Ruth Wharton
Biodynamic Cranial Osteopath & Supervisor
Meet Ruth
Hi, I’m Ruth—a trained Supervisor as well as Osteopath, with a background in supporting health and wellbeing professionals. I work with people who help people: osteopaths, naturopaths, nutritional therapists, coaches, and other dedicated practitioners who care deeply about their clients.
I believe that supervision is a vital source of support, connection, and renewal. My approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the emotional energy and commitment it takes to care for others.
Whether you’re working hands-on, in conversation, or through holistic methods, supervision can offer you a steady anchor in your professional life.
My Approach
A non-judgmental, reflective space where your experience is honoured
An understanding of the complexities of therapeutic and client-focused work
I provide
A trauma-informed, practitioner-centred lens
A focus on sustainability and resilience—so you can thrive, not just survive
Why I Chose Supervision as an Osteopath
As an osteopath, I have always been committed to ongoing learning and professional development. Our governing body requires us to complete CPD, but several years ago I felt there was something missing. CPD helped me develop my skills and knowledge, but it didn’t always give me the space to reflect deeply on my practice, my challenges, or the personal impact of my work.
That was when I decided to seek out clinical supervision, even though it was not – and still is not – a requirement for Osteopaths. Interestingly other practitioners who work with people with a history of pain and trauma are expected to have supervision.
Finding the missing piece
Working with patients is a profound privilege. We hear their stories, we hold their pain, and we share in their struggles and successes. Over time, I began to notice how much of myself I was bringing into my practice – not just my hands and my training, but my emotions, my assumptions, and my energy. I realised I needed a safe, supportive space to explore this.
Supervision gave me exactly that.
It offered:
• A confidential place to think about complex or emotionally charged cases.
• Support for my own wellbeing, so I could continue to be fully present with patients.
• A chance to notice blind spots and patterns that I might have missed on my own.
• Encouragement to celebrate what was going well, not only focus on the challenges.
Supervision soon became much more than a professional ‘extra’. It gave me perspective, resilience, and renewed enthusiasm for my work. It helped me to grow as a practitioner, and also as a person. I found myself more grounded, more reflective, and better able to meet patients where they were.
Becoming a supervisor myself
My own experience was so transformative that I eventually decided to train as a supervisor myself. I wanted to offer other practitioners the same support I had received – a space to reflect, to be challenged kindly, and to be reminded that we don’t have to carry the weight of our work alone.
Although supervision isn’t a formal requirement in osteopathy, I believe it is an invaluable resource. It protects us, it supports our patients, and it strengthens the profession as a whole.
For me, choosing supervision was about honouring the depth of this work and recognising that to care for others, I also need to care for myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed my training for Supervision for the Helping Professions run by the pioneering Centre for Supervision and Team Development in London - cstdlondon.co.uk
I am also a proud member of the Independent Supervisors Network
My Journey
My connection with Osteopathy began early—I was just two years old when I experienced the benefits of Cranial Osteopathic treatment for recurring ear infections. Years later, after a serious car accident in my twenties, I turned once again to Cranial Osteopathy for healing and pain management. Those transformative sessions not only helped me recover physically but planted a seed that would eventually shape my career.
At the time, I was working in the voluntary sector in social work, supporting women with histories of offending, mental illness, and substance dependency. I loved working one-on-one and wanted a career that would continue to support people on their journeys—Osteopathy felt like a natural fit.
So in 2000, I began a rigorous four-year, full-time degree in Osteopathic Medicine at BCNO (now BCOM) in London. While studying, I also worked as a telephone counsellor at Childline’s emergency night service.
After qualifying as a Registered Osteopath and Naturopath, I ran a successful practice in West Yorkshire. In 2007, I completed a Master’s degree in Paediatric Osteopathy and later became a Clinical Tutor at the Manchester Osteopathic Centre for Children, where I had volunteered for years. This included work in the neonatal unit at Barnet Hospital.
I also completed the 9 Phases of Biodynamics in the Cranial Field and the 3 Biodynamic Treatment of Children courses and have gone on to tutor a cohort of students through their Biodynamic training. I was part of the BioBasics team for 3 years and continue to enjoy being a table tutor and lecturing for them.
For more information about my osteopathy practice please see
www.ruthwhartonosteopath.com
I am an Alumni member of the Institute for Paediatric Osteopathy and a member of the Institute for Osteopathy.