Counselling in Lancaster, Morecambe and Online
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted or not quite yourself?
You may have been carrying things for a long time.
Stress, anxiety, loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, burnout or major life changes can all leave you feeling as though you are coping on the outside while struggling inside.
Acoustic Counselling offers a confidential, accepting space where you can talk openly, without judgement or pressure to have everything figured out.
My name is Tim Dodgson. I am a qualified person-centred counsellor offering face-to-face counselling in Lancaster and online counselling across the UK.
Call or text Tim on 07486 317504, or email info@acousticcounselling.co.uk
You do not need to explain everything in your first message.
A short text, WhatsApp or email saying “I’m interested in counselling” is enough.
A first step without pressure
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if you are used to managing things on your own.
I offer a free 20-minute introductory telephone call so you can ask questions, get a sense of how I work and decide whether counselling with me feels right for you.
There is no obligation to book a session afterwards. The call is simply a chance to make contact and see whether this feels like the right place to begin.
About Acoustic Counselling
My name is Tim Dodgson and I am a qualified person-centred counsellor offering individual counselling to adults in Lancaster, Morecambe, North Lancashire and online.
Nearly 30 years in policing gave me a deep appreciation of how people can carry responsibility, distress and difficult experiences while appearing to cope on the outside.
Over time, I became increasingly interested not only in what had happened to people, but in how they made sense of their experiences, relationships, choices and sense of self.
That interest led me to complete a three-year, master’s-level postgraduate programme in clinical counselling at the University of Chester, where I trained in the person-centred approach.
Today, my work is grounded in empathy, honesty and acceptance. I do not offer advice, diagnosis or judgement. Instead, I offer a calm and confidential therapeutic relationship where you can explore whatever feels important, at a pace that feels manageable for you.
My practice is guided by the ethical principles of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, of which I am a registered member. The BACP Ethical Framework places importance on working safely, respectfully, and in a way that centres your autonomy and wellbeing. It also means I engage in regular supervision and ongoing professional development, supporting me to reflect on my practice and maintain a high standard of care.
What counselling with me is like
"I really enjoyed our weekly sessions and I feel like I've benefited a lot.
Thank you so much for creating a safe place as well as making me feel better and more positive."
Counselling with me is not about being told what to do. It is not about being judged, analysed or pushed towards decisions before you are ready. A person-centred approach means that you remain at the heart of the work. You choose what feels important to bring, and we explore it together at a pace that feels right for you.
This way of working is grounded in empathy, genuineness and acceptance. These are sometimes called the core conditions in person-centred counselling. In practice, they mean I aim to meet you as a real person, listen carefully to your experience and offer a relationship where you do not have to pretend, perform or have everything worked out.
What might bring you to counselling?
You do not need to have a diagnosis, a clear explanation or the right words before you begin counselling. Many people reach out because they know something does not feel right, even if they cannot fully explain why.
You may be feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed.
You may be grieving, adjusting to change or trying to make sense of something that has happened.
You may be struggling with relationships, confidence, anger, shame or self-esteem.
You may feel emotionally exhausted after years of carrying responsibility for others.
You may be affected by trauma, difficult memories or experiences that still feel present.
You may be approaching retirement, leaving a demanding role or questioning who you are beyond work.
You may be neurodivergent, diagnosed or undiagnosed, and looking for a space where you do not have to mask or explain yourself.
If any of this feels familiar, you are welcome to make contact.
You do not need to have the right words before you begin.
I currently have limited availability for new clients.
Please contact me to arrange a free introductory call and discuss current session times.
Face-to-face and online counselling
I offer counselling in person from a private and confidential setting in Lancaster, as well as online counselling for adults across the UK.
Online counselling can be a helpful option if travelling is difficult, if you live outside the local area, or if meeting from your own space feels more manageable. Before beginning online work, we will talk through privacy, confidentiality, suitability and what to do if the connection fails or you feel distressed during or after a session.
Counselling Sessions
Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £50.
Payment is by BACS and must be received no later than 48 hours before the appointment to confirm and secure your session. Once payment has been received, the session time is reserved specifically for you, unless we have agreed a different arrangement in advance.
If payment has not been received at least 48 hours before the session, the appointment is not confirmed and may be offered to another client. For online counselling, the video link will normally only be sent once payment has been received.
If you cancel or rearrange a session with more than 48 hours’ notice, there is no charge. If you have already paid, the fee can be refunded or carried forward to another agreed session.
If you cancel within 48 hours, 50% of the session fee is payable. If you cancel within 24 hours, or do not attend, the full session fee is payable.
If I need to cancel a session, there will be no charge and we will arrange another appointment, refund the fee, or carry it forward, depending on what feels most appropriate.
Your First Session
The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and begin to explore what has brought you to counselling. There is no expectation for you to have everything clearly defined.
You may already have a sense of what you would like to talk about, or you may simply know that something does not feel quite right.
We can take time to talk through any questions you might have and begin to get a feel for whether this way of working feels right for you. There is no obligation to continue beyond this initial session.
*The free introductory call is not a counselling session. It is simply a chance for us to speak briefly, answer any questions and decide whether arranging a first session feels right.
Location
Acoustic Counselling is based in Lancaster, North
Lancashire, and is accessible from Morecambe, Heysham, Carnforth, Galgate, Hest Bank, Bolton-le-Sands, Halton, Caton and nearby LA postcode areas including LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4 and LA5.
I also offer online counselling, which may be suitable if you live further away or would prefer not to travel.
Confidentiality & Ethical Practice
A clear understanding of confidentiality is an important part of feeling safe enough to talk openly. What you share within counselling is treated with respect and kept in confidence.
There are some limits to this, which I will always be open about. These include situations where there may be a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or where there is a legal obligation to share information. Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you first.
My practice is guided by the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which places a strong emphasis on trust, transparency, and safeguarding.
Supervision & Professional Development
As part of working ethically and responsibly, I engage in regular supervision and ongoing professional development. Supervision provides a reflective space where I can consider my work in a way that supports safe and effective practice, while always maintaining your anonymity. This is an important part of ensuring that I am working in your best interests.
Ready to make contact?
To arrange a free 20-minute introductory call, you can phone, text, WhatsApp or email me.
You do not need to explain everything in your first message.
A short message saying “I’m interested in counselling” is enough.
I usually respond within working hours. Messages are not monitored at all times. If you need urgent help or feel at immediate risk, please contact your GP, NHS 111, 999 or your nearest emergency service.
Tim Dodgson
Person-Centred Counsellor
(BACP Registered)
"I really enjoyed our weekly sessions and I feel like I've benefited a lot. Thank you so much for creating a safe place as well as making me feel better and more positive."
"For years, I coped by isolating myself and keeping everything in. Having Tim as a consistent, safe space each week, somewhere I can finally offload, feel heard, and speak openly without judgement, is something I’ve never had before"