Youlia Tonev

Youlia Tonev is a trainee integrative counsellor and a student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She is currently working towards an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling at The Awareness Centre and is undertaking her placement within The Awareness Centre’s Lambeth NHS Counselling Service. Youlia’s integrative training combines Person-Centred and Psychodynamic theories, allowing her to adapt her approach to suit each client’s individual needs and experiences. Her practice is grounded in creating a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences.

Youlia believes that meaningful change occurs when there is an authentic and trusting connection between client and counsellor. She provides a non-judgemental and empathetic space where clients can explore unconscious patterns, belief systems, and emotional experiences that may be contributing to their current struggles. Through this process, clients can develop greater self-awareness, break free from unhelpful cycles, and reconnect with their inner strengths. Grounded in Person-Centred and Psychodynamic counselling, Youlia also incorporates elements of Art Therapy techniques, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices, offering creative and structured ways to process emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. She works collaboratively with clients to support them in gaining deeper insight into themselves, processing unresolved emotions, and moving towards meaningful personal growth. Youlia has a particular interest in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, shame, guilt, isolation, loneliness, workplace challenges, and communication difficulties.

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 impact these experiences can have on emotional wellbeing. Her experience as a secondary school teacher, including supporting neurodiverse children and adolescents, has deepened her understanding of how stress can affect people across different stages of life. These experiences continue to inform her compassionate and holistic approach, allowing her to create a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move towards a more positive and balanced relationship with themselves.