My name is Tony Matthews - Counsellor & Supervisor
You don’t have to journey alone.
From the discipline of the Royal Engineers to the compassion of the therapy room, I bring experience, empathy, and a real understanding of what it means to carry on, sometimes silently. I was taught not to show emotion, to “man up,” and never cry. Now, I know better. I feel, I cry, and I’m not ashamed, a
You don’t have to journey alone.
From the discipline of the Royal Engineers to the compassion of the therapy room, I bring experience, empathy, and a real understanding of what it means to carry on, sometimes silently. I was taught not to show emotion, to “man up,” and never cry. Now, I know better. I feel, I cry, and I’m not ashamed, and I help others do the same.
As an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor and mindfulness practitioner, I work with adults and children (including those on the autistic spectrum) to make sense of life’s messier moments, stress, anxiety, depression, identity, overwhelm, and to explore how we can move forward with purpose and hope.
I don’t work alone. Meet Ripley, my co-therapist, teammate, and, truth be told, the real boss of the therapy room.
Ripley is a Sproodle (Springer Spaniel and Miniature Poodle mix) who joined our family in December 2022. She’s affectionate, cheeky, endlessly loving, and currently training as a therapy dog. Every day, she’s in the room from 9am to 10pm, ready to greet you, curl up beside you, or offer a paw of calm in the storm. Whether she’s sharing a toy or quietly snoozing, Ripley brings warmth, comfort, and a sense of safety that words often can’t.
Whether you're stuck, scared, or simply seeking change, we’re here for you, with compassion, understanding, and zero judgement. No medical records. No shame. Just real support for whatever you're facing.
Because you are the one that matters.
Qualifications & Training
Tony blends warmth, experience, and extensive training to support you on your counselling journey. His qualifications reflect a dedicated commitment to understanding and compassion:
Academic Background:
- MSc Psychology (Conversion) – ongoing studies, deepening expertise in psychological practice.
- BSc (Hons) Open Degree in Psychology and Cou
Tony blends warmth, experience, and extensive training to support you on your counselling journey. His qualifications reflect a dedicated commitment to understanding and compassion:
Academic Background:
- MSc Psychology (Conversion) – ongoing studies, deepening expertise in psychological practice.
- BSc (Hons) Open Degree in Psychology and Counselling, with specialised modules in mental health, forensic psychology, childhood and youth, and bereavement.
Professional Counselling Diplomas:
- Certificate of Participation – Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (CPCAB accredited, Counselling Hub)
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Petroc College, CPCAB accredited)
- Specialist Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People (Dartmoor Centre & Safe Space for Counselling, NCPS accredited)
- Advanced Diploma in Professional Supervision (Dartmoor Centre & Safe Space for Counselling, NCPS accredited)
Further Counselling Certificates:
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Level 2 Certificates in Counselling Skills and Introduction to Counselling Skills
Specialist Training & CPD:
Tony is committed to continuous learning, ensuring he's equipped to help clients through life's complexities. His specialist training includes:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) - Counselling Academy Accredited
- Couples Counselling, including emotional focused therapy, relationship challenges, infidelity, and sexual difficulties. - Counselling Academy Accredited
- Mental health awareness, suicide risk, substance misuse, domestic abuse, loss and bereavement.
- Working effectively with anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management, and addiction.
- Supporting individuals with Autism, ADHD, menopause, postnatal depression, and gender & sexual diversity.
Safeguarding & Equality:
- Advanced Safeguarding (Children & Adults, Level 2 & 3)
- Equality & Diversity in Health and Social Care
Additional Therapeutic Approaches:
- Animal-Assisted Therapy Training (including certified therapy dog workshops)
- Mindfulness, Life Coaching, Gestalt Therapy, NLP (Master Practitioner level), Transactional Analysis, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy
Tony brings genuine empathy and skilled support, helping you navigate life's challenges safely and compassionately.
Experience & Specialisation
Experience & Specialisation
Intagr8 - (2015 - 2019)
Volunteer Counsellor/Psychotherapist Providing counselling in North Devon
Counsellor & support worker - Devon Partnership NHS Trust (2017)
The Historical Trauma Programme Specialist help for survivors of childhood abuse and neglect
School Counsellor - (2019 - 2020)
Visiting schools Ad hoc North Devon
My Main areas o
Intagr8 - (2015 - 2019)
Volunteer Counsellor/Psychotherapist Providing counselling in North Devon
Counsellor & support worker - Devon Partnership NHS Trust (2017)
The Historical Trauma Programme Specialist help for survivors of childhood abuse and neglect
School Counsellor - (2019 - 2020)
Visiting schools Ad hoc North Devon
My Main areas of working are Trauma, Autism and ADHD, and Couples/Relationship work.
My name is Belinda Shackson - Counsellor
I am a fully qualified Person Centred Integrative Counsellor who believes therapy can be both transformative and human.
I specialise in bereavement and loss, menopause support, relationship and couples counselling, and helping individuals navigate personal identity and patterns. If daily life feels overwhelming or you're managing anxiety
I am a fully qualified Person Centred Integrative Counsellor who believes therapy can be both transformative and human.
I specialise in bereavement and loss, menopause support, relationship and couples counselling, and helping individuals navigate personal identity and patterns. If daily life feels overwhelming or you're managing anxiety and depression, I'm here to provide a warm, safe, and confidential space to explore what's truly going on.
Having experienced counselling from both chairs, as a client and now as a therapist, I deeply appreciate the courage it takes to reach out. My role is to offer empathy, compassion, and respect, allowing the therapeutic relationship itself to nurture meaningful change and acceptance.
I'm continuously evolving and committed to personal and professional growth. While inspirational quotes are everywhere, one that resonates deeply with me as a counsellor is:
“Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch another human soul be just another human soul.” – Carl Jung
Qualifications & Training
Belinda brings warmth, empathy, and professional care to her counselling practice, supported by dedicated training and a passion for helping clients find clarity and comfort.
Professional Diplomas & Certificates:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Petroc College, CPCAB Accredited)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB
Belinda brings warmth, empathy, and professional care to her counselling practice, supported by dedicated training and a passion for helping clients find clarity and comfort.
Professional Diplomas & Certificates:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Petroc College, CPCAB Accredited)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB Accredited)
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB Accredited)
- Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (CPCAB Accredited)
Specialist Training & CPD:
Belinda continually expands her counselling expertise, with specialist training in:
- Couples Counselling (Emotional Focused Therapy, relationship challenges, sexual difficulties, infidelity, and attachment issues)
- Mental Health Support (anxiety, depression, suicide risk, substance misuse, and domestic abuse)
- Loss, Grief, and Bereavement counselling
- Mindfulness and Systemic Therapy approaches
- Advanced CBT Diploma
Safeguarding & Equality:
- Advanced Safeguarding (Children & Adults, Level 2)
- Equality & Diversity in Health and Social Care
Belinda’s approachable style ensures clients always feel safe, supported, and understood.
Experience & Specialisation
Experience & Specialisation
I have worked as a volunteer counsellor for 2 and a half years, and specialise in loss and bereavement, and couples/relationship therapy.
Voluntary work with elderly (friendship group), and stages of menopause support.
My main area of working is Bereavement and Grief, Menopause Support, and Couples/Relationship work.
My name is Laura Vanstone - Counsellor
I am a fully qualified counsellor offering a person centred approach, meaning you are always at the heart of each session. This is your space to talk about whatever you need to, in your own time and your own way.
I provide a calm, safe, and confidential environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment
I am a fully qualified counsellor offering a person centred approach, meaning you are always at the heart of each session. This is your space to talk about whatever you need to, in your own time and your own way.
I provide a calm, safe, and confidential environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, and where you are always listened to with empathy and respect.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve worked in the caring sector, including time as a mental health and emotional support worker. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and how hard it can be to reach out when you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure of which way to turn. I know how isolating that can be, and I believe that having someone truly present with you in those moments can make all the difference.
I’ve also experienced what it’s like to sit in the client’s chair, I’ve had counselling myself, and it helped me understand who I am, build my confidence, and become more self-aware. That experience is a big part of why I do what I do today. It’s a privilege to now be able to offer that same support to others.
My aim is to walk alongside you, wherever you are in life, and help you find clarity, peace, or just a bit more space to breathe. Whether you're feeling stuck, low, anxious, or just unsure, I'm here to support you in moving forward, at your own pace, toward a life that feels more fulfilling.
Qualifications & Training
Laura brings warmth, genuine care, and a grounded understanding to her counselling practice, supported by formal training and continued professional development.
Professional Counselling Certificates:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Petroc College, CPCAB accredited)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (Petroc College, CPC
Laura brings warmth, genuine care, and a grounded understanding to her counselling practice, supported by formal training and continued professional development.
Professional Counselling Certificates:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Petroc College, CPCAB accredited)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (Petroc College, CPCAB accredited)
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB accredited)
- Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (CPCAB accredited)
Continued Professional Development (CPD):
Laura is committed to lifelong learning and is actively building on her skills through additional CPD training to deepen her knowledge and enhance the support she offers to clients.
Her compassionate and person centred approach ensures every client feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
Experience
Experience
Toad Counselling Ltd - 2024 to present
My name is Clare Caris - Student Counsellor
I’m currently studying the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and offer a person centred approach, which means you are always at the heart of our work together.
This is your space, somewhere safe, supportive, and confidential, where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviours without fear of judgment.
I use an
I’m currently studying the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and offer a person centred approach, which means you are always at the heart of our work together.
This is your space, somewhere safe, supportive, and confidential, where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviours without fear of judgment.
I use an integrative counselling style, drawing on a range of approaches to tailor each session to you and your needs. I believe that no single method works for everyone, and that therapy should meet you where you are. Through increased self-awareness and understanding, counselling can help build inner strength, acceptance, and trust in yourself.
I also work in the care sector, supporting elderly individuals and those living with dementia. This role has deepened my appreciation for the emotional complexities people face, especially when dealing with change, loss, or caring for loved ones. It’s shown me how vital it is to feel truly seen and supported.
Having experienced therapy myself, I know how powerful it can be to have someone who simply listens, really listens, with warmth and compassion. It helped me feel more grounded, confident, and connected to who I am.
As a student counsellor, I feel genuinely privileged to now offer that same presence to others. Whether you're struggling, feeling stuck, or just need someone to walk beside you for a while, I’m here to hold that space as you explore your way forward.
Qualifications & Training
Clare brings warmth, care, and a thoughtful approach to her counselling practice, supported by solid training and a genuine commitment to learning and growth.
Professional Counselling Certificates:
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (Petroc College, CPCAB accredited)
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB accredited)
- Lev
Clare brings warmth, care, and a thoughtful approach to her counselling practice, supported by solid training and a genuine commitment to learning and growth.
Professional Counselling Certificates:
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (Petroc College, CPCAB accredited)
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB accredited)
- Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (CPCAB accredited)
Continued Professional Development (CPD):
Clare is actively expanding her skills through ongoing CPD training to enhance the support she offers and deepen her practice.
Her person centred and integrative approach ensures clients feel truly heard, respected, and supported throughout their journey.
Experience
Experience
Toad Counselling Ltd - 2024 to present