Dominique Fester

I am a qualified humanistic and integrative counsellor and graduate from Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) with several years of on-the-ground experience. I have worked with clients going through a range of difficulties including anxiety/depression, periods where they are struggling to cope or times where they are going through unexpected/significant life changes. My role is to support clients with any issues which they feel are impacting on their mental wellbeing and ability to find value, and meaning, in their lives. I sincerely believe that and a healthy level of ordinary happiness, is an entitlement that belongs to everyone.

Areas I work with:

Anxiety/Depression

Low Self Esteem

Exploring boundaries

Working through difficult childhood experiences

Processing shock

Coping with grief

Struggles with anger

Relationship difficulties

Post traumatic stress (PTS)

Managing significant life changes

Stress – personal/work related

Some individuals may be drawn to counselling as they are struggling in their relationships, others because they can sense discontent or unhappiness within themselves which they wish to explore. More recently, clients may find they need support due to issues which emerged over the pandemic, or as a direct result of it since. Seeking counselling at any time is a courageous step, and I welcome clients who are new to counselling and need easing into the process, and how it all works.

I create a warm, empathetic environment in which clients can feel comfortable to explore their understanding of themselves and the situations they find themselves in. Together we work towards identifying and addressing the obstacles which stand in the way of the quality of life they would wish for. My background as a creative practitioner and educator has introduced me to people from all walks of life, with many different outlooks, and you can rest assured you will be received without judgement.

The first session will be spent becoming more familiar with each other, discussing what has brought you to therapy and answering any questions you may have about how I work. We would also discuss what you might expect from counselling and anything specific you may wish to focus on. As I am a humanistic counsellor we would focus on your feelings, and the best way they can be acted upon going forwards. I also look at attachment issues and how we can separate out what is your responsibility in your relationships, and what is not. As an integrative counsellor I draw upon a range of different therapy schools, according to the unique needs of each client. All my work is underpinned by the Person Centred approach of Carl Rogers which puts the client’s sense of things at the heart of the counselling rather than seeing their difficulties as problems to be solved. I can also offer a more creative approach if a client would find that helpful e.g. using writing, drama, art, tuning into the body or exploring breath work within sessions.

Qualifications and Training:

Diploma (Merit) in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling (BCPC 2022)

Prep Year for Psychotherapy Masters (BCPC 2019)

4 year placement as a Counsellor with the Welfare Team at Weston College, Weston-super-mare.

Foundation in Psychotherapy and Counselling. (BCPC 2017)

Individual: 50 minutes £55