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Martyn Blair

A practical, warm approach

I’m a retired builder and a counsellor.

I like supporting people as they face their challenges and have a practical and friendly approach

My Journey

I began my counselling journey in 2008 as a person-centred counsellor. I spent seven rewarding years as an IAPT therapist in the NHS. After I left the NHS, I focused on private practice. I built strong connections with my clients.

A unique mix of practicality and an ability to connect with people.

I have spent 35 years in the building industry. I began my career as a quantity surveyor. Later, I became the Managing Director of a medium-sized construction firm. This background gives me a special viewpoint. It helps me connect with people in many ways.

…and I care.

I care deeply about the well-being of those I work with. I strive to make a positive impact on their lives.

A Person centred approach

A way of life

I see the person centred approach as a way of life that I try to live by both in the counselling room and elsewhere

You know best, you just dont know that….yet!

I believe that you know best your own internal world. This is different to other approaches that teach a model or structure

Who am I to tell you what to do, when you know best you just haven’t realised that yet perhaps.

The counselling relationship

This doesnt mean I am not active. Relationships require effort and the counselling relationship is no different. I do my best to get a sense of what your world might be like, feeding back what I hear. I accept you for who you are and what you bring, yet also letting you know what I am feeling and experiencing openly and honestly,  in the hope that it will help.

My additional training

I have integrated other techniques into my work and will offer these when it seems appropriate.

  • Knowledge and training of CBT and Psychodynamic approaches
  • Animal assisted therapy inviting my dog buster into the room to work, it is optional and some choose not to work with him
  • Creative connections using a variety of creative methods
  • Mindful photography
  • Supervision

 

A therapy dog

Some Background Information

A straightforward and warm approach

I am a builder and counsellor, a unique mix of a straightforward practical approach to situations,  combined with a warm listening approach.

Training

I trained as person centred counsellor at Warwick University qualifying in 2008. Returning to Warwick I qualified in Person Centred Supervision of Counsellors and Psychotherapists at an advanced diploma level in 2011

NHS years

 I worked as an  IAPT counsellor for 7 years and took the NHS approved counselling for depression (CFD) qualification in 2014. 

Private practice

On leaving the NHS I started in private practice and have been practicing since 2011. 

The Builder

I have 35 yrs experience in the building industry, originally starting out as a quantity surveyor and eventually Managing Director of a medium-sized construction company.An eclectic mix some say, yet at the heart of it is an interest in people. 

Counselling Qualifications & Experience

  • Qualifications & Experience Certificate in Rogerian Counselling – Warwick University 2005
  • Diploma in person centred counselling/psychotherapy. – Warwick University 2008
  • Advanced diploma in Person Centred Supervision Of Counsellors and psychotherapists. – Warwick University 2011
  • Mediation Practitioners certificate (Accredited by the open college network and the Law society) – UK Mediation 2008
  • Coventry IAPT supervisor and counsellor – 2009 – present day
  • Counselling for depression (CFD) qualification in 2014 from Nottingham University
  • Level 1 certificate in person centred creative Connections
  • Training in Animal-assisted therapy

Contact me for more information