Meet Ruth - Therapist, Clinical Traumatologist, and Dog Mom

Tell us about yourself, who are you?

My name is Ruth Reina (she/her) and I am a bi-racial, heterosexual, cis woman. I currently live on Treaty 7 land, otherwise known as Calgary, but I was born in Montreak, and raised in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). My mother is a proud 4’9” Panamanian woman, who enrolled me in French Immersion and taught me how to speak Spanish. As a result, I am proficient in Spanish and can provide therapy services in this language. I have a Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Studies, and a Master of Social Work. I’m a self-proclaimed social justice warrior, just trying to do my part.

What do you like to do for fun?

My idea of fun is staying at home, eating good food, and getting immersed in a movie! But I also have two doggies, a 10-year-old chihuahua mix (Chapo) and a puppy who is a staffy & black lab mix (Luna), both of whom love to go outside and run around at the park! So, if I’m not binge watching a new series, you can find me outside enjoying nature with my husband and our doggies.

Do you have a life philosophy?

“What is meant for you, will not pass you by.” These are words I live by… and that’s not to say that everything is supposed to come easy, but it’s often been a phrase that I find comfort in once I’ve exhausted all my own effort (done the right things, made the right choices, tried… 10x over). You can only do what you can do, the rest is fate – that’s what I believe. 

What led you to become a therapist?

Like many other people my answer to the question, “what do you want to be when you grow up” evolved as time went on. Becoming a therapist is something that happened after spending years learning about systems and working as a frontline employee in many social service settings. Part of that experience includes a background in law enforcement which is really where my passion for client care stems from. After seeing the gaps that exist when dealing with mental health issues (by police and the healthcare system alike), I chose to pursue a Master of Social Work in the hopes of helping in both the macro level systems, and micro level individuals. We’ve all heard the saying, “hurt people, hurt people”… and that is true, but I also believe that healed people can help heal other people, and collectively we can change the systems and find a better way forward. 

What are your specializations?

My specialty is all things Trauma! Renowned addiction expert, Gabor Mate defines trauma as, “what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you”… and I couldn’t agree more. This is why two people can live through the same event, and one be completely fine, while the other suffers lingering effects which can be categorized as trauma. As a result, my approach when navigating the complexities of trauma, is grounded in compassion and tailored to each person's unique experiences.

My other specializations include:

• Mood Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Anxiety
• Addictions
• Racial Trauma
• Self-Esteem
• Self-Harm
• Men’s Issues
• Neurodivergence
• LGBTQ2S+ 

What can I expect during a therapy session with you?

During a therapy session with me, you can expect a safe and confidential space where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. My approach is collaborative, meaning we work together to explore the issues you're facing and identify goals for your therapy journey. I make a commitment to my clients to listen attentively and without judgment, offering empathy and understanding as we delve into the complexities of their experiences.

Throughout our sessions, I encourage feedback and open communication to ensure that our work together is meaningful and effective for you. My goal is to empower you with tools and insights that support your growth and well-being outside of our sessions, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of yourself. Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust and mutual respect, where you feel supported and empowered to make positive changes in your life. Trust is crucial in therapy, so don't hesitate to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Lastly, remember to be patient with yourself; healing takes time and progress may not always be linear.

What therapeutic modalities do you use in your practice?

I use a vast array of therapeutic modalities in my practice depending on the client and their presenting concern. However, I always aim to provide client-centered therapy as a foundation for my practice, using a power with approach that encourages collaboration and emphasizes choice. I combine this with the principles of trauma-informed and strengths-based therapy which allows my clients to discover their individual/unique strengths that can help them overcome difficulties. Using a trauma-informed approach in my practice has empowered my clients and given them the confidence that they know how best to help themselves – and that builds their resilience and equips them with the ability to navigate future challenges.

Additionally, as part of a holistic therapeutic experience, I like to give my clients the option of incorporating somatic work as a way to release stored energy, restore the mind-body connection, and provide clients with an alternative when talk-therapy falls short. I have incorporated the body in my practice by guiding clients through body scans; to uncover specific areas in the body where they are storing stress and trauma, using breathwork as a way of regulating the nervous system and promoting mindfulness, and exploring a variety of grounding exercises to aid in emotional regulation.

What advice would you give someone who is considering therapy?

My advice to someone considering therapy would be - don’t wait. The same way you go to the doctor, dentist, optometrist, or even the gym…  I encourage everyone to take proactive steps to maintain their mental wellbeing. A therapist provides a confidential space to explore and address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and gain new perspectives on challenges, which can help prevent issues from escalating and promote emotional stability.

By engaging in therapy proactively, individuals can learn valuable skills to manage stress, improve relationships, and enhance self-awareness. So why wait? Embrace the opportunity to explore and understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more deeply. Therapy can offer invaluable insights and tools that empower you to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and clarity.