Skip page header and navigation

Ruth Groff BSc, MPS, MA, BACP, FHEA

Image and intro

staff silhouettes female icon

Counselling Lecturer

Institute of Education and Humanities

Tel: 01792 482106 
Email: ruth.groff@uwtsd.ac.uk

Role in the University

  • Programme Director – MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research

Background

I have been part of the Counselling and Psychology Disciplines at UWTSD Swansea since 2009, teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate skills-based and practice-based programmes.

I am a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Since 2005, I have been practicing as a counsellor within various voluntary community agencies. I am particularly interested in the area of pastoral counselling, spirituality and restorative practices and enjoy working closely with grass-roots community projects.

I hold a Master’s in Pastoral Studies (MPS) and an MA in Pastoral Counselling from Loyola University, Chicago USA. I have gained Continuing Professional Development Certificates in the fields of Spirituality, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Creative Expressive Therapy. I have also recently gained a PG Diploma in Education Research.

Prior to qualifying as a Counsellor, my professional work was in the management of case managers for a non-profit supportive housing programme located in Chicago. The organisation offered housing to individuals and families who were, or at risk of being, homeless. I developed and managed programmes that addressed issues of addiction, mental health, and domestic violence.

Spending many years working with the social service sector and pastoral care settings has equipped me with a unique set of skills and a passion that enables me to make a valuable contribution to the teaching faculty within the disciplines of Counselling and Psychology.

Member Of

  • Registered Accredited BACP
  • BACP Spirituality

Academic Interests

Teaching on the following programmes within the discipline of Psychology and Counselling:

  • BSc Psychology and Counselling
  • BSc Mental Health
  • MA Psychotherapeutic Practice Based Programmes
  • MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research (Nonpractice qualification)

My module interest includes:

  • Counselling Skills and Practice Skills
  • Personal Development Groups
  • Cognitive Behavioural Theory
  • Supporting MA Dissertations in Counselling

Research Interests

  • A collaborator for the Tenovus Innovation Grant C-EVOLVE project: development and evaluation of a virtual reality-counselling world for young people affected by cancer. 2013 to 2014
  • An Evaluation of Arts Engagement Training: Theatr Fforwm Cymru and Small World Theatre. 2012 to 2013.
  • Research contributor of a database project for the Association for Pastoral, Spiritual Care and Counselling (APSCC 2008 to 2009)

Enterprise, Commercial and Consultancy Activities

Supporting Community Projects:

  • Dementia Hwb
  • African Community Centre
  • Faith in Families

Publications

  • Groff, R. and Hancox, C. (2018) ‘Giving Voice to Soul’. Thresholds. Lutterworth   
  • BACP Spirituality: British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy – BACP (January 2018) pp. 5

Additional Information

  • British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy – BACP Spirituality Conference: Co-presenter:  ‘Working with Soul’. November 2017
  • Children in Wales National Poverty Conference: Co-presenter:  ‘Witnessing the Impact of Poverty on the Emotional and Well-Being of Young People’:   A Practical Sand Tray Workshop. 2017
  • University Wales Trinity Saint David – Lampeter: Spirituality and Well-being Conference:  ‘Restoring and Healing Communities’:  Restorative Practice. February 2015

I am a practitioner who has over thirty years’ experience working and facilitating with groups in a variety of heath, mental health, education and community settings.  ‘Being with’ and allowing ‘voice(s)’ to be heard is at the centre of my practice and research.