Kendra Blake

Specialist Integrative and Occupational Therapist · she/her
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy 2015

Registration

Quick facts

  • Year qualified: 2015
  • Years in eating disorders: 10 years
  • Consults at: Remote

Biography

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist at the University of Cape Town, and spent a number of years working therapeutically with eating disorders, addiction and general psychiatry in South Africa. I then moved to the United Kingdom in 2019 to work in a therapeutic day service for people with eating disorders before joining The London Centre in 2021.

approach to treatment

In my therapeutic work, I strive to create a safe, caring and containing space to support people to explore their distress and find ways to alleviate this; aiming to work closely with clients in regaining their sense of independence and autonomy within their recovery journey. I utilise my skills as an Occupational Therapist to help people optimise their potential within their daily tasks, roles and chosen activities.

areas of interest / specialism

I have a keen interest in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), compulsive exercise and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and have extensive experience supporting clients in these areas of their recovery. I am passionate about working holistically with clients’ mental and physical well-being.

specialised Training

  • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E)
  • Interpersonal Neurobiology
  • Foundation Course in Dance Movement Psychotherapy
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
  • Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA)
  • Perinatal Training – Matrescence and Sociology of Motherhood

Senior Roles and Notable Prior Posts

  • Supervisor for Occupational Therapists specialising in Eating Disorders
  • Specialist Therapeutic Day Service for Eating Disorders (UK)
  • Eating Disorders, Addiction and General Psychiatry (South Africa)
  • Mum of two young children; much of what I value comes from balancing work, family life, and learning to slow down. I’m passionate about somatic healing, compassionate self-understanding, and the small everyday practices that help us feel more grounded and connected.
    Kendra Blake

Q&A with Kendra

A first session with me is collaborative and compassionate. We’ll explore how your eating difficulties are affecting daily life, routines, relationships, and wellbeing, while building a shared understanding of your goals and what recovery could look like for you.

A misconception is that symptoms are the problem. Often, symptoms are protective strategies. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?”, I’m interested in asking, “What has this behaviour helped you survive or manage?”