Toni Denton Counselling

13/03/2026

13/03/2026

ADHD & Late Diagnosis

For many adults, ADHD diagnosis comes later in life.

Often after years of wondering why certain things felt harder than they seemed for others.

Diagnosis can bring relief.

But it can also bring reflection on past experiences.

School.
Work.
Relationships.

Over time, understanding how your brain works can create space for greater self-compassion and clarity about the future.

— Toni Denton
Counselling & Coaching

13/03/2026

For many adults, ADHD diagnosis comes later in life.

Often after years of wondering why certain things felt harder than they seemed for others.

Diagnosis can bring relief.

But it can also bring reflection on past experiences.

School.
Work.
Relationships.

Over time, understanding how your brain works can create space for greater self-compassion and clarity about the future.

— Toni Denton
Counselling & Coaching

11/03/2026

In supervision yesterday we explored creativity as a way of telling stories.

Drawing is definitely not my strength, but that was kind of the point. When we stop trying to get something “right”, sometimes something honest comes out instead.

I picked a stick that had the word “monster.”

So I started drawing.

In the first picture, the monster is alone.
The people are running away from him and hiding in the house.

The monster isn’t actually scary though.

He is sad, lonely and confused.

He just wants to play and connect, but everyone is afraid of him because he looks different. So they run. They hide. They avoid him.

And the monster is left wondering what he did wrong.

Then my supervisor asked a simple question.

“What could you change?”

So I gave the monster a friend.

In the second picture, the monster is smiling.

For the first time he feels seen and understood.
His friend isn’t scared of him. She notices his kindness. She understands him.

They both make a wish.

The monster wishes that society would stop prejudging and learn to accept that we are all different.

His friend wishes that he could see himself through her eyes.

Because sometimes the problem isn’t who we are, it is the story we have been told about ourselves.

Eventually they move into the same house that people were once running to hide in.

And they build a life together, raising their little monster children.

When I looked back at the drawings, it reminded me how many neurodivergent people grow up feeling like the “monster”.

Different.
Misunderstood.
Too much.
Not enough.

When really they were never the monster at all.

Sometimes all it takes is one person who sees you properly to begin changing that story.

And that’s often where healing starts 💛

11/03/2026

11/03/2026

I’ve just submitted my second application for Access to Work today.

The current waiting time is around 37 weeks, so now the waiting begins…

I’ve been really clear this time about the support I need to help me manage my work sustainably.

I’m really interested to hear from others who have been through the process.

What was your experience of Access to Work like?

• Did you get the support you needed?
• How long did it take?
• Was the process straightforward or challenging?

It would be really helpful to hear other people’s experiences.

👇 If you’ve applied before, what happened?

10/03/2026

Love this

08/03/2026

“Do I need coaching or counselling?”

This is one of the questions I’m asked most often.

The truth is, both offer support, but they focus on different things.

Counselling can help if you want space to explore emotions, understand patterns, and process experiences that may still be affecting you.

Coaching is often more structured and future-focused, helping you create practical changes, build routines that work for you, and move forward with more clarity.

For many people, the answer isn’t always one or the other. Sometimes people move between both depending on what they need at that point in their life.

There’s no “better” approach, just the one that fits where you are right now.

If you’re unsure which might be right for you, feel free to get in touch and we can talk it through.

You can also find out more here:
https://tonidentoncounselling.com

08/03/2026

“Why does everything feel so exhausting lately?”

This is something many late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults start asking themselves.

After years of trying to make life work, you might begin to notice:

• how much energy masking takes
• how often burnout keeps returning
• how many expectations you’ve been trying to meet

At some point the question becomes:

What actually works for me?

Sometimes the first step isn’t fixing anything.

It’s simply pausing and noticing what no longer fits.

I created a free reflective workbook called:

Rebuilding Your Way

It includes gentle exercises to help you:

• understand masking
• recognise burnout signs
• explore your capacity
• reconnect with what matters to you

You can download it here:
https://tonidentoncounselling.com/rebuild-your-way-coaching

Take what feels helpful and leave the rest.

07/03/2026

Many people aren’t sure whether coaching or counselling is the right fit for them. Both offer support, but they focus on different things and can help in different ways.

This post explains the difference so you can explore what might feel right for you.

Learn more about my work at
🔗 tonidentoncounselling.com

07/03/2026

Rebuilding Your Way Coaching

Many neurodivergent adults reach a point where they realise they’ve spent years trying to fit systems that were never designed for them.

Rebuilding Your Way is a structured coaching programme designed for late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic professionals who want to understand themselves better and build a life that actually works for them.

The programme is available in 6, 12, or 16 week options, focusing on identity, capacity, boundaries, and sustainable life and work changes.

If you’re unsure whether coaching or counselling would be the right fit, I’m happy to offer a free 15-minute call to talk it through.

💛 Toni

12/03/2025

Using AI as a Tool for ADHD

AI can be a powerful tool for managing ADHD. From organising tasks and setting reminders to helping with focus and time management, AI can support executive function challenges and make daily life a little easier. Have you tried using AI to manage your ADHD? Share your experience in the comments.