Youlia Toneva

Youlia Toneva’s approach is integrative, combining Person-Centred and Psychodynamic theories to create a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment—essential for healing and personal growth. She believes meaningful change occurs when there is an authentic connection between client and counsellor. By providing a non-judgmental and empathetic space, she helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, belief systems, and unconscious patterns that may contribute to their current struggles. Through this process, clients can gain self-awareness, break free from unhelpful cycles, and reconnect with their inner strengths. Grounded in Person-Centred and Psychodynamic counselling, Youlia adapts her approach to suit each client’s individual needs. She incorporates Art Therapy techniques, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices, offering creative and structured ways to process emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. She specialises in supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, shame, guilt, isolation, loneliness, workplace challenges, and communication difficulties. By working collaboratively with clients, Youlia helps them gain deeper self-awareness, process unresolved emotions, and move towards lasting personal growth.

Youlia’s therapeutic approach is shaped by her diverse background in art, design, and education. Having worked as a graphic designer under tight deadlines, she understands the pressures of high-stress environments and the anxiety they can create. Her experience as a secondary school teacher, supporting neurodiverse children and adolescents, has deepened her understanding of how stress impacts well-being across different life stages. This insight allows her to create a safe and nurturing space where clients—both adults and young people—can develop emotional resilience and a more positive mindset.

Youlia is an Integrative Counselling trainee working towards an advanced diploma and undertaking a placement in Wandsworth at The Awareness Centre. She is a student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).