Counselling

Counselling at Woodside Clinic in Dunstable, Harlow, Leighton Buzzard

Our Counsellor, Tricia Stear, is happy to discuss how she can help you before you attend, so please feel free to contact our Dunstable clinic first if you’d like to speak to her.

What is Counselling?

Life is at times difficult and challenging and can lead to a complex mix of emotions affecting our mental and physical health. Contributing factors include: psychological, physical, emotional, social-relationships, environmental and spiritual (personal meaning). Psychotherapeutic counselling provides an opportunity to talk through and explore issues, feelings and thoughts and to seek a way to relieve tensions and inner conflicts. It can help to release true potential, find meaning and live a more satisfying and rewarding life.

No problem is too large or too small to consider

Who is our Counsellor?

Our Counsellor, Tricia, works mainly as a Person Centred, Humanistic Counsellor. As people are unique and different, there are times a client may benefit from other approaches and so Tricia sometimes integrates these into her work, such as psychodynamic, cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness. As a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) Tricia adheres to their ethical framework. BACP regulations require counsellors to have regular supervision outside of the therapeutic room where all clients retain anonymity. All personal information disclosed is confidential except in circumstances outlined by the BACP e.g. to protect someone from physical harm, or when required by a court of law.

What is the Person Centred Approach?

The Person Centred Approach offers a confidential, non-judgemental, caring environment where sensitive and personal issues can be explored. With a belief that each person:

  • Is unique and has inner ability to reach their true potential.
  • Deserves respect and is able to choose their own direction in life
  • Is the only person to know themselves fully

    • The ‘true self’ can be stifled by external issues that can influence their ability to move forward and grow. Within a therapeutic relationship it is possible to identify and address issues causing distress and move towards a more fulfilling life.

    What does a Counselling Session involve?

    Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes and are normally booked for the same time each week. A course of six sessions are recommended initially. The first session is an introductory session to establish whether counselling is appropriate for you with no obligation to continue.