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Toad Counselling Ltd

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Bideford
Toad Counselling Ltd

"It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live."

- Mae Jemison

Welcome to Toad Counselling, where our mission is to provide compassionate and effective therapeutic support to individuals and groups. We are professionally trained through accredited courses by the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) and the NCS (National Counselling Society), ensuring that we uphold the highest ethical standards and principles in our practice. Our services cater to a diverse clientele, including:

- Individual Therapy: We offer 1:1 sessions for adults, children, and young people, tailored to meet each person's unique needs.

- Specialised Support: Our expertise includes working with individuals affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), as well as those dealing with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), military-related PTSD, and trauma of all forms.

- Couples/Relationship Counselling: We provide a safe space for couples to explore their relationships and overcome challenges together.

- Group Therapy: We facilitate group sessions that promote connection, understanding, and shared experiences.

- Workshops and Courses: We are in the process of developing workshops and courses that focus on various aspects of mental health and well-being. We proudly serve military personnel, veterans, emergency services staff, NHS employees, and school staff, recognising the unique challenges these groups may face. Our goal is to foster a supportive environment where healing and personal growth can occur. For further details about our services, please visit our website at www.toadcounselling.co.uk

You can also connect with us via email at info@toadcounselling.co.uk. Stay updated and follow us on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Google, Tumblr, Pinterest, TikTok!, and our Podcast available on most platforms (Empathy Corner: Conversations with Toad Counselling). We look forward to supporting you on your journey to mental wellness.

01/10/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-Eight: The Commute Chaos

The journey to work is never simple.

Most dogs just walk to the garden. Not me. Oh no. I have a commute.

Today started well — car door open, me leaping in like a professional. Then:
🐾 A leaf blew past. Suspicious. Had to bark.
🐾 A dog walked by. Stared at me. I stared back. Challenge accepted.
🐾 A pigeon flew overhead. (We all know how I feel about pigeons.)

Finally, we set off. And of course, I had to supervise from the back seat — ears flapping, nose smushed against the window, keeping the whole of North Devon safe with my watchful gaze.

By the time we arrived, I was already exhausted. Tony said, “Ripley, you’ve done nothing yet.”
Excuse me? I’ve defended this car from leaves, pigeons, AND a suspicious jogger. That’s work.

At Toad Counselling, the journey is part of the process. Sometimes it’s smooth, sometimes it’s bumpy, and sometimes you arrive with biscuit crumbs in your fur. But you always get there in the end.

💚 Affordable, supportive therapy
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

The session hasn’t even started, and I already need a nap.

25/09/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-Seven: The Birthday Hangover

Three years old and already feeling it.

Yesterday was my birthday. 🎉 I turned three. I had biscuits, I had my ball, I wagged so hard I nearly took off. It was glorious.

Today? Different story.

🐾 My tail is tired.
🐾 My bed looks extra inviting.
🐾 I think I might still be full of biscuits.

Tony said, “Ripley, you look a bit sluggish today.”
Sluggish?? Excuse me, sir. I partied hard. Do you know how many zoomies I did yesterday? THREE. That’s one per year of my entire life.

At Toad Counselling, we know what it’s like to feel the after-effects of a big day — whether it’s a birthday, a milestone, or just making it through a tough week. Sometimes the next day is all about rest. And that’s okay.

💚 Affordable, friendly therapy
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

If anyone needs me, I’ll be on my cushion, recovering from being fabulous.

21/09/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-Six: I Am Three!

That’s 21 in dog years. Basically an adult. But still dramatic.

Today — the 21st of September — is my birthday! 🎂🎉
I am officially three years old.

How did I celebrate?
🐾 Woke up early (demanded belly rubs).
🐾 Went for a walk (chased suspicious leaves).
🐾 Had a ball game (won).
🐾 Ate biscuits (also won).

Tony said, “Happy Birthday, Ripley, you’re three now!”
The client said, “Wow, she’s grown up so fast!”
I said nothing, because I was busy drooling on my birthday treat.

At Toad Counselling, birthdays are a reminder that progress is worth celebrating — whether you’re three years old, thirty-three, or just three sessions into therapy. Every step matters. Every year counts. And it’s always okay to pause for cake. (Or biscuits.)

💚 Counselling for children, young people & adults
💚 Affordable, supportive, and safe
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Here’s to another year of wags, naps, and guarding the building from hoovers and postmen. Being three looks good on me.

18/09/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-Five: The Pigeon Situation

Counselling may happen inside. But danger lurks outside.

We’d just finished a session. Tony opened the door. The air was calm, the street was quiet… and then I saw it.

A pigeon.
Strutting across the pavement. Bold. Cocky. Acting like it owned the place.

I froze. The pigeon froze. It became a standoff.
Tony said, “Ripley, don’t even think about it.”
Too late, Tony. I was already thinking about it.

I lunged (professionally). The pigeon flapped. I flapped (my ears). The client leaving the building laughed so hard they nearly forgot their bag.

The pigeon escaped. For now.
But I made it clear: Toad Counselling is protected.

At Toad Counselling, we know life throws unexpected things at you. Sometimes they’re as small as a pigeon. Sometimes they’re a lot bigger. Either way, we’ll face them together.

💚 Affordable, supportive therapy
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

The street is safe. You’re welcome.

15/09/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-Four: Ripley Responds

Because sometimes you’ve just got to set the record straight.

Hi. Ripley here.
Yesterday, Milly decided to write an “advice column.” (Translation: she bragged about sleeping on the sofa while I keep the counselling practice running.)

She said I “just lie on a cushion all day.”
Excuse me? Do cushions protect clients from hoovers? Do cushions guard the door from suspicious postmen? Do cushions wag their tails at children until they giggle?

Didn’t think so, Milly.

The truth is, counselling can be hard work — for humans and for dogs. Sometimes it means sitting with big feelings. Sometimes it means making people laugh. Sometimes it means sighing dramatically so the client feels less alone.

And yes, sometimes it means… this pic.

At Toad Counselling, we make space for it all — the hard stuff, the silly stuff, and even the nap stuff. Because rest is part of the work too.

💚 Affordable, supportive counselling
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Now, if you’ll excuse me… I’m clearly busy.

10/09/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-Three: Milly’s Advice Column

Because apparently, Ripley isn’t the only one with wisdom.

Hello. It’s me. Milly.
While Ripley spends her days battling hoovers and guarding cushions, I’ve been running a highly successful sofa-based advice service. Clients: mainly myself.

Here are my top tips for surviving life (you’re welcome):
1️⃣ Nap often. Especially in inconvenient places.
2️⃣ If you stare at humans long enough, they’ll share snacks.
3️⃣ Don’t chase postmen — they always come back tomorrow.
4️⃣ Let your sibling do all the actual work. Saves energy.

Ripley thinks she’s the star of Toad Counselling. And yes, she’s very good at her job (blah blah tail wags, soulful stares, biscuits). But let’s not forget — when she comes home, exhausted from “working,” who’s there to greet her? Me. On the sofa. Looking fabulous.

At Toad Counselling, you’ll get a calm, supportive space with humans who care. Sadly, not me — I’m retired from ambition. But you’ll get Ripley. And that’s almost as good.

💚 Affordable, down-to-earth counselling
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Now excuse me, I’ve got a nap to attend.

08/09/2025

🐾 Day Thirty-One: Drool Worthy Celebrations

Because thirty days of hard work deserves a ball, a car ride, and… okay, maybe a little drool.

You’ve followed me for thirty whole days of therapy dog adventures — from battling postmen, flies, and hoovers, to welcoming clients with wags and soulful stares. That’s a lot of responsibility for one dog.

So today, Tony gave me a special treat:
🚗 A car ride
⚽ My favourite ball
💦 And, apparently, photographic evidence of my “very excited drool face.”

Look, I work hard. I wag hard. Sometimes I drool hard. It’s all part of the package.

At Toad Counselling, we believe in celebrating milestones — the small steps, the big achievements, and even the messy, funny bits along the way. If you’ve made it through thirty days, thirty minutes, or just thirty deep breaths… that matters.

💚 Affordable counselling for children, young people & adults
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Here’s to more wags, more biscuits, fewer hoovers, and at least one ball per celebration.

04/09/2025

🐾 Day Twenty-Nine: The Mirror Incident

Who. Was. That. Dog.

I was patrolling the counselling room (very professionally) when I saw it.
Another dog.
In the corner. Staring at me. Same fur. Same ears. Same suspicious expression.

I froze.
The other dog froze.
I tilted my head.
They tilted theirs.

Tony said, “Ripley, it’s just the mirror.”
JUST the mirror??? This “other dog” was copying my every move. Very suspicious behaviour.

I gave them one polite bark. They barked back. Rude.
Eventually, I decided to ignore them and lie on my bed. They did the same. Copycat.

At Toad Counselling, we know what it’s like to be confronted with yourself. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s confusing. But facing it is where the real work begins.

💚 Affordable, down-to-earth counselling
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

I still don’t trust that mirror dog. But I’ll let them stay. For now.

31/08/2025

🐾 Day Twenty-Eight: My Favourite Young Friend
Some clients are extra special.

I love all our clients. Every single one. But I’ll admit it — there’s one who makes my tail wag faster than anyone else. His name is Young Mr. S.

Young Mr. S is one of our younger clients. Whenever he comes in, the whole day feels brighter. We have our little rituals — he says hello, I wag so hard I nearly fall over, and sometimes we even share a moment of play before the “serious talking” starts. (Okay, he does the talking. I mostly flop dramatically for belly rubs.)

Working with children and young people is one of my favourite parts of being a therapy dog. They bring honesty, energy, and sometimes even the best giggles. And therapy can be just as important for them as it is for grown-ups — a safe space to share feelings, worries, or just the stuff they can’t put into words yet.

At Toad Counselling, we’re here for everyone — adults, teens, and children. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a waggy welcome from me.

💚 Counselling for children, young people & adults
💚 Affordable, supportive, and safe
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

See you soon, Young Mr. S — I’ll be waiting by the door with my best wag ready.

28/08/2025

🐾 Day Twenty-Seven: Welcome to the Team, Laura!

Big news. Bigger tail wags.

Guess what? My friend Laura has gone from trainee counsellor to fully qualified counsellor! 🥳

When she first joined us, she was kind, gentle, and patient (all the good human things). And now, after lots of hard work, study, and practice, she’s officially ready to see clients in her own right. I always knew she’d be amazing, mostly because she always has a calm voice and gives excellent ear scritches (both very reliable qualities in a human).

Laura’s superpower? She makes people feel safe. She listens in that warm, calm way that says, “It’s okay. You can say it here.” She’s already helped lots of people as a trainee, and now she’s ready to help even more as a fully-fledged counsellor.

At Toad Counselling, we’re proud of our whole team, and I’m extra proud of Laura (and I don’t say that about many humans).

💚 Affordable, compassionate counselling
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

So if you’re looking for someone kind, grounded, and officially very clever, Laura might be the human for you. I’ll wag on her behalf.

26/08/2025

🐾 Day Twenty-Six: My Favourite Client (Don’t Tell the Others)

It’s not bribery. It’s… appreciation.

I know we’re supposed to treat everyone equally. And I do.
But there’s one client who… well… let’s just say they understand me on a spiritual level.

They bring biscuits.
Every. Single. Time.

Not for them. For me. Proper ones, too — crunchy, tasty, perfectly sized for professional consumption.

The second I hear them in the hallway, my tail starts wagging like a propeller. Tony says, “Ripley, remember your boundaries.”
Boundaries? Never heard of them. I’m too busy practising my polite sit and hopeful stare.

Here’s the thing — therapy is about connection. Sometimes it’s shared stories, sometimes it’s laughter, sometimes it’s biscuits. And those little rituals? They make the hard stuff easier.

At Toad Counselling, every client matters. (But if you bring biscuits, I might just wag harder.)

💚 Affordable, friendly counselling
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

I love all our clients. But some of them are just… crunchier.

24/08/2025

🐾 Day Twenty-Five: The Cushion Swap Scandal

Justice must be served. Preferably with biscuits.

Today, I walked into the counselling room and noticed something… was wrong.
My cushion. My perfectly fluffed, perfectly positioned, absolutely essential dog bed… had been MOVED.

Not just moved, replaced.
A different cushion was in its place. A pretender. A fraud. A cushion that did not smell like me.

I circled it. I sniffed it. I gave Tony my best “This is an outrage” face.
He said, “It’s just been washed, Ripley.”
JUST been washed?? My entire professional aura was gone! My fur carefully arranged across the fabric… erased.

Naturally, I refused to lie down until I had made my point. I sighed. Loudly. Repeatedly. Eventually, I flopped onto the “new” cushion, but only after Tony promised biscuits later.

At Toad Counselling, we understand, change is hard. Even when it’s good for us. Even when it smells clean. Sometimes it feels like too much. And that’s okay. We’ll sit with you through it. (I’ll sigh loudly in solidarity.)

💚 Affordable counselling
💚 No long waiting lists
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Trust me: if I can survive the Great Cushion Swap, you can survive your changes too.

Address

5 Mill Street
Bideford
EX39 2JT

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 10pm
Tuesday	10am - 10pm
Wednesday	10am - 10pm
Thursday	10am - 10pm
Friday	10am - 10pm

Website

http://www.toadcounselling.co.uk/

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