Fiona Pedersen
I am an experienced clinical psychologist from the UK. Post qualification, I worked in Durham for five years in a psychiatric hospital and outpatient clinic for adults with severe and enduring mental health problems. I also worked in a specialist psychotherapy service.
In 2005 I moved to Norway and established a private practice in Sandvika. I work full time and provide a psychological assessment and therapy service for adults with a wide range of mild to moderate mental health problems.
Today my practice is based in Bekkestua at Bekkestuapsykologen. This is a very central location, close to the T-bane and bus station, with ample car parking.
My professional qualifications have been authorised in Norway by the Statens autorisasjonskontor for helsepersonell, (Oslo, 18.07.2006) and I have full authorisation to practice in Norway as a clinical psychologist.
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, (2000) University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- BSc. Psychology, (1993) University of Stirling, UK
Relevant & Accessible
There are generally two main reasons for contacting a clinical psychologist.
Some people need professional input from a psychologist in a time of acute crisis (often work or family based). Generally this type of problem can be tackled over a few sessions. Talking through a difficult life situation with an experienced psychologist can help you to gain new perspectives or generate potential solutions.
Others need therapy, for a persistent and difficult mood state. In those cases, therapy takes place over time and aims to make what feels impossible to bear manageable. The kinds of problems I work with in therapy can include the following –
- Relationship or family difficulties
- The after effects of trauma
- Grief and loneliness
- Anxiety and panic related problems
- Disturbances in sense of self, poor self esteem
- Depression and withdrawal states
- Holding on to worry
«That’s the whole trouble. When you’re feeling very depressed, you can’t even think.»
J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
Therapy
Psychological therapy aims to reduce distress and to enhance and promote emotional wellbeing. In therapy, we explore the meaning of troublesome feelings, thoughts or behaviour patterns, to understand and then transform what is causing difficulty and disturbance in daily life. The therapeutic relationship is unique. It provides a safe space to reflect on “the unthought known” (Bollas) and to experience and transform what has been defended against.
Effective
Does therapy work? Yes, but you must find a psychologist you feel you can work with and trust. It is all about that. Sometimes it will be hard work and you can feel worse before you feel better.
Psychologists use evidence based models of therapy that are supported by extensive research.
«As long as I kept moving, my grief streamed out behind me like a swimmer’s long hair in water. I knew the weight was there but it didn’t touch me. Only when I stopped did the slick, dark stuff of it come floating around my face, catching my arms and throat till I began to drown. So I just didn’t stop.»
Barbara Kingsolver, The Poisonwood Bible
Process
«Each has his past shut in him like the leaves of a book known to him by heart and his friends can only read the title.»
Virginia Woolf
As a clinical psychologist, my training included psychodynamic psychotherapy, systemic models of therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Today my work is predominately based on Compassion Focused Therapy. I believe psychological distress is best understood in terms of what happened to you rather than in terms of what is wrong with you. I work integratively, that means that after an assessment we will think about if we need to work at the level of symptom management first, or instead if we need to begin with the source and meaning of the distress. The exact nature of this varies with every patient and it is a collaborative process.
Therapy is a relationship in which you can safely look at parts of yourself that you are not comfortable with, to learn to use courage and wisdom to feel worthwhile, and develop a positive sense of self. To find a better balance and perhaps a change of direction.
Booking and Prices
All meetings are by appointment only and last fifty minutes.
Appointments can be made by emailing me at post@psykologfionapedersen.no. Alternatively you can call 411 52 488, between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
An initial assessment usually takes place over two or three sessions. At the end of the assessment we either agree to meet for therapy or I will suggest alternatives if that is appropriate. The length of time we meet will depend on individual circumstances and what we are working on.
If you are unable to attend please cancel at least 48 hours before your appointment or you will be charged the full amount for the session. Fees can be paid via a link that will be sent to your telephone. Insurance companies often cover up to ten sessions of treatment with a psychologist (for example, Storebrand, If, Gjensidige).
I keep confidential records. If I write any reports it will be with your consent.
Our discussions are confidential. The only exception being that if I believe either yourself or another is at risk of harm, and then I have a professional duty to inform others.
See prices here.