Leonard Blake, BACP

Leonard Blake helps people who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, parenting pressure and work difficulties. He also supports those dealing with intimacy concerns, eating issues, self-esteem, anger, ADHD and life changes. Leonard works in English and accepts international clients. He holds BACP accreditation and has five years' experience in practice.

Leonard uses a straightforward, conversational way of working. He starts from an existential viewpoint and listens to how each person sees their life. Sessions focus on clear goals and small, practical steps that fit day-to-day life. The aim is to help people recognise patterns and find ways forward that feel achievable.

His approach draws on attachment-based ideas to look at close relationships and how they shape feelings. He also uses client-centred work to keep the person’s experience central. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used where helpful to tackle unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

Leonard has worked in private practice for five years and has experience with national agency referrals as well as private clients. That mix means he has supported people with a broad range of difficulties and backgrounds. He adapts methods to each person rather than following one fixed model.

Sessions can be offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. He explains his approach at the first meeting and works together with clients to set realistic next steps toward change.

How Leonard’s approaches translate to online work

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how close relationships affect feelings and behaviour. Online sessions can explore patterns in relationships and help people try new ways of relating in everyday life. Client-Centred Therapy keeps the person’s experience at the centre and focuses on listening, empathy and acceptance to help people feel heard and understood. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviours; it is often used to reduce anxiety, low mood and unhelpful routines.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Leonard will discuss different ways of working and decide together which fit the client’s needs, goals and preferences. That shared decision-making helps shape each session so it feels useful from the start.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls are good for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging suit brief reflections, ongoing check-ins or people who prefer not to be on camera. These options give flexibility for fitting therapy around work, family and travel commitments while keeping the focus on practical progress.