Somatic-Therapists

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Ruth Stoan, LPC

Compassionate counselor blending body and talk approaches

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About Ruth

Ruth Stoan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 35 years of clinical experience. She helps people who are facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship trouble, addiction concerns, and life transitions. Ruth often focuses on questions of identity and meaning, especially when clients are navigating major life changes.

Ruth draws on somatic ideas alongside talk-based methods to help people notice how emotions show up in the body. She uses practical methods such as mindfulness, breath work, and imagery to help clients calm their nervous system and gain clearer perspective.

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Background and approach

Sessions move at a steady, humane pace so people can practice new skills between meetings. Her background includes work in independent practice and community agencies, where she supported people with addictions, family role changes, and aging-related matters. Ruth holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and maintains a Missouri LPC license, MO LPC 000702.

In sessions she and the client set goals together and build a simple plan to reach them. Ruth combines cognitive tools and emotion-focused work so clients can change habits that keep them stuck. She also offers coaching-style support for career and life-direction questions.

Ruth offers video sessions, phone calls, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules. She accepts international clients and conducts therapy in English. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability.

How somatic and talk approaches work online

Ruth blends somatic ideas with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy to support change. Somatic work helps people notice bodily signals - tension, breath, or grounding - and use simple practices to shift those sensations. This can be helpful for anxiety, trauma-related tension, and stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on values and small actions; it helps people move toward a meaningful life even while difficult feelings remain. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship so clients feel heard and understood.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the process. Ruth collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their goals and comfort level. She will check in often and adjust the plan based on what is working and what is not.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions let therapist and client read facial expressions and body signals, which supports somatic work. Phone, chat, and text give flexible options for people with tight schedules or different comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into daily life while still working on concrete skills and goals.
Book with Ruth Now Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Ruth commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship issues, addictions, and life changes. Additional areas include self-esteem, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and end-of-life or caregiver stress.
What is Ruth's therapy style like?
Her approach mixes body-oriented techniques with talk therapy. Sessions tend to be practical and skills-focused, using mindfulness, breath work, and imagery alongside cognitive and emotion-focused methods.
How long has she practiced?
Ruth brings 35 years of clinical experience working in independent practice and community settings. That background includes work with addictions and family role changes.
What are Ruth's credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, licensed in Missouri with license number MO LPC 000702. Her practice is located in Missouri.
Can I work with Ruth if I live outside the U.S.?
Sessions are offered to international clients. Therapy is conducted in English.
What session formats are available?
Ruth provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that, schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
35 years
Licensed
Missouri
Languages
English