuroscience and polyvagal theory, particularly when dealing with trauma, and sometimes I use cognitive behavioural techniques (CBT). Child psychotherapists work with children up to the age of 18, however it is possible to continue past this age if required. Difficulties may include (but are not limited to) experiencing abuse, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, neurodivergence, sexuality issues, identity issues, and emotional/behavioural difficulties.

Ellie_edited_edited_edited_edited.png
bottom of page