Kurt Ruffley

Finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating—you want someone who "gets" it without you having to explain every little thing. While every person I work with is unique, the students who tend to thrive in my practice often find themselves at a similar crossroads.

If any of the following sounds familiar, we’ll likely work very well together:

1. The "High-Achiever" Burnout
Many of my clients are experts at looking like they have it all together. On the outside, you’re hitting deadlines and showing up for friends; on the inside, you’re exhausted and constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. We work best together if you're ready to peel back the pressure of perfectionism and find out who you are when you aren’t "performing."

2. The Weight of "What’s Next?"
College and graduate school are massive transition periods. I work best with students who feel paralyzed by the sheer number of choices ahead—career paths, relationships, or moving away from home. If you feel like you’re supposed to have a "map" for your life but you're currently standing in a fog, I’m here to help you clear the air.

3. The "Identity Explorer"
Many students I see are navigating a shift in how they see themselves. This might involve:

Coming to terms with cultural or family expectations that don't align with your personal goals.

Exploring your identity or orientation in a new environment.

Managing the "imposter syndrome" that tells you that you don't belong in the room you worked so hard to get into.

How We’ll Work Together
I don't believe in "doctor-speak" or complicated clinical terms. Our sessions are a conversation. I’m not here to just nod and say "How does that make you feel?"—I’m here to:

Validate your stress: Because "just being a student" is actually a full-time, high-pressure job.

Identify patterns: Noticing those loops your brain gets stuck in (like late-night overthinking).

Build a toolkit: Giving you actual, real-world ways to handle a panic attack before a midterm or a difficult conversation with a roommate.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a space where you can be messy, honest, and even use a bit of humor to get through the tough stuff, we’re going to get along great.