‘The river of my life – where things can break and things can mend’: Ruth’s nine years’ therapy programme at Family Futures and three sessions that stand out. An account by Ruth and her therapist

Ruth and her adoptive mother were referred to Family Futures shortly into Ruth’s placement with her prospective adoptive mother in 1996. It had become apparent in the early weeks of the placement how violent Ruth’s behaviour was and what a challenge this was going to be to any parent. But before I go any further I should stress that Ruth is not her real name and that some of the facts have been changed to protect her identity. And most important of all, I wish to add that Ruth has read and agreed to everything that has been written here as well as adding her own comments. It is a collaborative piece of reflection between client and therapist.