Ruth Milsten, LCSW-C

Therapy with me: “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”-Maya Angelou

I’m a warm, collaborative, attachment focused, somatic and culturally competent therapist. I work in partnership with my clients, helping them develop a mind/body/spirit connection, identify limiting beliefs, learn about their attachment style and discover a path to healing. I honor each client as a unique individual, who is the expert of their own journey of self-discovery and growth. Both in my private practice: http://www.youngadultcounselingandretreats.com/ and at Anchored Hope, I’m committed to affirming identities for all folks.

My role as a counselor is to provide active listening and practices to increase self- compassion, self-esteem, healthy boundaries and somatic awareness in the body. It is never my job to fix, give solutions, criticize or judge a client. I do offer observations, food for thought, cognitive reframing and a path to move forward.

My impacting identities/roles that inform my work: I’m a mom/stepmom of 6 young adults and am passionate about helping emerging adults, ages 18-35 years old. My heritage is 100% Eastern European and I have traveled to over 19 countries. I consider myself to be a citizen of the world. I’ve also been a “creative” my whole life-a dancer, creative writer and theater lover. I love working with International individuals, folks who feel “other” and “creatives.”

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Holistic counseling, self compassion/mindfulness, somatic and trauma informed modalities, insight oriented and psychodynamic therapy, chakra and energy awareness, yogic and eastern philosophy, healing properties of crystals, sound therapy, dance and yoga,  Imago therapy for couples, issues related to emerging adults, minorities, LGBTQIA plus and kink, polyamory and consensual non monogamy.

I work best with clients who: Are young adults, ages 18-35 years old, and looking for a holistic approach. My clients are usually struggling with: life transitions, college related issues, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, people pleasing, relationship and career issues, identity, college and career exploration, creative struggles, a difficult childhood and more.

I am not a good fit for clients who: Want traditional talk therapy, to be given solutions or are not ready to gain insight, grow and heal. I’m also not a good fit for clients struggling with addictions or eating disorders, as these are not my specialties.

What makes me unique: I offer holistic counseling, which blends talk therapy with holistic modalities, such as: mindfulness, breathing, somatic and energy awareness, eastern philosophies, guided imagery, the use of crystals and aromatherapy.

Learning and Growing: I’m currently enrolled in advanced somatic trauma training. I’m also learning about dance techniques used for healing.

Fun Facts/Resilience Building: What resources me is spending time with my family, friends and pets. Being in nature and moving my body through walking, dancing and yoga. I love to sing as much as possible. And travel, with a good fantasy book in my bag, is a way to stretch my wings and meet interesting people along the way. 

Education: Boston University-graduated 1993 with a B.A. in psychology. University of MD School of Social Work-graduated with a Masters in Social Work in 1995 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1997; Clinical Supervisor through the MD Board of Social Work Examiners in 2019.

Certifications/Trainings/What I’m Currently Reading: 

Integrative Yoga Therapy-200 hour yoga teacher in 2000

Institute for Integrative Nutrition: 2006-2007-Certified Holistic Health Educator

Trauma Informed Yoga training through Yogamour-2019

Sound Healing Certification-2019

Imago Couples Therapy training-2017-2018

Lisa Ferentz Level I Trauma Therapy Training-2019

Polyvagal/Somatic Trainings-2020

I’m currently reading: The Body Keeps Score-Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Book of Awakening-Mark Nepo, Clarity and Connection-Yung Pueblo, Attached-Amir Levine, Homecoming-John Bradshaw and Anatomy of Spirit-Caroline Myss