Ruth E. Smith

Ruth E. Smith is a highly experienced physical therapist with over 35 years of practice, currently serving at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Roseburg, Oregon. She specializes in a mind–body–spirit approach to rehabilitation, integrating traditional physical therapy with clinical hypnotherapy to enhance recovery outcomes for her patients. Her practice emphasizes holistic strategies, including self-hypnosis, to empower individuals in achieving optimal physical and emotional well-being.

Smith’s clinical approach combines evidence-based physical therapy techniques with innovative mind–body methods. She holds certifications in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy in Maitland, Florida, and as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist from Evidence in Motion. These credentials allow her to provide patients with comprehensive rehabilitation plans that address not only physical recovery but also mental and emotional resilience.

Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami, completed in 1991, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Walden University, completed in 2009. Throughout her career, she has consistently pursued advanced training and certifications to expand her expertise and refine her patient-centered approach to care.

In addition to her clinical work, Smith is an accomplished author and innovator. She published Without Boundaries: Optimizing Physical Recovery with Self-Hypnosis — A Mind-Body-Spirit Approach in 2025 and has contributed numerous professional articles. She is also the inventor of the Oxygen Tubing Recoil Assembly (patent pending), reflecting her commitment to creative problem-solving and improving healthcare delivery.

Smith’s dedication to her profession is further demonstrated through her active involvement in professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association, the Oregon Physical Therapy Association, and the International Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. She encourages the next generation of clinicians to challenge conventional norms, think creatively, and integrate holistic strategies to maximize patient outcomes. Her career exemplifies innovation, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the field of physical therapy.

• Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MS/PT), University of Miami, Miami, FL — 1991
• Clinical Hypnotherapy certification, Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy (Maitland, Florida) — 2018
• Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification, Evidence in Motion — 2023

• Clinical Hypnotherapy — Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy, Maitland, FL
• Certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist — Evidence in Motion

• International Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Oregon Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)

Without Boundaries: Optimizing Physical Recovery with Self-Hypnosis — A Mind-Body-Spirit Approach (2025, Amazon)