Dr Stewart Blake

ABOUT

I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, and hold a doctorate in Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Psychology. I have a wide range of experience working with people with various emotional, behavioural and relational problems. My previous experience includes working for several NHS psychological services departments in the Kent and Medway area, specialising in complex and chronic psychological problems, as well as working independently in private practice and volunteering in the third sector

 

In order to become a Counselling Psychologist, I studied initially for a three-year undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Kent and then completed a three-year doctoral training course at the University of Surrey.

 

Counselling Psychology is recognised as one of the applied clinical branches of psychology that draws on scientific evidence gathered from research and practice to explore what it means to be a person and to understand how wellbeing can be achieved and psychological distress alleviated.

 

I work collaboratively with clients combing three different therapeutic approaches namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Humanistic/Person Centred Psychotherapy. In addition, I have received training in a number of other approaches including Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. It is my aim to work pluralistically in order to develop a unique understanding of each person and to offer an individually tailored approach to help people deal with their difficulties.

 

I am chartered with the British Psychological Society which is the benchmark of professional recognition for psychologists and reflects the highest standards of psychological knowledge and expertise.

 

As a scientific practitioner I have conducted research into how mindfulness meditation can have a positive effect on helping people suffering from anxiety disorders and this is an area in which I specialise. I continue to be involved in the writing and dissemination of research in this area.

 

Before coming to psychology I had a successful management career in the food retail sector working as an account manager and for a major multiple.