All of our programs are facilitated by registered Psychologist Ruth Nelson (Clinical Psychologist; B. Psych (Hons); M. Clin. Psych; Psych. Reg. Number PSY0001637340). Ruth has twenty years experience in social justice, community outreach and mental health, both in Australia and overseas.

Her professional history includes coordinating a charity in Campbelltown, NSW, for disadvantaged children; two years with Jesuit Refugee Service in northern Uganda, working with children and adults impacted by the war with the LRA; and providing psychological services at psychiatric hospitals in Sydney and with STARTTS, a counselling service for refugees. Psychological modalities that Ruth has experience with include narrative therapy, mindfulness, CBT and DBT.

Ruth has extensive experience at facilitating development workshops for staff in schools and NGOs, in Australia, Uganda and Sudan. She also has extensive experience with spirituality and social justice workshops for schools and youth groups.

She has volunteered in Australia in many capacities, including with refugees, people with chronic psychiatric illnesses, and overseas with street kids and in clinics.

She has served on various Boards, committees and networks, including Catholic Youth Services, the Australian Forum for Justice, and the Josephite Justice Network. Ruth currently sits on the Editorial Board of The Activist Practitioner.

Some of Ruth’s work has been turned into a play by Kinetic Energy Theatre Company and has also featured in the documentary In Your Face. Ruth has an essay in the anthology Chasing Misery, documenting the efforts of female humanitarian workers.