Dr Simon Blake

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Experienced counsellor, PhD, BSC, Dip Coun, MBACP, FHEA
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

London SE10 & SE19
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to live full lives, but life can be hard and we face problems and trauma throughout our lives. For example, you might have sad feelings, trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bereavement, loss and more besides. These can all chip away at our capacity to cope, affect how we behave and how we see the future. Counselling involves the journey of becoming aware and then changing those aspects of ourselves that cause problems and anguish; those that stop us from living more fully.

But, what good is awareness you might ask? Well, awareness, brings choice, and awareness of choice is a critical part of therapy. Awareness of what we do, how we do it, what we fear, what we refuse, what we hope, and how our attempts at change are thwarted.

The Gestalt approach to counselling considers the whole of human experience, body, mind and environment and aims to restore healthy function to all of these areas. Moments of awareness can feel like colour washing over a black and white photo, seeing life differently, feeling more alive, more free.

Whether you want to share your pain or joy, hope or hopelessness, it will be met with non-judgement as we work towards your therapeutic aims.

Practice description

Our work is based around the relationship that we develop together. During our sessions I hope that you feel that you can be open, that you feel trust and feel cared for. Sessions typically involve expressing and working through difficult, stuck feelings, thoughts and behaviours, those that impact your quality of living. Together, we would explore and grow new patterns, new ways of being, new ways of coping and seeing life, feeling more alive and more vibrant.

Gestalt is more than a talking therapy, its also an active approach that involves many unique creative tasks that can loosen stuck patterns and ways of being. For example, our sessions might involve creative drawing, psychodrama, movement, thought experiments, as well as traditional talking therapy.

Beginning counselling can feel daunting and scary as well as exciting and hopeful. Taking those first steps can be hard, I understand that, but asking for help can also be a turning point. Counselling is a very personal experience, you might want support, to share painful experiences, to feel understood, to stop unwanted thoughts and feelings, and more. My first aim as a counsellor is to help you to feel comfortable and to allow you to express whatever it is that you need to express.

Outdoor therapy

Perhaps the idea of counselling in a traditional counselling room is not something that you want. For some people, it can feel easier and less threatening to meet and talk in a public space rather than a counselling room. Outdoor counselling involves walking or sitting in an outdoor setting, surrounded by nature and out in the world. This is a naturally socially distanced setting. Furthermore, much counselling work can be accomplished in this environment.

Online or telephone therapy

During the current UK restrictions and the pandemic I am offering counselling via Zoom or telephone. This mode of counselling offers a range of possibilities and therapeutic benefits without the need to attend a physical setting or meet face-to-face.

How do I make an appointment?

We would first have an initial consultation to discuss what has brought you to counselling. During this consultation we would determine your next steps. I understand that your first session can feel daunting and that taking that first step is often one of the hardest moments in your counselling journey. I am confident that we can develop a trusting and safe relationship in which you can work through many of the difficulties that you are facing in life. Your journey is something that we embark upon together.

Training, qualifications & experience

My counselling training is in Gestalt Therapy. I have worked in academia for many years and published numerous papers on modelling human behaviour during disasters.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (University of Greenwich)
  • Bachelor of Science (University of Greenwich)
  • Diploma in Gestalt Counselling (The Gestalt Centre)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Registered Member of the BACP

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).

Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.

Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.

All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Fees

£75.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Our initial consultation is 50 minutes and is charged at £45

All other sessions charged at £75 per session.

Bank transfer or Cash.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Mon-Fri Weekends   daytime and evenings

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Adults
Older adults
Couples

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Dr Simon Blake
Dr Simon Blake