Fern Dickson
Fern is a UKCP and BACP registered psychotherapist trained in integrative and existential therapy. She is experienced in working with adult clients of all ages with a variety of backgrounds and presenting issues, and works both in person and online.
Approaches
Existential Psychotherapy
Integrative Psychotherapy
Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy (ADEP)
MA (with distinction) Psychotherapy and Counselling
Registrations
UKCP
BACP
Society of Existential Analysis
My approach
I am an existential therapist but am also trained in psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, which means that I can draw on ideas from a range of modalities.
Existential therapy is a practical and relational approach, grounded in facing life’s central questions and problems of existence and working with the ways in which these show up in your life. A transparent and consistent therapeutic relationship is at the heart of our work together and helps to facilitate change. I don’t consider myself to be the expert on your life, but rather an insightful and supportive partner in helping you to make sense of your situation, to see yourself and your relationship with the world more clearly, and find your way forward.
The more we are able to make active choices rather than reacting to the sense that life is just ‘happening’ to us, the more we can live fully and courageously despite life’s uncertainties. Existential therapy can help you approach life more clear-sightedly, to navigate difficulties better, and discover areas which are open to choice and change.
My qualifications and experience
I completed a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s University London, followed by a two-year Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy. I am experienced in working with adult clients of all ages 18+ with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, OCD and bereavement. I have special interests in performance anxiety, navigating loss and life changes. I also have experience of leading mindfulness groups and wellbeing workshops.
My philosophy
However you’re feeling, therapy is a unique space outside the demands of everyday life to talk freely without pressure or judgement. It is different from any other kind of encounter – it’s a meaningful meeting of two individuals to get to the heart of whatever you bring.
My love of the arts enriches my work. Music, art and literature can touch, inspire, comfort or unsettle us, reminding us of our shared humanity and helping us to connect with ourselves and the world around us.
How I can help
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Agoraphobia
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Alcohol issues
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Bereavement, grief and loss
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Bullying and harassment
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Childhood and historic abuse and trauma
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Cocaine and other drug addiction
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Couples counselling and marriage problems
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Difficulties being a new parent
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Difficulties with emotions and feelings
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Family conflict
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Family relationships with children and adolescents
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Feelings of hopelessness
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
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Male identity and men’s issues
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Marriage issues
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Menopause and life changes issues
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Obsessions and intrusive thoughts
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Panic Disorder
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Professional and career difficulties
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Postnatal depression and baby blues
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Relationship breakdown, separation and divorce
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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Separation Anxiety Disorder
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Sexual identity, gender issues, LGBTQ
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Situational Depression
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Stress and feeling overwhelmed
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Suicidal thoughts and Self-harm
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Trauma and difficult experiences
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Women’s issues
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Workplace stress and professional issues