I’d Love to Help
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

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