Ru is an Associate Professional Counselor who received their Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and their Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University. Ru has a passion for working with intersectionality and marginalized communities, specifically the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Neurodivergent, Kink, and Ethical Non- Monogamy (ENM) communities, whose identities have shaped the way they experience and navigate the world, along with their mental health needs.
With the lived experiences as a queer person of color who grew up in the south, Ru draws from systems theories in order to better understand the context, influences, and systems that shape their client’s lived experiences, view of themselves, and goals for counseling. Ru’s therapeutic approach is holistic as they integrate somatic approaches, psychoeducation, coping skills, and community resources into their work to help clients find balance and feel empowered in their lives.
Ru’s therapeutic style is compassionate, authentic, and is built on collaboration between themselves and their clients. Ru strives to create an affirming and explorative space for all of their clients’ identities and experiences to identify strengths, process their lived experiences, and navigate overwhelming emotions using a trauma-informed, anti-capitalist approach that emphasizes cultural humility and social justice.
Ru is building on over five years of experience working in the field of mental health in both research and clinical capacities. They specialize in identity exploration (gender, sexuality, race, and neurodivergence), sex therapy, interpersonal and relational concerns, self esteem/self-worth, self-compassion, and shame. Ru is currently under the direct supervision of Dr. Erika Pluhar as they work to build their skills and get their certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Sex Therapy for relationships and individuals who identify outside of societal relationship and sexual norms.
