Dr Levent Yurdakul, CPsychol, AFBPsS

About

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. Dr Yurdakul provides
assessments and psychological therapy for clients presenting with difficulties ranging
from common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and low mood through to
more complex difficulties such as recurrent/persistent depressions, mixed mood states
such as Bipolar II Disorder, ADHD, trauma, emotional dysregulation, chronic physical
illness and cognitive decline. His style of work can be described as collaborative,
empathic and focused. His approach utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and is also informed by key theoretical concepts
from psychodynamic, attachment, humanistic and systemic thinking and
neuropsychology/neuroscience research.

TRAINING AND EXPERTISE:
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. He continues to undertake regular training and study that informs
his practice. He is currently working on a book aimed at promoting good mental health
for men across the lifespan.

AREAS OF SPECIALISATION:
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. He utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal
Psychotherapy (IPT), paying particular attention to relational patterns, personality and
the impact of life experiences. 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.

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