Dr Stewart Blake

My doctorial training in a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches enables me to offer psychotherapy that is tailored to your individual needs. my previous experience of working in the NHS and privately with people suffering with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties means that I am able to offer an evidence based, ethical and highly professional service.

A Doctor of counselling psychology is a scientific specialist in mental health and who has been trained to the highest level by completing a doctoral degree. It takes a minimum of 6 to 8 years of full time training to qualify as a counselling psychologist. Please bear in mind that “counsellor”, “therapist” and “psychotherapist” are not legally protected titles in this country and anyone can use them. “Counselling psychologist” is a protected title.

Fees charged are usually dependant on level of training, qualification and experience. Chartered Counselling and Clinical Psychologists need to have completed a minimum of 6 years of training obtaining both an undergraduate and doctorial degree in psychology. As scientific practitioners they also have to conduct their own original research within the field of psychology. This level of training and expertise is not required by other therapists and as such their training may range between months and years.

The type of psychotherapy that suits an individual depends upon a number of factors. It is important that with a therapist, an individual is able to find a way of working that feels comfortable. I am a pluralistic practitioner which means I am able to draw on a number of evidence based approaches to create a tailor made intervention that addresses your specific needs.

Typically it will take 1 or 2 sessions to assess goals for therapy. Following this, the duration of therapy will depend entirely on your difficulties presented. Some people present with difficulties that can be helped with a focused, short term mode of therapy. This work can take between 6 to 12 sessions. However, other individuals with more complex concerns or deep rooted mental health problems may require long term therapy. The duration of therapy can be discussed but ultimately you will always decide what is right for you. One advantage of accessing private psychotherapy is that your needs are not dictated by external factors such as organisational restrictions.

You do not have to commit to a minimum number of sessions. Depending on your difficulties, advice might be given as to how many sessions are desirable but you are free to end the therapy at any time. The frequency of sessions can be flexible. I am able to adapt to your individual needs by conducting sessions weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Yes. You do not need to be referred to me by any other practitioner.

As a Chartered Psychologist, I adhere to the strict and clear guidelines laid out by my professional body, the British Psychological Society . This means that the content of sessions and any notes taken remain strictly private and confidential. 

Therapy is very cost effective. Individuals can spend significant amounts of money on holidays and consumable goods in order feel good in the short term. Therapy is an investment. It is in a sense an educational activity that confers emotional skills that can last a lifetime.