Ruth Burnett

Is your child or teenager struggling with anxiety, anger, sadness or low mood? Do your efforts to help seem to fall short—or even make things worse? You’re not alone. Young people face an increasing range of emotional and psychological challenges. As a parent myself, I understand how vital the right support at the right time can be—not only for the young person but for the entire family. 

 

I’ve been working with children and adolescents in Edinburgh for over a decade, having first trained in psychodynamic counselling in 2014. My earlier career in television journalism took me around the world, where I became deeply interested in how different cultures understand and support young people through the transitions and challenges of growing up. This experience shaped my approach: curious, respectful, and informed by the real-life struggles families face. 

 

After completing master’s degrees in Childhood Studies and Medical Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh, I trained as a psychodynamic counsellor and by 2018 had completed 850 hours of counselling in three Edinburgh primary schools. I’ve since completed many hundreds more hours in private practice, as well as regular specialist training in trauma therapy, neurodiversity (including ADHD and autism), and adolescent mental health. 

 

I support children and young people experiencing: 

 

– Anxiety and low self-esteem

– Bereavement and trauma

– Parental separation and divorce

– Gender dysphoria and identity questions

– Peer conflict and bullying

– Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

– Social media-related pressures

– Loneliness, anger, and behavioural concern

 

Sometimes families seek support without knowing exactly what’s wrong—only that their child is unhappy, disengaged, or struggling to cope. I believe that these behaviours are how  young people communicate their distress, and they deserve to be met with compassion and understanding. 

 

Whenever possible I involve parents/carers in the therapeutic process. Supporting you to support your child is often a key part of the work. I offer both in-person and online sessions, depending on what suits your family best. My approach is flexible and collaborative, drawing on a range of techniques tailored to your child’s needs. 

 

I am committed to providing a safe, thoughtful, and professional space where children, young people, and families can explore difficult emotions and begin to find a way forward—together.