Dr Levent Yurdakul is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years’ experience of working in
mental health in research and clinical settings. He practises in Guildford, Surrey and online to
support a nationwide and international client base. He works with clients across the
lifespan (13+) supporting individuals, couples and families.
Across his career Dr Yurdakul has worked in a broad range of healthcare settings with
diverse client groups giving him breadth and depth of expertise. He provides
psychological interventions for a wide range of mental health/stress related conditions
across the lifespan.
Approach
Dr Yurdakul assigns particular importance to relational patterns, personality and the impact of life experiences. In the early sessions developing a good therapeutic relationship forms the basis for exploring the unique story of each client. This provides the foundation for collaborative, focused work underpinned by evidence-based and robust strategies. The broad aim is to gain insight, develop agency and the ability to cope adaptively to promote well-being.
Dr Yurdakul utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). His approach is integrative and also informed by a range of psychological orientations such as psychodynamic and attachment, humanistic, systemic theories, neuropsychology and neuroscience.
He has a particular interest and expertise in the treatment of complex depressions including Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia), and mixed mood states such as Bipolar II Disorder using an adapted and evidence-based form of IPT known as Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT). He also specialises in interventions for the management of symptoms and difficulties associated with ADHD and other conditions where self-regulation is compromised.
Experience and evolution of practice
In the early part of his career, Dr Yurdakul simultaneously trained in integrative
psychotherapy with Professor Petruska Clarkson, one of the pioneers in the field and
completed post-graduate training/research looking at the role of stress hormones and
life events in depression at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience.
He then went on to complete his Clinical Psychology Doctorate at Salomons Institute for
Applied Psychology and worked as a clinical psychologist in the NHS for 13 years during which time he undertook further training in clinical neuropsychology at the Institute of Psychiatry and later in Interpersonal Psychotherapy at the University of Surrey.
Dr Yurdakul has been in private practice for over two decades alongside holding posts
as a senior and consultant grade clinical psychologist. Since 2018 he has been in full
time private practice. As a practitioner psychologist regulated by the HCPC he is engaged in a continuous process of study, training and supervision to maintain and improve the quality of his work. Dr Yurdakul regularly writes and contributes to articles. He is currently working on a book aimed at promoting good mental health for men across the lifespan.
Conditions Treated
- ADHD and neurodiverse presentations
- Depressions including Bipolar illness
- Emotional regulation difficulties including self-harm and addictive behaviours
- Anxiety disorders (including OCD and phobias)
- Trauma and stress related disorders
- Loss, bereavement and transitions across the lifespan
- Relationship difficulties, interpersonal disputes and anger
- Difficulties associated with separation, divorce and co-parenting
- Work-related stress and managing conflict/disputes in corporate settings
- School and university related challenges such as anxiety, low mood, emotional
- dysregulation
- Physical illness, chronic pain and long-term conditions
- Post-concussional syndrome (mild traumatic brain injury)
- Dementias, stroke and neurological conditions
Appointments
- Dr Yurdakul is available for face to face appointments in Guildford on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and online on Mondays and Thursdays
- He is registered with Aviva, Allianz, BUPA, Cigna, Preferred Health, Vitality and WPA.
- Prior to an initial appointment, a brief telephone conversation can be scheduled to discuss circumstances and needs.
- He offers supervision, training and consultancy.
- Dr Yurdakul prepares expert witness reports for a range of conditions/circumstances.
Qualifications and Accreditations
- Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist and Supervisor with The IPT UK Network
- PG Diploma in Applied Clinical Neuropsychology
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
- MSc Neuroscience
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
Cancellation Policy
Appointments missed or cancelled without 48 hours notice will incur the full session fee.