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Ruthie Portnoy

Therapists, Couples Therapist

  • Accepting New Clients
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Licensed in: Ghana, Israel, South Africa, United Kingdom

You must live in one of these states or regions to work with this provider.

No insurance accepted

Private pay rate: $175 - $190

Ruthie Portnoy
Pain is inevitable - suffering is optional

Ruthie Portnoy's style

💙 Warm 😃 Humorous 💡 Solution-oriented 🥇 Empowering

Why Ruthie Portnoy chose to be in the helping profession

My passion for this work is deeply personal. Perhaps it is in my nature, but I believe much of it stems from losing my mother very suddenly at the age of 11 and facing various challenges in life that, in those days in the UK, were simply not helped with therapy. Those experiences shaped who I am and gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of healing, growth, and meaningful relationships. Today, I feel incredibly privileged to walk alongside individuals and couples as they navigate their own journeys.

I am especially excited by working with couples, although I also love working with individuals, and it gives me a huge amount of satisfaction. Seeing people heal and grow, and helping return passion and connection to a struggling or dying marriage or relationship, is something I never tire of. It is my firm belief that when we become successful in our primary and spousal relationships, the rest of our lives, including the workplace, also become more successful. I have witnessed this time and time again throughout my years of work.

As the mother of nine married children and many grandchildren, together with my 32 years serving as a Rebbetzin in the UK, I feel that I have encountered just about every challenge that may come my way. My life experience, alongside my professional training, allows me to bring both compassion and practical wisdom into the therapy room. I am probably slightly addicted to growth, which greatly benefits my clients, as I am always learning, updating, and expanding my skill set in order to be the very best therapist and coach that I can be.

Ruthie Portnoy's approach

My approach to therapy, coaching, and nutrition counselling is highly individualised because I firmly believe that no two people are ever the same. Each person brings their own unique experiences, challenges, strengths, and goals, and therefore there can never be a one-size-fits-all approach to healing and growth.

I integrate coaching with therapy, drawing on a variety of tools and approaches to best support each client's needs. Rather than following a rigid formula, I create a custom-made, bespoke programme for every individual or couple I work with. This allows us to work in a way that feels meaningful, practical, and tailored specifically to you. My goal is always to meet you where you are and help you move towards lasting change, greater fulfilment, and the life and relationships you truly want.

What you can expect from sessions with Ruthie Portnoy

What you can expect from our sessions is, above all, a safe, warm, and supportive space where you can feel truly heard and understood. Building a strong connection and genuine rapport is extremely important to me, as I believe that healing and growth happen best within a trusting therapeutic relationship. Whether you come as an individual or as part of a couple, my aim is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being open, honest, and fully yourself.

You can expect empowerment rather than judgment, and compassion rather than criticism. I work from a place of no blame and no shame, recognising that every person arrives with their own story, struggles, and experiences. Together, we will explore challenges with curiosity and understanding, always focusing on growth and positive change rather than fault-finding.

I may also suggest homework between sessions. While this is always optional, I believe it can be critical in helping to speed up the process and deepen the work we do together. Lasting change often happens not only during our sessions, but also in the small, meaningful steps taken between them.

Ruthie Portnoy's experience working with the Jewish community

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with people from all shades of the Jewish community, including Chassidic, traditional, secular, and non-observant individuals and couples, as well as those who identify as atheist. My many years as a Rebbetzin, together with my professional experience, have given me a deep appreciation for the diversity that exists within the Jewish world and the unique strengths and challenges that different individuals and families may experience.

A significant part of my work is also with the non-Jewish community. Regardless of background, faith, or level of observance, my goal is always the same: to provide a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where people feel understood and supported. I believe that while our backgrounds may differ, the desire for healing, connection, growth, and fulfilling relationships is universal.

Ruthie Portnoy's Book Recommendation Zone

Languages spoken

English

Ages

Adults Elders (65+)

People I work with

Men Women Individuals Families Couples

Personal religious affiliations

Frum open minded

Jewish community experience

Extensive

Licensed to work in

Ghana, Israel, South Africa, United Kingdom

Nearby areas within a short commute to my in person office

Jerusalem

16 years in practice

Licenses

  • Accredited by International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists Current . License number 362473
  • Accredited by EFTi Current
  • Accredited by Imago International Current

Degrees

  • Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy Diploma by London Diploma/Chan (Middx University) Level 6 2016

Awards

  • Mental Health Award Winner by GHP 2022

Certificates

  • EMDR Completion by EMDR Institute of Israel 2024
  • Solution Building Couples Therapy by Solution Focussed Universe 2026
  • Advanced Relationship Coach by Center for Strategic Intervention 2018
  • Master Level Strategic Intervention Coach by Strategic Intervention 2018

Trainings

  • EMDR by EMDR Institute of Israel 2024
  • Stress & Trauma Model for addiction Recover by STM 2021
  • NLP by UK Guild Hypnosis Practitioners 2020
  • Mentoring by EFTi 2025

Affiliations

  • Member by COSRT current
  • Mentor by EFTi 2024
  • Founder Member by EFT Guild UK 2012
  • Member by ICIP Current

Average costs per session

$175 - $190

Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • PayPal

What people have to say about working with me:

  • Ruthie is very easy to talk to, extremely calming, friendly and listens without judgement when you’re explaining a challenging situation all within a relaxed atmosphere. Ruthie gave helpful and informative advice and techniques which were easy to follow and useful going forward.

    KA
  • Absolutely loved working with Ruthie. I always felt supported and that I was given the appropriate tools to grow in the ways I needed and overcome the struggles that came my way. I never appreciated or valued therapy until sitting in the chair across from Ruthie. Forever grateful.

    AG
  • Excellent session. Thank you! So grateful! We left feeling much more connected.

    JD
  • I have (and still am) benefiting so much from the help I am getting from 2halves …. I am learning how to deal with life’s difficulties with new coping mechanisms…. I feel calmer, and have been given tools to deal with the problems we all have to face in day to day life …. I am indebted for the support I am getting….

    KS
  • Highly recommended a session with Ruthie, very calming, clear and really helped me see so much more clarity about my situation. Thank you it's very much appreciated xx

    YSI

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