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Tara Blake-Harbord

I am a qualified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist registered with the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). I developed an interest in psychotherapy during my first career as an academic when I studied and taught psychoanalytic theory alongside anthropology, philosophy and experimental writing. I continue to teach psychoanalytic theory as a Senior Lecturer and Theory Lead at the Tavistock, as well as guest lecturing at other institutions. 

I have experience in both private practice and the NHS; for six years as an Honorary then qualified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist in a secondary care Specialist Psychological Therapies service in Kent, and for two years as an Honorary Psychotherapist in the Maresfield Unit at the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust.  I have further NHS training and clinical experience in offering group and individual Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), and integrate aspects of MBT into my practice when appropriate.

I am able to work with the full range of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, emotional dysregulation and difficulties in relationships.  I am experienced at working with adults of all ages including young people (18-25) and older adults. 

My areas of specialism are:

  • Working with people who are struggling to adjust to a change in their life circumstances such as retirement, becoming a parent, new physical limitations as a result of a stroke or accident, migration, divorce, or becoming an ‘empty nester’.

  • Complex trauma, including working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

  • Taking an open and informed approach to working with people who are exploring or questioning their gender or sexuality, or who identify as LGBTQ+ and have suffered from experiences of discrimination.

  • Helping people to overcome creative blocks/feelings of being ‘stuck’ in their professional or personal lives.

Registration:

I am a full member of the Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists (TSP) and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and abide by their ethical standards and codes of conduct. Further information about professional registration for psychoanalytically based therapists can be found here https://www.bpc.org.uk/information-support/what-is-psychoanalytic-therapy/ 

Cost:

I currently charge £72.50 per 50-minute session. I have a limited number of low-cost spaces for people on low incomes, counselling trainees, and students on psychotherapy-related courses.

Getting in touch:

Please make initial contact by email tara.blake-harbord@cc-psychotherapy.com and I will reply with a view to arranging an initial meeting or phone call so that we can get a sense of whether the kind of therapy I offer could be helpful to you. 

Psychotherapy/counselling trainings:

  • Qualifying course in Intercultural Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (D59I), The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust

  • Reflective Mental Health Practice, The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust

  • Foundation in Psychodynamic Counselling Skills, The Counselling Centre

Academic qualifications:

  • PhD in Psychoanalytic theory, poststructuralism, and experimental writing, Goldsmiths University of London

  • MA in Anthropology and Cultural Politics, Goldsmiths University of London

  • BSc (hons) Anthropology, University College London