Meet the Therapist: Tricia Field
Tricia Field is an online counsellor
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I have always felt a deep empathy for people who are going through a difficult time. I have also been through some major challenges myself, which in turn have given me life experience of common difficulties, for e.g.: bereavement at a young age.
I also want to be able to make a difference and help people to enhance their lives.
Where did you train?
I trained at The Counsel House in Wickford, Essex and I did my placement hours at Saint Francis Hospice and Synergy Addiction.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I am an integrative counsellor, bringing in different types of theories depending on the needs of each individual client. When I worked at the hospice, I worked mainly in a person-centred way, because I felt this was more fitting. I studied psychodynamic theory, person-centred theory, CBT for anxiety and depression and transactional analysis.
How does integrative therapy help with symptoms of low self-esteem, anxiety, bereavement?
Psychodynamic therapy involves looking at your past to see where things may have gone off track which can lead to issues in later life. Some things that happen to us in our early years, can have a knock-on effect in adulthood. Once you get to the route of the problem, it can be easier to work on solving it and moving forward.
Person-centred therapy is more client-led, where the client decides what to bring to each session. Whichever therapy a client has, it will always be in a safe, warm, confidential setting. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is key to a successful outcome.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I am happy to see elderly clients, adults, young adults and teenagers. I can help with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement, behavioural issues, relationship issues, anger and negative thought patterns.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I like helping people to feel empowered. When you feel better about yourself, it can change your whole outlook on life. I want to help people to be the best possible version of themselves that they can be.
What is less pleasant?
People who are not in therapy by choice, then it can feel more challenging. However, even in those circumstances, there can still be positive outcomes.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I have suggested books to my young clients, such as The Anxiety Gremlin and I have suggested On Grief and Grieving to some of my bereaved clients.
What do you do for your own mental health?
I walk my two dogs daily and I love to dine out (when there isn’t a global pandemic). I do a lot of cooking and baking and listen to music.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
Therapy for me feels like untangling a mess inside my head. I always imagine an unravelled ball of wool before therapy starts and then after therapy, it’s all neat, tidy and wrapped up again. After therapy, there can be a feeling of weight being lifted from your shoulders. Sometimes therapy can be painful before it gets better – it is a healing process. We are all unique and nobody’s experience will be the same as someone else’s.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I learned that I have been through some tough challenges in life, but have become a stronger person because of them and also that to allow myself to feel vulnerable, is a positive – it is ok to not be ok. When one door closes, another one opens.
