Meet Dr Ruth McConnell
Dr Ruth is a highly qualified counsellor, supervisor, and trainer with a PhD in Counselling Psychology and over 30 years’ experience across New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. With specialist training in attachment-based developmental psychology, neuropsychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems approach, she works in private practice and also delivers professional supervision, training, and retreats for mental health professionals throughout Aotearoa and Australia.
SERVICES
Professional and personal counselling, supervision and training
Dr Ruth is a sought-after counsellor with over 30 years’ experience of counselling adults, children, adolescents and families. She divides her time between private practice counselling, parenting consulting, supervision, presenting professional development seminars, conference speaking, academic research and writing as well as teaching (adjunct lecturing). Ruth is qualified to the highest level and is a gifted and empathic counsellor, specialist supervisor, compelling speaker and teacher.
Internal Family Systems Therapy
IFS is a transformative tool that conceives of every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts led by a core Self. We believe the mind is naturally multiple and that is a good thing. Just like members of a family, inner parts are forced from their valuable states into extreme roles within us.
Supervision
Ruth provides clinical supervision for counsellors, social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and special education providers, creating a reflective space to support professional growth. Supervisees often seek her out for her specialist knowledge in Attachment Theory and her compassionate, insightful approach.
Self-paced Online Courses
Ruth has developed a collection of self-paced training courses as well as a 12 week online course entitled One Wild and Precious Life (from Mary Oliver's poem The Summers Day). One Wild and Precious Life was developed to explore creative and spiritual recovery using Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way book.
WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY
“Your presentation was top marks for presentation and delivery. Just loved all the work you had put into those slides, and I have heard only favourable comments from my colleagues. So often people have referred to your warmth and lovely personality. Can't better that! Thank you again!!!”
Workshop organiser, Auckland
“Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge, humour and inspiration with us during your awesome workshop.”
Counsellor, Nelson
“Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us at the Professional Development day. The feedback from participants has been SO positive. Everyone thinks you were informative, easy to listen to, and they all want you to come back. Our younger team members loved your presentation style also!”
Workshop attendee, Auckland
“I was privileged in attending your seminar. I found the whole presentation flowed and you were wonderful in listening and answering everyone.”
Psychotherapist, Auckland
“I was privileged in attending your seminar. I found the whole presentation flowed and you were wonderful in listening and answering everyone.”
Psychotherapist, Auckland
“Thank you for sharing your wisdom, not only with your words but also with your life. In today’s world, that is not always easy to do – but you do it with kindness and consistency. That’s what makes you different – and its the reason you make a difference.”
Psychologist, Tauranga
“We have loved being together with you. The beautiful way you have shared your life with us today will continue to challenge us on many levels and draw us into richer relationships!”
Counsellor, Auckland
“I appreciate your deep knowledge of attachment and your personal knowledge and empathy for grief and your yearning for growth. I felt very accepted by your warm, loving and inclusive nourishment. You have inspired me to grow in this area and my practice has benefited.”
Supervisee experience
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Applying Attachment Theory to Clinical Practice21 Jul 2025, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm NZSTZoom
One Wild and Precious Life online course10 Sept 2025, 7:00 pm NZST – 26 Nov 2025, 9:00 pm NZDTZoom