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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.

26/02/2026

🐾 Day Fifty-Something: Absolutely Not Approved

I would like to address a very serious matter.

A vegetable was presented to me.

Not in a bowl.
Not chopped.
Not disguised in gravy.

Just… upright.
On the bed.
Like it belonged there.

It’s called a leek.

First of all — rude.
Second of all — I am a dog.
Third of all — dogs should NOT eat leeks.

So naturally, I conducted a full Risk Assessment Sniff™.

👃 Strong onion energy.
👃 Zero biscuit notes.
👃 Definitely not on my approved snack list.

Tony scratched my ear as if this was some kind of taste test.

Sir.

I am here for emotional support.
Not vegetable evaluation.

Let it be known:
I did not bite it.
I did not lick it.
I did not consume it.

I simply sniffed… judged… and declined.

At Toad Counselling, we believe in healthy boundaries.

And sometimes that boundary is:
“No thank you, that is not safe for me.”

💚 Safe, supportive therapy (for humans)
💚 Clear boundaries (for dogs and vegetables alike)
💚 No leeks were harmed or eaten

Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

12/02/2026

🐾 Day Forty-Whatever: Plot Twist

I have made a decision.

Yesterday I agreed to negotiations.
There was a paw.
There was warmth.
There was teamwork.

Today?

I have taken full control.

Yes, that is my paw.
Yes, I am holding the hand.
No, you may not leave yet.

If we are facing this cold, grey, slightly offensive weather… we are doing it properly. That means slow mornings. Extra tea. No dramatic life changes before 10am. And absolutely no pretending we’re bursting with motivation.

Sometimes support isn’t loud. It’s not advice. It’s not fixing.
It’s just staying.
And occasionally applying gentle paw pressure until the human calms down.

At Toad Counselling, we’re big believers in steady presence. Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or just blinking at the week wondering what happened, we’re here.

💚 Affordable, human counselling
💚 No pressure to be “better” instantly
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Right.
You may proceed with your day.
But I’ll be monitoring you. Closely. 🐾

05/02/2026

🐾 Update: Negotiations Have Begun

Terms and conditions apply.

After declaring a full blanket-based protest against the cold, wet, miserable weather… I have agreed to talks.

This is me, Ripley, placing one paw gently on Tony’s hand.
Not a demand.
Not a bribe.
Just a subtle reminder that emotional support works both ways.

Translation:
“If we must face the day, we will do it together. Slowly. With snacks. And possibly another nap later.”

Some days don’t need fixing. They just need a bit of warmth, a steady presence, and someone to sit with you while the world feels a bit soggy and grey.

At Toad Counselling, that’s kind of our thing. Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket or trying to hold it together, you don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes support looks like talking. Sometimes it looks like a paw on your hand.

💚 Affordable, supportive counselling
💚 No pressure. No rushing.
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

Right.
Handshake complete.
We’ll try the day now. 🐾

30/01/2026

🐾 Cold. Wet. Absolutely Not.

January has gone too far.

It’s cold.
It’s raining.
The sky has that grey disappointment look about it.

So today, I’ve made an executive decision: I live here now.
Under the blanket.
No meetings.
No motivation.
Just naps, snoring, and occasional sighing for dramatic effect.

Tony suggested a walk.
I suggested he look outside again and reconsider his life choices.

If you’re feeling slow, fed up, unmotivated, or like you’d rather hibernate until spring, congratulations, you’re responding perfectly to the weather. You don’t need to be productive. You just need to be warm and get through the day.

At Toad Counselling, we get it. Some days are for big feelings and brave steps. Other days are for blankets, gentle pacing, and doing the bare minimum required to exist. Both count.

💚 Affordable, supportive counselling
💚 No pressure. No judgement.
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

I’ll be here for now.
Wake me when it’s dry. Or spring. Whichever comes first. 🐾

22/01/2026

🐾 Important Announcement

I can smell you through the screen.

Hello. It’s me. Ripley.
Please don’t be alarmed — I’m just checking in very closely to make sure you’re okay.

This is not personal.
This is not intrusive.
This is therapeutic sniffing.

Tony says, “Ripley, personal space.”
I say… personal space is a social construct. Especially when I can sense feelings, biscuits, or mild emotional distress.

At Toad Counselling, we take a very hands-on (nose-on?) approach. Whether you need support, reassurance, or someone to stare deeply into your soul until you laugh — I’ve got you.

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

Now please remain still while I finish inspecting your face.

06/01/2026

🐾 January 6th: The Bit Where We All Pretend We’re Fine

Spoiler: it’s okay if you’re not.

Right. Christmas has packed up and left.
New Year has waved enthusiastically and then disappeared.
And now it’s January 6th, the day where everyone quietly realises this year is actually happening.

This is me, Ripley, and my sister Milly. We’ve had a few good walks, a few big naps, and a long discussion about whether we should still be getting treats just for existing (answer: yes).

If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, unmotivated, or like your brain is still buffering, congratulations, you’re doing January correctly. No one needs a new personality by now. No resolutions required. Just showing up counts.

At Toad Counselling, we’re properly back, cushions fluffed, kettle on, therapy dog operational (me). Whether you’re starting the year with hope, dread, or a vague sense of “what is time?” you’re welcome here.

💚 Counselling for adults, children & young people
💚 Affordable, human, and judgement-free
💚 Self-referral: https://toadcounselling.co.uk/

January doesn’t need big goals. Sometimes it just needs kindness, a steady pace… and maybe a dog who will sit near you while you figure things out. 🐾

08/12/2025

🐾 Day Forty-Five: The Full Flop

Sometimes, you just have to give in to gravity.

After a long week of guarding doors, counselling clients, resisting chocolate, and surviving the Great Chew Toy Incident… I have officially reached The Flop Stage.

No more sitting. No more half naps. No more pretending to be alert. Just… full stretch. Maximum surface area. Flat as a pancake.

Tony said, “Ripley, are you okay?”
I didn’t move. If he wanted a sign of life, he could check for tail wag vibrations.

Because honestly? Even therapy dogs need a break. It’s not easy being this emotionally available and this cute.

At Toad Counselling, we know the feeling, when you’ve given your all, and there’s just nothing left but the world’s most dramatic lie-down. And that’s okay. Sometimes resting flat is the best kind of progress.

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

Do not disturb. I’m currently recharging my wag.

25/11/2025

🐾 Day Forty-Four: The Mystery of the Chew Toy

Evidence was found. I plead the fifth.

There I was, minding my own business in the therapy room — being calm, professional, and emotionally available — when suddenly Tony appeared holding… this.

A suspicious, half-eaten object.
He said, “Ripley… what’s this?”
I said nothing. Silence is powerful.

For the record, it might be part of my chew. It might be something that used to belong to me. Or it might have just mysteriously appeared there. Who’s to say? I’m not a detective. I’m a therapist.

The good news? The client laughed, Tony sighed, and I got a replacement chew (because self-care is important).

At Toad Counselling, we know life sometimes gets a bit… chewed around the edges. That doesn’t mean it’s ruined. It just means it’s well lived.

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

Case closed. Until next time.

11/11/2025

🐾 Day Forty-Three: The Power Nap Protocol

Because emotional support requires proper rest.

After a long week of counselling sessions, hoover encounters, stair patrols, and squirrel surveillance… I, Ripley the Therapy Dog, am officially out of steam.

Tony says, “You’ve had quite the week, haven’t you?”
Yes, Tony. I’ve supervised everything. The hallway, the park, the biscuit jar. It’s exhausting being this responsible.

So today, I initiated the Power Nap Protocol.
Requirements:
💤 One soft blanket.
💤 Optimum snout-to-pillow ratio.
💤 Zero interruptions.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is absolutely nothing. Just rest. Breathe. Reset your wag.

At Toad Counselling, we know rest isn’t lazy, it’s healing. Whether you’re recharging between sessions or recovering from life’s chaos, you deserve a moment of peace (preferably with your nose in a blanket).

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

See you after my nap. Or maybe the one after that.

30/10/2025

🐾 Day Forty-Two: The Morning Patrol

Because the path to counselling must be secure.

Before the humans even open the doors, I have a job to do, my morning patrol.

I check the path. I check the steps. I check for suspicious leaves, rogue squirrels, and (worst of all) pigeons plotting near the bins. Every blade of grass gets the once-over. No detail escapes me.

Tony says, “Ripley, it’s just the park.”
Just the park?? This is the perimeter, Tony. The line between calm and chaos.

Once I’m satisfied that the coast is clear, I stand guard for a moment, breathing in the morning air, wagging gently, ready to start another day helping humans feel safe and seen. It’s a big job. But someone’s got to do it.

At Toad Counselling, we believe in creating spaces that feel safe from the moment you arrive, whether that’s inside the therapy room or out here on the steps, guarded by one very determined dog.

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

All clear. You may proceed. (But squirrels, consider this your final warning.)

28/10/2025

🐾 Day Forty-One: Stairway Security

Keeping the building safe… one squeaky ball at a time.

You might think counselling is my only job. Wrong. I’m also Head of Stairway Security here at Toad Counselling.

This is a shared building, lots of humans, lots of mysterious smells, and occasional footsteps that need investigating. So I take my post very seriously, halfway up the stairs, with my ball (standard-issue security equipment).

My duties include:
👃 Sniffing everyone who walks past (just to be sure).
👂 Listening intently for suspicious rustles.
⚽ Holding my ball to look approachable yet authoritative.

Tony says, “Ripley, you don’t need to guard the stairs.”
Tony, please. There are other businesses in this building. We can’t risk an unmonitored hallway situation.

At Toad Counselling, we believe in creating safe spaces, for clients, counsellors, and yes, stairways too. Whether you’re coming in for your first session or just passing by, you’re under my watchful eye (and my very slobbery ball).

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

All clear, humans. You may proceed.

21/10/2025

🐾 Day Forty: The Chocolate Incident

I didn’t eat any. But I wanted to.

Look, I know the rules.
Dogs and chocolate? Big no-no. Very serious. I would never.

But when a beautiful box of chocolates appears on the table — shiny wrapper, heavenly smell, full of mystery and potential — what’s a therapy dog supposed to do?

I just looked. Lovingly. Longingly. Professionally.
Tony said, “Ripley, don’t even think about it.”
Too late, Tony. I’d already thought about it. For several minutes. Intensely.

I didn’t touch it (I’m a good girl). But I did rest my head on the box, just to let everyone know how emotionally attached I was.

At Toad Counselling, we all have our temptations — things that look sweet and harmless but aren’t really good for us. Sometimes it takes everything we’ve got not to dive in. And that’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect — just self-aware (and maybe supervised).

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

I didn’t eat the chocolates. I just loved them… from a safe distance.

Address

5 Mill Street
Bideford
EX392JT

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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