Fingal Dorman

I offer accepting and collaborative therapy to explore what is going on for you, whatever that might be, and to help you find a way through.

This can be indoors in a more traditional format, offering the sense of security that comes with a room that is always the same. 

Or you might want to meet outdoors for eco-psychotherapy, with the therapeutic benefits of connection to nature.

Something may be stuck in your life or you may have difficult experiences you want to talk about.  Or you might not know quite what is wrong but need somewhere to talk about the stuff that doesn’t feel OK.

Counselling with me allows you an accepting, non-judgemental space to talk about, process and explore any of this. It is different for everyone, and I take my lead from you, helping you to find your own way through. We start with where you are just now and go at your pace, paying attention to what is most alive to you in the moment, taking it step by step. It is interactive - this is something we are doing together.

In my nature-based work, I work with clients outdoors with the natural environment as part of the work. This allows us to be explicitly part of something bigger than ourselves, and can bring different awareness and connections than being indoors.

I work both short and longer term and we can discuss what would be most helpful for you.

I have worked extensively with students, as a counsellor at the University of Edinburgh Student Counselling Service for almost nine years, so I have a solid understanding and experience of the wide range of issues related to studying and student life. 

In addition to my private counselling work, I also teach in the counselling and psychotherapy training department at the University of Edinburgh and am part of the clinical management team at Hope Park Counselling Centre.

I have a background in community based mental health, including collective advocacy. I see mental health as being linked to wider society and the world around us, rather than only being an individual matter.

I also have a Masters degree in writing poetry and I am interested in how some parts of the creative process can feel similar to the counselling process.