Dr. Merle Woods, Ph.D., R. Psych.

Counselling and Clinical Services

Dr. Woods is trained as a counselling psychologist.   His counselling practice encompasses considerable breadth in the types of issues that bring people to seek his assistance. 

While the workplace is a major focus, he understands that experiences at work cannot be dealt with in isolation; we bring ourselves, our experiences, our beliefs and our reactions to work each day.  Difficulties in one area of our life affect the choices we consider and the way we function in other areas of our lives.  Sometimes it is important to be able to work with a professional who understands the complex relationship between our emotional and mental health and our satisfaction and success at work.

People seek professional counselling from Dr. Woods for a variety of reasons.  Often it is to assist at difficult times in life characterized by loss.  Dr. Woods can help deal with losses such as those of a relationships through death, separation or divorce, as well as other losses such as job, health, and lifestyle.

Dr. Woods helps many people who seek counselling for assistance with transitions in life. Transitions may involve achieving important life goals and wanting to figure out what comes next.  Children leave home, we leave school, enter post secondary, launch careers, change employers, seek new work roles, enter into retirement, marry and divorce.  Each of these events involves the initiation of and the adjustment to change.

 Dr. Woods provides assistance as we attempt to deal with traumatic events in our lives. Victims, witnesses, and those responsible for hurt and injury to others often benefit from the therapeutic relationship with a psychologist.

Dr. Woods offers assistance to those making important decisions that have significant impact on course of life.  Committing to or leaving a relationship, leaving a faith community, educational choices, career change, or geographical relocation are some of the decisions that people will seek assistance with. 

People also seek counselling from Dr. Woods to help deal with significant emotional, physical, and psychological symptoms of distress that interfere with day-to-day living and quality of life.  These symptoms may be associated with specific circumstances or they may be more chronic or cyclical in nature.