Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution

Individual, Couple, Family, and Group Therapy

My specialty is using Peaceful Conflict Resolution skills. I work with individuals, couples, families and various groups. I believe EMPATHY is the key to understanding and resolving all issues. I have been trained in short and long-term psychotherapy. Whether people are related or just work together I believe that everyone is looking for happiness. In over 30 years in private practice I have found that certain techniques using through wisdom and compassion can help ANY relationship combination.

In these challenging times I have a sliding fee scale so hopefully everyone can afford therapy.

I am presently practicing in Santa Barbara, which has more psychotherapists per capita than any other town in the United States! It is wonderful that the people of our town are so committed to working on their issues. It is part of what makes Santa Barbara so special.

Compassionate Psychotherapy

Having studied many different paradigms over the years, I would describe my therapeutic style as Compassionate Psychotherapy with a spiritual emphasis. I was very fortunate to have mentored under the renowned psychologist, Dr. Irwin Bloom, for 17 years, until he passed away. I also studied for 25 years with the empathic Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, who founded the "Center for Non-Violent Communication," both admiring and practicing his tenets of PEACEFUL CONFLICT RESOLUTION.

I have been a member of the Therapist professional association - CAMFT - since 1986, and was Vice President of CAMFT-SB, and also Chairman of the Ethics Committee for many years. After leaving the Board to get married I had two sons, who have grown up to become incredible teenagers. Having my own children has deepened my appreciation of the need for positive communication.

Multi-Paradigm Psychotherapy in Santa Barbara

I have worked in the field of Psychology for the past 35 years, and was awarded my B.A. from the University of Hawaii, where I was mentored by the acclaimed professor and author Dr. Anthony Marsella. During those early years I received invaluable experience in psychiatric hospitals, from 1978 to 1988. After moving to the mainland to attend graduate school at California Lutheran University, I got my M.S., and was fortunate enough to intern under some of the brightest minds in psychology.

After opening a private practice in Santa Barbara in 1986, I am happy to say that I am still in the same large, sunny office, which is conveniently located downtown. There is a back door for privacy, which opens to a beautiful garden.

Native American Influences on my Therapy

Both of my parents are part Cherokee Indian and I have embraced my ethnicity more as the years go by. I inherited the lineage of the "Cherokee Dream Walker" from my paternal Grandfather. This gift has helped me greatly over the years in working with other people's dreams. I love working with dreams and studied Jungian Psychology for many years to better understand how to interpret them.

For 20 years I primarily studied the psychoanalytic approach of "Self-Psychology". I found these beliefs and techniques to be a solid foundation for psychotherapy.

In the past 10 years, I have begun branching out and studying the healing therapy techniques of my ancestors and other Indigenous Tribes. I have apprenticed with several Native American Tribes and also studied "The Dream Time" with an Aborigine Elder. I recently received the great honor of teaching with the "13 Indigenous Grandmothers" at the Center for Sacred Studies.

Christian and Tibetan Influences on my Therapy

Many years ago I volunteered at the Crossroads Christian Counseling Center. During the last ten years I have also begun to investigate the complementary teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and integrating their wisdom into my practice. I have taken many classes and initiations with Tibetan Lamas .This has taught me how to have even deeper empathy and compassion for my patients, and for all beings.

Mental Healing and Counseling Methods

I feel very fortunate to have a career that is more rewarding and meaningful as every year passes. My mentor, Dr. Bloom, always used to say: "I have the greatest job in the world!

If you want to read more about the style of  healing I practice, such as Compassionate Healing, Tibetan and Native Traditions, Family and Marriage Counseling, please Go Back to the main menu now, or contact me at the phone or email below.

Contact Information:

Kymberlee Ruff, MFT
1035a De la Vina St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 962-5564
Email:kruffmft@aol.com
Site: Kymberleeruff.com

Kymberlee Ruff, MFT © 2013