Ruth Wharton, M.A.
Child Psychotherapist and Wilderness Therapist

Education

Ruth graduated from Prescott College in 1999 with a B.A. in Therapeutic Use of the Wilderness Experience and Cultural Anthropology. During her studies, she worked in Prescott elementary schools leading groups and dream workshops for children. Ruth's education focused on a person centered approach to therapy as well as ways to use metaphors as therapeutic tools for people of all ages. She was trained and certified as a Wilderness First Responder and worked in several wilderness programs for children and adults. Ruth also trained at the School of Lost Borders as a wilderness rites of passage guide.

Ruth was trained as a counselor for a 24 hour domestic violence and sexual assault crisis hotline in 2001. Trained as a certified child and teen assault prevention counselor, Ruth presented throughout California on topics including domestic violence, sexual assault, relationship issues, and non-violent communication. Ruth also completed a 80 hour training to counsel children and adults who have experienced trauma.

Because of her experience working with children and teens in the crisis center, Ruth decided to further her education and in 2006 received her Master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. During Ruth's education, she specialized in course work related to children, adolescents, and play therapy. In 2005, Ruth completed an intensive training in Experiential Play Therapy with Byron and Carol Norton, two pioneers in the field of play therapy. Over the last few years, Ruth has continued to train and receive supervision toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist. Currently a student at the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies, Ruth brings a holistic, experiential, and body centered approach to her work with children and adults.

Experience

Over 10 years ago, Ruth began her work as a therapist in wilderness settings, guiding children, adolescents, and adults on therapeutic wilderness expeditions. Ruth is currently the director of the vision quest and training program at The School of Lost Borders (www.schooloflostborders.com). She has over a decade of experience guiding both youth and adults through wilderness rites of passage. Ruth has also guided backpacking trips for children and adolescents, worked with adjudicated youth in wilderness therapy programs, and worked as a counselor, tutor, mentor and educator in a variety of other programs for children.

Ruth directed a teen counseling program for a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center. During this time, Ruth gained experience working with survivors of abuse and found play therapy particularly effective when working therapeutically with children.

Ruth has 10 years of experience as a group facilitator and educator, and has worked in a variety of settings including schools, group homes, teen centers, and juvenile hall. As a Council Facilitator in Boulder Valley schools, Ruth educated children on health related topics and provided an environment for children to express themselves openly.

In 2005, Ruth interned at MDS counseling center as a psychotherapist for children and adults where she implemented a play therapy counseling program at a Denver public elementary school. During this time, Ruth saw a tremendous need for experiential play therapy for children. Because of this experience along with a decade of experience working with children, Ruth has dedicated her practice to provide effective and empowering therapeutic services to children.

Philosophy

Ruth believes that every person has the ability to grow towards health. With the support of a caring and strong therapist, clients are able to find the courage to look into their darkest places and find light. Symbol and metaphor are powerful tools to help move through this journey. Utilizing a body centered and experiential approach to therapy, Ruth has found experiential therapies such as play therapy and wilderness therapy to be very effective. She views her role as a midwife, witnessing and supporting clients to find insight and transformation through their struggles. The therapeutic process itself can be seen as a rite of passage into a deeper relationship with oneself and others.

Personal Interests

Ruth enjoys many outdoor activities. Ruth begins most days hiking in the mountains and finds much peace and strength in this practice. She also travels to the desert at least once a year for a solo experience in the wilderness. Ruth's favorite landscape is the mountains and she loves to backpack any time of year. She has recently found a passion for sea kayaking. In the winter, Ruth can be found snowboarding in fresh powder, or making fresh tracks with her snowshoes behind her house. Ruth enjoys spending time in nature with children and furry friends. She loves to travel to new places and experience different cultures.

Contact info: 303-494-1778 & ruthwharton@yahoo.com