About me
I signed up for love in this relationship, but I’m receiving criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Which partner is ready to do ‘less of the same?’ Let’s work together to stop fighting and develop enduring change based on a deep friendship. I am a Master’s level, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor in Florida. My experience has included working with adults in a private practice setting since September 2015. I am Gottman Certified Level 1. What should you expect? The assessment phase comprises three parts. The first part will be the first session with the couple which lasts 90 minutes. That means the couple should schedule two consecutive 45 minute sessions. During this session I need to elicit from you, the couple, your narrative explantation of why you are coming to therapy, how you view your problem, and what your goals are. This should take about 15-20 minutes. For the next 30 minutes, I will conduct an informal oral history interview. Lastly, I will ask you to discuss a problem with each other for about 10 minutes while I will observe like a "fly on the wall." The purpose of observing your 10 minute discussion is to learn how you, the couple, process in conflict. At the end of the first session, you will be provided a link to complete the questionnaires which takes about an hour. The additional fee to process and produce a report for you and me is $39.00. The questionnaires must be completed before the first individual session. It takes about one-hour to complete the questionnaires. The second part of the assessment phase consists of individual sessions. Each partner will schedule an individual 45 minute session wherein, I will learn more about each partner's perspective, family-of origin and history. The third part of the assessment phase is the findings. I will review your questionnaire finding with you, the couple, and together, we will arrive at treatment goals. After the assessments are complete, it's time to get to work! Depending upon the goals and your efforts to do YOUR work, the goals could be completed within 12 session (this varies).
Other Important Information:
My observance is that as people are becoming busier and some are having to adjust to new daily routines, scheduling can become a problem. That, and the higher demand for therapist is why I am making this announcement on how to cancel an appointment and on my “no show”/cancellation policy. (This policy does not count if I am the one making the cancellation, and I will not cancel you with out giving you notice, or helping to reschedule you).
BetterHelp makes it seem easy to cancel an appointment (or even change counselors) Simply click on Cancel or change therapist. However, this is a gentle reminder for those who may not be aware that it is customary to let your therapist know when you can not make an appointment, (or that you wish to change therapists). Additionally, if something comes up and you do need to cancel it is important to give 24 hours notice; this allows others the possibility of using that appointment time (this is critical now that more people are ready and waiting for appointments).
Cancellations within 24 hours of a session are considered “no shows”. You are allowed one no show, after that BetterHelp may charge you for a session. After the second “no show” I will limit sessions to messaging rather than scheduled live appointments.
I know this policy can be a challenge, and part of therapy is stretching you. Not all of BetterHelp’s counselors have the same policies, and while I prefer to continue working with all my clients, it is ok if you decide to choose a different therapist. Additionally, I encourage you to message me before changing therapist (for any reason) I can assist you in finding a new therapist. And it is helpful to follow up with you on your experiences with me in therapy.
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationships
- Anger management
- Self esteem, Motivation
- Depression
Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Coping with life changes , ADHD , Caregiver issues and stress , Communication problems , Control issues , Divorce and separation , Domestic Violence , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Years of Experience: 6
Services offered
Messaging
Phone
Video
Licensing
FL LMHC MH16904
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ruth Hickmon. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Regain might be different.
She is a treasure beyond measure
I am so glad that we found Tracey! As our couples therapist she took time with both of us to determine what our needs and issues were. In our weekly sessions she taught us tools and gave us information we need to better communicate. We have grown so much as individuals and are a much stronger couple, thanks to Tracey.
Tracey is phenomenal and we cannot say enough great things about her. She takes the time to truly understand each person and provides non-biased feedback and all of the tools necessary for a successful relationship. She is personable and flexible to your needs while still being professional. We cannot recommend her enough!!
Amazing experience all around! Tracy is the best!
She is a great listener and takes the time to make sure what is being taught is being practiced by providing real life exercises. She follows up with great questions and exercises that reinforces the learning of valuable tools and exercises that will ensure long lasting healthy relationships.
Ruth is a breath of fresh air…..She is extremely knowledgeable and we trust her completely. She makes us feel very comfortable in the most uncomfortable situations. She’s been an absolute blessing to us
Rating my experience now is unfair because this was our first session.
Ruth is great! She is caring, understandable and very knowledgeable..