Cheri Ruch, LPC

Cheri Ruch, LPC When I finished my legal career, I wanted to find a way to give back to my community.

After obtaining a masters degrees at William and Mary, I am now an LPC practicing in Idaho.

02/17/2026

This week, we are working on sit/stay and come on command. Cider is motivated by training treats. He’s a big fan of duck-flavored bits. He has the sit/stay down and comes on command, but tends to stop short rather than coming up to me. We have more work to do 😀

02/17/2026

When Cider and Zita are bored, they engage in spirited tug-a-war with a rope! They love the cotton ropes, but we have to replace them every few months. Cider and Zita tear them up when they get going!

After a hard day of running or playing with Zita our Vizsla, Cider likes to find a comfy place to nap. This week, he sta...
02/08/2026

After a hard day of running or playing with Zita our Vizsla, Cider likes to find a comfy place to nap. This week, he starts the first phase of training for therapy work so he can help my clients. However, he is primarily a family companion and he never misses a chance to remind us of his prefered role 😁

02/08/2026

Reviewing Basic Obedience With Cider to Prepare for Canine Good Citizen Class

02/08/2026

Cider’s Favorite Sunday Morning Activity
Digging for Gophers in the Boise Foothills

02/05/2026

Another Tool in the Counselor’s Bag of Tricks

Valentine's Day: Beyond the Fairy Tale 💕Does Valentine's Day feel more stressful than romantic? You're not alone. As we ...
02/05/2026

Valentine's Day: Beyond the Fairy Tale 💕

Does Valentine's Day feel more stressful than romantic? You're not alone. As we approach February 14th, many of us find ourselves caught between Pinterest-perfect expectations and real-life reality. But here's what I want you to know: this day doesn't have to define your worth or your relationships.

Understanding the Gap Between Fantasy and Reality 🎬

Valentine's Day carries immense cultural weight. Media, advertisements, and romantic narratives have painted an idealized picture—the perfect gift, the grand gesture, the fairy-tale moment. When reality doesn't match these fantasies, it's easy to feel disappointed, anxious, or even questioning of your value in a relationship.

The truth? Most people experience this gap. Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, Valentine's Day can trigger feelings of inadequacy. But here's where perspective matters: how someone chooses to celebrate—or not celebrate—this day says nothing about who you are or your inherent worth. Your value isn't determined by romantic gestures or external validation.

Reframe This February 14th 🌟

Instead of waiting for someone else to honor you, consider this an invitation to celebrate yourself. Acknowledge your contributions, your growth, and your resilience. Self-love isn't selfish—it's foundational. Whether that looks like a quiet evening with your favorite book, time with friends, a special meal, or meaningful conversation with your partner, the key is intentionality.

Use this day as a reminder that you deserve kindness, respect, and appreciation—especially from yourself.

I'd love to hear from you: How do you typically feel about Valentine's Day? What's one way you plan to honor yourself this February 14th? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 💭

If you're struggling with relationship anxiety or self-worth concerns, I'm here to support you. Let's talk.

02/04/2026

The Feelings Wheel - A Counselor’s Favorite Tool

Secrets about Counseling for CouplesWhen Dishes Aren't Really About Dishes 🍽️💔Here's something many couples don't realiz...
02/03/2026

Secrets about Counseling for Couples

When Dishes Aren't Really About Dishes 🍽️💔
Here's something many couples don't realize: conflict in relationships isn't the problem—it's how we respond to it.
You might have heard that couples counseling will magically erase disagreements. That's not quite right. Conflict is actually a natural, healthy part of intimate relationships. What does change in therapy is how you understand and navigate those conflicts together.
Understanding the Real Message Behind the Mess
Think about this: your partner leaves dishes in the sink. Frustrating, right? But here's what's really happening beneath the surface. 💭
The dishes themselves aren't the issue. Instead, both partners are interpreting that simple action through different lenses shaped by their childhood experiences, family messages, and relationship beliefs. One partner might think, "They don't care about me," while the other genuinely didn't give it a second thought. When you ask, "Why can't you put your dishes away?" your partner might hear, "You can't do anything right."
These invisible messages—the ones we absorbed growing up—are what truly drive our conflicts. In couples counseling, we don't just address the surface argument. We help you both recognize these patterns, understand the "negative conflict cycle," and most importantly, learn how to repair and reconnect after disagreements. 🤝
Moving Forward Together
Working through conflict doesn't mean avoiding it—it means building trust and emotional connection strong enough to weather any storm as a team. Counseling gives you the tools to break unhelpful patterns and restore the closeness conflicts temporarily damage.
What conflicts keep surfacing in your relationship? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you're ready to understand what's really driving your disagreements, let's talk. You don't have to navigate this alone. 💚

02/02/2026

Anniversaries: Marking Life’s Events

Your First Counseling Session: What to Expect 🌿Ever wondered what happens behind the counselor's office door? 🚪 Just lik...
02/01/2026

Your First Counseling Session: What to Expect 🌿
Ever wondered what happens behind the counselor's office door? 🚪 Just like scheduling a physical exam, seeing a counselor involves preparation and process—but the goal is understanding you on a deeper level. Let me walk you through what your first session will actually look like, so you can walk in feeling calm and confident.
Setting the Stage for Comfort 💙
When you arrive, expect familiar paperwork—consent forms, insurance information, and scheduling policies, much like a doctor's visit. Here's where we differ: I create a warm, welcoming environment designed to ease any first-session jitters. You'll notice water, comforting snacks, and fidget toys on the table—small touches to help you relax as we begin.
Your counselor will then explain confidentiality, assuring you that what's shared stays safe within our therapeutic relationship. This foundation of trust is everything.
Getting to Know the Real You 🧩
Next comes the "intake"—a thoughtful conversation, not an interrogation. I'll ask about what brought you to counseling, your goals for treatment, and yes, your family background. You might wonder why family matters for mental health. The truth is, we learn about relationships, parenting, and love from our earliest experiences. Understanding these patterns helps me support you more effectively and personally.
By session's end, we'll discuss your treatment goals and ideal meeting frequency. I'll create a personalized treatment plan just for you—because your journey is unique.
Your Voice, Your Control ✨
Here's what matters most: your treatment is yours to direct. If our fit doesn't feel right, I'll help you find a counselor who does. You deserve support that feels genuine.
Ready to take that first step? Drop a comment—what's one question you'd want to ask a counselor? Let's start this conversation together. 💬

02/01/2026

What a Therapist Reads

Address

1217 3rd Street S
Nampa, ID

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

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