Martyn Blair

Where and when
My usual working days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with appointments available during the daytime.
I don't currently offer evening or weekend appointments. Where possible, I will try to accommodate work commitments by offering an appointment towards the beginning or end of my working day.

The practice is in North Coventry. Public transport connections are limited, so travelling by car or having access to a lift is advisable for face-to-face appointments.

Online counselling can provide an alternative where travelling to the practice isn't practical.

I offer counselling from a comfortable private setting in North Coventry, including a dedicated garden-room therapy space. The garden is a peaceful and natural environment, and many people appreciate having somewhere that feels separate from the pressures of everyday life.
I offer face-to-face, online and walk-and-talk counselling.

Adults
I work with adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties and life circumstances. These may include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, loss, low self-esteem, difficulties managing emotions, feeling stuck or uncertainty about the future.
You don't need to have a clearly defined problem. Sometimes you simply know that something isn't right or that you would like things to change.

Children and young people
I have specialist training and experience in counselling children and young people, including a Level 5 qualification in Children's Counselling.
Working with younger clients can be different from working with adults. I may use creative approaches such as drawing, storytelling, play and sand tray work to help children communicate and explore their experiences.

How we work
I work integratively, drawing on different approaches to meet your individual needs. My person-centred underpinning keeps our therapeutic relationship central; we work collaboratively and at a pace that feels right for you.

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting. You may be wondering what you will say, whether you will feel comfortable talking to me, or what will actually happen when we meet.
You don't need to prepare a perfect explanation of what is wrong. We can start wherever feels manageable.
The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know each other and to talk about what has brought you to counselling. We can discuss what you would like to be different, what you hope counselling might offer and any questions or concerns you have.
Just as importantly, the first session gives you an opportunity to decide whether I feel like the right counsellor for you.
The therapeutic relationship matters. I want you to feel that you can be yourself with me and that you can talk openly without feeling judged. I will also consider whether I am the appropriate person to work with you and whether I believe I can offer the support you need.
There is no expectation that you tell me your whole story straight away. You can share what feels comfortable, and we can take things at a pace that feels right.
We will also talk about practical matters such as confidentiality, boundaries and how we might work together.
If we both feel that counselling could be helpful, we can agree how to continue. If I don't think I am the right person to help, I will be honest about this and, where possible, help you consider what other support might be appropriate.
Choosing a counsellor is an important decision. The first session is therefore not just about me finding out about you — it is also about you finding out about me.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before you make contact. Sometimes the first step is simply starting a conversation

My approach to supervision is grounded in the person centred approach. 

The supervisee is the best expert of their work and the way they practice and as such I work with the supervisees experience of the client rather than with the client. 

I will share any knowledge and experience that is relevant, but eventually work towards a meeting of two professionals and a shared learning process.