11 GHP Mental Health Awards 2025 “Get to where you want to be in life – you do not have to journey alone.” With a deep understanding of clients from all walks of life, Toad Counselling provides bespoke support for a high number of people. Whether working in a one-on-one setting or in sessions with multiple clients – including those looking to strengthen their relationships and improve communication – Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and Supervisor Tony Matthews, and his team, ensures that each client receives the highest standard of care and attention. Further supporting a wide spectrum of mental health challenges, Belinda Shackson is a fully qualified person-centred integrative counsellor. She specialises in bereavement and loss, menopauserelated challenges, and relationship issues. Tony told us: “Belinda’s commitment to creating a safe and confidential space allows clients to explore their emotions and experiences openly.” He added: “Our student counsellors, Laura Vanstone and Clare Caris, are currently advancing their studies in therapeutic counselling. They bring fresh perspectives and dedication to their practice, working under our qualified therapists and using supervision to provide empathetic support to clients dealing with various issues, including mental health challenges and life transitions.” As Toad Counselling’s dedicated team employs an integrative approach to person-centered therapy, each of their clients can experience various therapeutic modalities to address their unique and specific needs. Atop this, Toad Counselling offers military personnel and emergency service workers a wide array of specialised services for veterans and active-duty members dealing with PTSD, trauma, and related issues. As Tony brings first hand understanding to these sessions, having served in the Royal Engineers before transitioning to counselling and psychotherapy, the practice is able to speak from a place of lived experience. This not only helps Tony to understand his clients, but it also ensures that they feel safe and understood. Toad Counselling is “acutely aware of the evolving landscape of mental health in the UK and the increasing demand for services, particularly concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments,” said Tony. He continued: “Recent data indicates a significant rise in individuals seeking mental health support. For instance, in 202324, approximately 3.8 million people were in contact with NHS mental health, learning disability, and autism services, marking an increase of over two million compared to 2020. Additionally, the Earning itself a spot in our UK Enterprise Awards 2025, Toad Counselling is a mental health support company with a wealth of experience in aiding others through their journey to better mental health. Helping individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, complex PTSD (CPTSD), grief, and bereavement, Toad Counselling tailors its services to the unique needs of each person with whom it works. Most Compassionate Mental Health Service 2025 – Devon number of children referred for autism assessments rose by 350% between 2020 and 2022. “These developments have directly impacted our practice, leading to a noticeable increase in clients seeking support for ASD and ADHD-related challenges. In response, we have proactively adapted our services to better meet these needs.” Toad Counselling’s services focus on specialised training, collaborative networks, flexible therapeutic approaches, and more, to ensure the team’s commitment translates into everything they do across the mental health landscape. Tony commented: “We ensure that every individual who seeks our support receives compassionate, professional, and effective care tailored to their unique journey.” Fostering an internal culture rooted in collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual support, Toad Counselling ‘s team always work together – in between their independent working with clients – to stand by the practice’s core values. By prioritising open communication, continuous professional development, regular supervision and peer support, a healthy work-life balance, and their inclusive and supportive environment, Toad Counselling has the ability to go above and beyond for clients in addition to delivering the best service to each individual. Looking ahead through 2025 and to the years to come, Toad Counselling is sure to continue developing itself to adapt to the ever-shifting needs of its clients. As 2024 was a year of growth and learning which reminded the team of the expanding awareness around multiple conditions and the increasing numbers of people reaching out for guidance. Toad Counselling therefore prioritised adaptability, accessibility, and ongoing professional development. The practice will now launch its Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EDMR) therapy, publish its first book, offer and teach its own courses, and, of course, continue to stay deeply committed to affordability and accessibility, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to access support. We wish each of Toad Counselling’s team members all the best as they consistently tailor their invaluable solutions to the unique requirements of their clients – ultimately shaping happier, healthier relationships with ourselves and those around us. Contact: Tony Matthews Company: Toad Counselling Ltd Website: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/
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