My name is Tony Matthews - Psychotherapist & Supervisor
I come from a military family background and served in the Royal Engineers till I was medically discharged. I became a therapist to help people of all ages to learn to understand and manage their lives, emotions and feelings.
For a long time I believed in keeping emotions and feelings to myself because that's what I was taught to do, and if you cried, you were not considered a man. I have learned to let go and share the way I feel, and yes, I cry too, and without feeling ashamed.
I am an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor and mindfulness practitioner and I believe that we all do the best we can with what we've got.
Yet, we long for change.
Are you willing to take a long, compassionate look at how you got to this point and what steps you will need to take to begin a process of change?
Sometimes, it can be hard to know how to cope with everything and reaching out for help can take a great deal of courage.
Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed, hopeless, lonely, confused, scared or even frustrated? Sometimes we feel like we’re stuck or are moving backwards when we want to go forwards.
Whether one tangible issue has prompted you to pursue therapy or you are grappling with a series of existential questions – purpose, identity, faith, doubt – I will consistently and reliably join you to navigate uncharted territory as your healing begins.
I practice understanding, compassion, and warmth and aim to provide thoughtful guidance and insight, while empowering you to take meaningful steps towards greater self-worth, present-mindedness, healthier and deeper relationships, resiliency to navigate change, and conscious living so you can grow and flourish during and beyond therapy.
One thing people worry about the most is, ‘Will this go on any permanent record if I come for therapy around depression, anxiety or other issues?’, the answer is No. Seeing a private therapist for whatever you feel you need to see one is not recorded in any medical file or the like where you worry it may impact on yours or your child’s life choices.
I work with both adults and children and have experience of working with those on the autistic spectrum.
If you are fed up with the way that you feel, see things and want something different for yourself? You don't have to face life's difficulties alone, get in touch, have a chat to see what we do and or how we can help you.
“You Do Not Have to Journey Alone”
Whatever your background, whatever your life has held, there is no shame in feeling, no shame in having emotions, no shame in sharing and no shame in crying.
“Because You are the One that Matters”
This is Ripley - (A therapy dog Student)
She is a Canine Sproodle (half Springer Spaniel and half Miniature Poodle) who is 4 months and 13 days old (dated by the vet from 6th February 2023).
She was added to our family home in December 2022, and has become a wonderful part of the Matthews family.
Ripley, from the very first day we met her, is and has been so affectionate, and she loves to say hello.
She has a wonderful temperament, cheeky, playful and so loving, she will come and sit on your lap, and curl up to sleep or be stroked and petted. Ripley can be very playful and loves to share her toys.
Ripley is in the room most days from 9am to 10pm, and is in the process of training to become a Therapy Dog.
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
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. I have worked with numerous clients presenting a broadened variety of issues. I specialise in Bereavement and loss, clients going through the stages of menopause, relationships, couples issues, and clients looking at exploring new ways of relating, whilst looking at their own identity and previous patterns. I also work with clients that are struggling with daily life and living with anxiety/depression. I always put the client first and will endeavour to always hold for them, a safe, and confidential space for us to look into what is really going on for them. The therapeutic relationship is very significant in its healing, and it can often be enough to have empathy and positive regard to facilitate a real process of change and acceptance.
I have been in both chairs, I have been a client, now after 5 years of learning, commitment and hard work I am a therapist. I feel it’s a huge privilege, when I sit with a client and they allow me into their inner world and lived experiences.
As an ethically bound practitioner, I will always put the needs of the client first, I respect their autonomy and will show beneficence throughout the work. I am constantly evolving as a counsellor and committed to working on myself and my own personal development.
Counselling isn’t for everyone, but for those who take that brave first step to seek out therapy it can be transformative.
You will often see inspirational messages and philosophical quotes in all sorts of places on all sorts of things, social media is awash with them. I particular like ‘if you can be anything in this world, be kind’ no doubt you will have read that one somewhere.
My absolute personal favourite, that really resonates with me and aligns with my own values as a therapist is-
“ Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch another human soul be just another human soul”- Carl Jung
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.
Hours of Work
Wednesday - 10am - 10pm
Thursday - 10am - 10pm
Saturday - 10am - 12:30pm
My name is Laura Vanstone - Student Counsellor
I am currently studying the Diploma Level 4 in Therapeutic Counselling. I am offering the person-centred approach meaning you are at the heart of every session and talk about what you want to say. I offer an empathic listening ear and the opportunity for you to open up in a safe confidential space, free from judgment to be able to explore what is going on for you in your own world.
Throughout my adult life I have worked within the caring sector including as a mental health emotional support worker, which has given me more understanding, training, and awareness of problems that people face and how it can feel incredibly isolating when you are not sure where to turn to, and how to find a way to move forward in life. Being able to talk about how you are feeling and what you are thinking in a therapeutic setting can give you further awareness and understanding of who you are and what you feel you want or need from life.
I have experienced what it is like to be sitting in front of a counsellor after receiving personal counselling myself and feel it opened my eyes to who I am and built on my confidence and self-awareness. As a student counsellor I want to give back to others so that they have someone be truly present for them, so they can find a way to move forward or find some peace in how they are feeling to enjoy a happier and more fulfilled life.
Experience
Toad Counselling Ltd - 2024 to present
Hours of Work
Monday - 5pm - 10pm
Tuesday - Flexible Hours
Wednesday - Flexible Hours
Thursday - Flexible Hours
Friday - Flexible Hours
Saturday -Flexible Hours
Sunday - Flexible Hours
My name is Clare Caris - Student Counsellor
I’m currently studying the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
I use a person centred approach, meaning you are the focus and at the centre of all of our sessions, allowing you to explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours in a safe and confidential space.
By using an Integrative method of counselling I can draw on a range of theories and techniques to create a tailored, unique way of working that is appropriate to your individual needs, as I believe one single method will not suit everyone.
By developing self awareness and understanding, Counselling can build our strengths, acceptance and trust in our selves.
I have previous experience of the catering and hospitality industry, and currently work within the care sector for the elderly and those with various forms/levels of dementia. This has given me a good understanding of the pressures and stress involved within these areas, along with a deeper understanding of the emotions involved for those within care or those with family members being cared for.
From my own personal experiences of receiving therapy, I found it invaluable to have someone I could open up and talk to without fears of it being repeated, or being judged in some way. Having someone there to help me unpick my thoughts and really gain a deeper insight into myself has resulted in me feeling calmer, more positive, and both a greater sense of self confidence and self awareness.
As a student counsellor I would love to help my clients with developing this.I am currently studying the Diploma Level 4 in Therapeutic Counselling. I am offering the person-centred approach meaning you are at the heart of every session and talk about what you want to say. I offer an empathic listening ear and the opportunity for you to open up in a safe confidential space, free from judgment to be able to explore what is going on for you in your own world.
Throughout my adult life I have worked within the caring sector including as a mental health emotional support worker, which has given me more understanding, training, and awareness of problems that people face and how it can feel incredibly isolating when you are not sure where to turn to, and how to find a way to move forward in life. Being able to talk about how you are feeling and what you are thinking in a therapeutic setting can give you further awareness and understanding of who you are and what you feel you want or need from life.
I have experienced what it is like to be sitting in front of a counsellor after receiving personal counselling myself and feel it opened my eyes to who I am and built on my confidence and self-awareness. As a student counsellor I want to give back to others so that they have someone be truly present for them, so they can find a way to move forward or find some peace in how they are feeling to enjoy a happier and more fulfilled life.
Experience
Toad Counselling Ltd - 2024 to present
Hours of Work
Monday -
Tuesday - 10am - 10pm
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -