Ciara Rutten

Locations: Smokey Point, Telehealth

Hello and welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

My name is Ciara and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). I enjoy working with people of many different ages and walks of life. I see children ages 6 and up in person, and individuals 15 and up in person or by telehealth. I want therapy to be a place where you can show up as you are, without feeling like you need to have everything figured out. My hope is that we can build a relationship where you feel heard, understood and comfortable exploring whatever brings you to therapy. I believe you’re the expert on your own experience, and that healing grows from genuine connection, curiosity and self-discovery. I tailor the therapeutic process to meet you where you are, offering support that reflects your values, strengths and interests. We’ll move at your pace.

Background and experience

I’ve worked in mental health since 2019, supporting a variety of populations and challenges. That includes residential treatment for adolescents with eating disorders and inpatient behavioral hospitalization for adolescents. I’ve also supported individuals in crisis and those living with chronic mental health conditions in supported living environments.

I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona.

Outside my clinical work, I enjoy spending time with my active family and supporting my children in their many activities. When I can, I spend time baking, crocheting and getting lost in a good book, which helps me stay balanced and present in my life.

Approach

With children and teens, I use experiential techniques such as creative writing, art, play and games to help them express themselves, build emotional awareness and practice new coping and communication skills. I enjoy supporting children and adolescents as they work through challenges such as emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, life transitions, depression, neurodivergence, identity exploration and stress related to school or family dynamics. I work at each client’s pace, meeting them where they are and partnering with caregivers when appropriate to support growth both in and outside of sessions.

With adults, I offer a safe, warm and non-judgmental space to explore your inner world and experiences. I support adults with anxiety, depression, stress, work-life balance, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transitions, women’s issues and the challenges of motherhood. We’ll work together to identify what needs our attention and explore what a path forward looks like.

You deserve to thrive. Let’s connect and start working together toward your goals.