Hello, I'm Toni

I came into counselling through my own personal struggles and realised how life changing it is to be in a relationship where you are not judged, not expected to mask or please anyone, and can simply be yourself. 

That experience shaped the way I work. I want the people who come to me to feel seen, understood and safe enough to take a breath and be honest about what is really going on for them.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent several years working in the care and mental health sector supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. This gave me a solid grounding in person centred and compassionate support, something that runs through everything I do.

Clients often describe me as down to earth, honest and non judgemental. I bring those qualities naturally into the room. I am also a mum, so I know first hand how tough, lonely and overwhelming parenting can feel, especially when neurodivergence is part of the picture.

Neurodivergence is an area I am deeply passionate about, both personally and professionally. My daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and autism as a teenager after many years of trying to understand why things felt so much harder for her. Her journey helped me recognise that I had been masking most of my life and I later received my own ADHD diagnosis. I understand the mix of grief, confusion and relief that can come with late recognition and I work with many adults exploring their identity through this lens, including parents trying to support their children.

I also support people who have experienced trauma or distressing events using a gentle and contained approach that is tailored to each individual. I am trained in the Rewind Technique which can be a powerful and non intrusive way to help process traumatic memories without needing to talk through every detail. This approach is often helpful for people who find speaking about trauma overwhelming or re triggering.

Alongside counselling, I also offer coaching for adults who are neurodivergent or who feel overwhelmed, stuck or misunderstood at work. Coaching gives people the practical tools and strategies they need to feel more confident and capable in their day to day life. This can include support with organisation, communication, overwhelm, executive functioning and building routines that work with your brain. I take a whole person approach that combines warmth, honesty and the skills I am developing further through my ICF accredited coach training.

If you are employed or self employed, you may be able to receive funding for coaching through the Access to Work scheme and I can talk you through this if it feels relevant. Coaching can sit alongside counselling or it can be a stand alone way of moving forward when you feel ready for change but unsure how to take the first step.

Alongside my private practice, I am the co founder and director of Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC, a not for profit organisation in Leeds. Through Unmasked we offer low cost counselling, peer support groups and a safe and inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals and families to feel understood without judgement.