Hello! I am James Ruby and I am grateful that you have taken a few minutes to look at my profile. I hope we have the opportunity to work together to help you reach your goals!
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I did my MA at Northeastern IL University in Chicago, IL and my PhD at Loyola University in Chicago. I have been working with individuals, couples, and families since 1998.
I would imagine that you might want to know a bit about how I work, what I believe about the counseling process, etc. Let me try and give you some information that will help you make the best decision for you, you and your partner, or you and your family...
I believe that our past is important, but it doesn't define us. We are shaped by our past and we can learn from it, but we are the authors of our own lives. So, we can write a new chapter for ourselves that will better enable us to reach our goals. Sometimes, our ways of thinking can get in our way. We might have learned some things early in life that no longer seem to work for us. These thoughts and beliefs can feel like "the truth," but they really are only thoughts and beliefs. They can change. We can change. We can grow. We can thrive!
I also believe that we humans are complex beings, with multiple dimensions to our lives - the cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual, to name a few. All of those dimensions can work for us, or against us, so I like to help my counseling clients look at all of those dimensions. Within each of us is a wealth of knowledge and strength that our problems can make us forget. I like to help my clients tap into that knowledge and activate those strengths. So, I occasionally ask my clients to complete questionnaires or do some "homework" between sessions that helps them move in the direction they would like to go.
I would be privileged to have the opportunity to help you reach your goals. I know what it feels like to have the weight of sadness, anxiety, or frustration keep you down. I work in a judgment free atmosphere, so there is no need to feel excessive guilt or shame. In fact, those things can get in our way.
I have helped many people get through their most difficult days and come out on the other side, ready to live the life they deserve. I'd love to have the chance to do the same for you.
If you have any questions for me, I welcome them. I want you to find the best match for you and your counseling needs.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, ADHD, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Self-love, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy
HI LMHC MHC-367
IA LMHC 122890
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. James Ruby. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Dr Ruby is a kind, gentle and understanding counsellor who provides a safe place for me to express my concerns about my mental health. He demonstrates a considerable amount of empathy and makes me feel like the world isn’t such a dark place. I really appreciate his guidance and support.
Written on Mar 17, 2021 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
I learned a lot of things from Dr Ruby how to avoid the conflict .especially
get outside and get a peace
Mind and come back when the situation is normal.
Written on Jul 26, 2020 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts