Our approach   

I have unequivocal belief in the central tenet of attachment theory: that we are born hard-wired for love, connection and protection and when that is compromised the effects can be profound and lifelong. At ABaby&Someone we provide parenting ideas, tips and solutions- but always in the context of a bigger picture of connection. An enormous amount of research tells us that helping parents understand the things that can get in the way of having the best relationship possible with their baby is the most useful service we can provide. By working together on sensitive attunement and “Being-With” your baby… (and your child, your teenager, your adult child) … we can help you to build a connection which is deep joy to you and a lifelong source of strength and security for your child (and one day their children too!)

Parenting for todays world needs to be informed by science. ABaby&Someone translates and explains the latest and best clinical research for you as well as providing practical, sensible workable solutions. Via the blog, the weekly reader question, and all the workshops we run, we can provide you with the best tools available with which to embark on parenting. Solid sensible support, information and solutions for the long term, not just today’s problem.

Hello. I’m Ruth Sugden, the founder of ABaby&Someone.

I'm an Occupational Therapist, Individual and Group Therapist, and a Couple and Family Therapist. I’m also an Attachment Educator. I have undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from the University of QLD, The Australian Institute for Relationship Studies, The University of New South Wales and The Institute of Group Analysis (London).    

I’ve done clinical study with the Tavistock Centre and The Women’s Therapy Centre in London and studied attachment theory and the Strange Situation Assessment a number of times with Emeritus Professor Alan Sroufe and Professor Elizabeth Carlson at the University of Minnesota. I have completed all “Circle of Security” trainings and am certified in advanced assessment, treatment planning and delivery as well as the DVD Parent Education Training.  

I completed PACT training (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy) with Dr Stan Tatkin and in 2014 I did sixteen hours individual work with him in the USA. I’m qualified in Gottman Emotion Coaching for Children and am a certified Gottman Bringing Baby Home educator. I'm also a member of the Australian Occupational Therapy Association and the Australian Association of Family Therapy .     

I’ve done clinical work in a variety of mental health settings since 1978, including twelve years as a full-time (tenured) lecturer at The University of Sydney. I've also worked for years on the design and delivery of education programs in schools for The Butterfly Foundation and in long-term research on the nature of resilience in young children.

We provide the tools for effective and joyful parenting.

Read about our workshops and see how we can help.