Ruth Farrell, MDiv
Masters Level Student Intern, Loyola University Chicago 847-908-8700 x113ruthf@illuminatingyou.com Insurances Accepted Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Aetna PPORuth’s Specialties
- Adjustment and Life Transitions
- Adoption
- Anxiety & Stress Management
- Career Counseling
- Crisis Counseling/Disaster Emergency Response
- Depression & Mood Disorders
- Family & Relationship Conflict
- Grief & Loss
- Infidelity Recovery
- Imposter Syndrome
- Premarital & Couples Counseling
- Parenting Concerns
- Spirituality
- Trauma
Ruth is a graduate intern, currently in her third year of her counseling program at Loyola University Chicago. Ruth earned a Master of Divinity in 2006 and will complete her Master of Pastoral Counseling in 2026. Ruth comes to IT&W with a background of counseling individuals of all ages, including couples, and families in her roles as chaplain and pastor. Ruth is committed to helping her clients find healing so they can experience peace and wellbeing. She is passionate about honoring the unique voices and gifts of all those with whom she works with. She enjoys creating a strong therapeutic relationship through caring deeply, listening carefully, being non-judgmental, and sharing laughter.
Ruth uses an eclectic approach with her clients, most frequently drawing from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Family Systems Theory, Gottman, and Prepare-Enrich. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, perfectionism, family conflict, grief, trauma (particularly C-PTSD and betrayal trauma), couples (including premarital counseling), imposter syndrome, disaster/emergency, life transitions, and adoption.
Couples are a special area of focus for Ruth. One of her primary goals when working with couples is to build their relationship toolbox so they can better navigate difficult moments and accentuate their strengths. Her goal is to help couples work through their differences with emotional connection and thoughtfulness. She is a certified Gottman Couples Counselor (Level 1 & 2) and Prepare and Enrich Facilitator.
As a former teacher, Ruth enjoys working with children and youth. She is committed to helping her younger clients feel safe and empowered through therapy. Ruth incorporates play and music therapy as part of her work with younger clients. Ruth is also passionate about working collaboratively with parents/guardians to facilitate support and growth.
In her previous roles as chaplain and pastor, Ruth has gained extensive experience helping clients work through spiritual themes and questions. She honors and is comfortable working with individuals of any or no religious background. She is also able to navigate interfaith challenges experienced by couples.
Ruth is an experienced mediator. She works with groups of any size (from 2 to 200) to address their personal conflict and come to places of agreement, peace, and reconciliation. She is also passionate about teaching skills that prevent and transform conflict.
To ground and rejuvenate herself, Ruth plays the piano, spends time outdoors, travels (she’s visited 47 states and nearly 20 countries), bakes (her sourdough starter’s name is Vern), reads, and spends time with friends.
Quote
“The wound is where the light enters you.”
– Rumi
Recommendations
“Ruth offered a compassionate and focused approach to addressing my emotional and relational challenges that contributed to my stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. She provided coping tools and facilitated personal growth.”
“Ruth gave us the tools we didn’t realize we needed at the start of our marriage. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach created a safe space where we felt comfortable being vulnerable as we worked through our fears and challenges. We continue to incorporate these valuable lessons into our daily lives and are truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a kind and supportive professional. “
