Tracey Austin-Plahé Counselling
This week’s Feature Friday introduces Tracey Austin-Plahé, an experienced, MBACP-registered integrative counsellor who has recently joined the Terry Dicken Business Park. With a career shaped by compassion, curiosity and real-world experience, Tracey brings both warmth and depth to her work – and to Stokesley.
What is an Integrative counsellor?
In short, Tracey is an integrative counsellor and therapist – terms she uses interchangeably. However, rather than focusing on one narrow specialism, she works integratively, which means she draws on a range of therapeutic approaches and uses them in harmony.
“I support clients with a wide variety of concerns,” said Tracey. “These include anxiety and depression, grief and loss, (which includes relationship challenges, identity changes, even friendship breakdowns). As well as offering couples therapy. Importantly, I don’t believe one modality is “better” than another. Instead, I tailor my approach to each individual, ensuring the work fits the client – not the other way around. “Tracey works independently, so when clients come to her, they know exactly who they’ll be working with every step of the way.
From dentistry to counselling
Interestingly, Tracey’s professional journey didn’t begin in therapy. In fact, she built an established career working in dentistry, including managing a practice in Redcar, before training as a counsellor. However, around ten years ago, a conversation with a friend changed everything.
Tracey explains, “My friend was undertaking counselling training and suggested it might be a great fit for me. Deciding to explore it, I started with a Level 2 introductory counselling course. From there, things progressed quickly. I went on to university training, followed by a placement requiring at least 100 hours of supervised practice. All whilst still working in dentistry.”
During this time, Tracey gained invaluable experience. For example, she spent a year working at Herriot Hospice in Harrogate, supporting people through end-of-life diagnosis, care and grief. Alongside this, she also worked in local schools, including Stokesley School and Sacred Heart in Redcar, supporting children and young people.
Following her training, Tracey became affiliated with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This widely recognised professional body is a trusted starting point for clients seeking counselling support.
A truly global perspective
More recently, Tracey has spent the last four years working on a global counselling platform, supporting clients from across Asia, Europe, America and Saudi Arabia. As a result, she has developed a strong awareness of cultural and intergenerational differences.
“While some experiences are universal, others are deeply shaped by culture and region,” said Tracey. This global work has allowed me to hold space for both – something I can now bring into my new local practice as well.”
Who does Tracey work with?
Although Tracey works with people of all ages, one particular area of interest has stayed with her since university: men’s mental health.
“As the mum of two boys, I’ve long felt drawn to this work,” Tracey explained. “When men show up to therapy, they are often truly ready for support: right now, that support has never been more important. This type of work ranges from everyday challenges to more complex and high-risk issues, including suicidal thoughts. I’ve recently applied to volunteer for the Samaritans to support this type of work.”
That said, there is no “one size fits all” approach. Every client begins with a free 10–15 minute phone consultation, which allows both Tracey and the client to see whether they’re a good fit. From there, they agree a plan together. Some clients self-fund, others are supported through the workplace, and the frequency and length of therapy varies entirely depending on individual needs.
What makes Tracey different?
As an integrative counsellor, Tracey describes therapy as a relational experience. In other words, the relationship itself matters.
“I strongly believe that therapists inevitably bring themselves into the work,” shared Tracey. “Ultimately, this is not a weakness, but a strength. Because of this, no two therapeutic relationships are ever the same. Importantly, if something isn’t working, I’m clear and ethical about next steps, including signposting clients elsewhere if needed.”
Why Terry Dicken Business Park?
Previously, Tracey spent one day a week working face-to-face at North Tees Hospital, with the rest of her work taking place online. However, she wanted a dedicated, calm space for in-person sessions, especially as she planned to expand into evening work.
After posting on the Stokesley Focus group on Facebook (encouraged by her sons to “warm the town”), Tracey received plenty of responses. However, while rooms in beauty salons and hairdressers were suggested, she needed somewhere quiet and confidential. Independent recommendations from fellow tenants Platinum Motors and Monsarratt Dyslexia Services followed. Therefore Tracey decided to take a look at the park.
“Terry Dicken Business Park felt right immediately,” explained Tracey. “ It offers a safe, professional environment, and also provides plenty of secure parking. More importantly, being based here offers a degree of anonymity for clients. Which is something that’s incredibly important for clients when attending counselling.”
Find out more
Tracey describes this next chapter as a new adventure: one she’s genuinely excited about.
Looking for an integrative counsellor? There’s more information about Tracey on the BACP directory, or visit her website directly.
Tracey Austin-Plahé Counselling can be found at Office 12, Unit 2 Roseberry Court, Ellerbeck Way, Terry Dicken Business Park, Stokesley, TS9 5QT.
Easy to find, Unit 2 is nestled in between The Colour Haus and HFC Systems on Ellerbeck Way.
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