Find out about the Thriving Young Minds Team
Our team is made up of compassionate, experienced counsellors who are committed to supporting young people and their families. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where each member of the team shares a deep understanding of the unique challenges that can arise during individual and collective mental health journeys.
We have a diverse background and experience in all areas of mental health, with varied specialist interests. We have a shared passion for helping each person reach their full potential. By recognising their uniqueness, and providing the appropriate support, we approach every session with care, professionalism and attentiveness.
Find out more about our team:
Adele - Senior Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Specialist area: Neurodiversity
I qualified as a Counsellor in 2004 and now work as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, meaning I draw on different therapeutic approaches to provide each person with bespoke support for their needs and aims. I am an Accredited Member of the BACP, demonstrating high professional standards and a commitment to providing safe, ethical, and effective therapy. I worked as a counsellor in education, charities, a police service and with young homeless people before starting in private practice in 2018. I am also a qualified Clinical Supervisor, supporting other counsellors and professionals in their work and development.
I am passionate about working with integrity, compassion and empowering people to achieve their aims to become their truest self. My priority is that everyone who accesses our service feels genuinely supported.
I am a single mum to two teenagers, one of whom is neurodivergent. It was our poor experience with statutory services that led to me establishing Thriving Young Minds, through a desire to provide the high standard of care that young people and their families deserve. Having gone through traumatic experiences in education and health care, I am painfully aware of the impact this has on the whole family.
Away from work, you will find me out in the countryside walking, spending time at the Buddhist Centre in Manchester, having days out (most commonly these days, shopping!) with my children or meeting up with friends – these are the ways I refill my cup away from the pressures of life.
I really hope that through Thriving Young Minds, you find a space to feel supported and empowered. The best feedback we get is when we hear how lives have changed, even in small ways.
Hayley - Senior Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Specialist area: Trauma
I qualified as a counsellor in 2014 after training with The University of Salford. Prior to starting my professional training, I had a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and had enjoyed various work experiences in education, charity, and statutory services, supporting children and young people in care, care leavers and young people in semi-independent residential settings. I was inspired to become a counsellor after many experiences supporting service users with their general wellbeing, and I recognised quite early on that the field of mental health was where I wanted to be. I have always been a passionate advocate of children’s rights, and child-centred care, so undertaking my counselling training in person-centred counselling felt like the next best step.
Over the past 14 years, I have gained experience as a counsellor in charity, NHS, and educational settings including private practice, and have enjoyed working therapeutically with children, young people and adults. I have developed a specialist interest in trauma-informed practice, helping clients to understand the impact of traumatic experiences, and empowering them to find ways to heal and move forward with their lives.
I am an Accredited Member of the BACP, demonstrating high professional standards and a commitment to providing safe, ethical, and effective therapy. I am also qualified to support other counsellors and professionals in their practice as a Clinical Supervisor.
I now practice as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist; this means that I use various therapeutic approaches to suit a wide range of client needs. Regardless of the approach that I am using, I pride myself on fostering therapeutic relationships that feel safe, compassionate and empowering.
Outside of work, I am Mum to 2 young boys, so you are most likely to find me in trainers, on the go, at the park, play-centre or football field! Becoming a Mum to boys means that I am both personally and professionally invested in promoting the importance of male mental health; it’s never too early for little boys to know that they have feelings too.
Working with Thriving Young Minds provides me with the amazing opportunity to work with children, young people and their families to promote positive conversations about mental health, heal from trauma and pain and to recognise and celebrate individual resilience and strength.
Becky (Senior Therapist)
Specialist area: Bereavement
I qualified as a person-centred counsellor in 2019 and have worked in various settings with children and young people. My experience includes working in education, charities and as a support worker across CAMHS wards in a mental health hospital.
Working in these settings has provided me with learning that I bring into the sessions with my clients. I enjoy working with young people and families and getting to know my clients as individuals whilst working in a therapeutic way to meet their needs.
As a Registered Member of the BACP I follow their ethical guidelines and provide a professional, safe and supportive space.
Outside of work I enjoy having days out with my family and friends and playing with my young daughter. I also love cross stitching and going to the theatre to see musicals.
Offering a flexible approach means I can work in a way that works best for the client. From learning about our emotions to creatively expressing them or simply talking through them, I hope that the sessions I provide are a safe space to get to understand yourself and your needs.
Hannah
I am a recently qualified person-centred counsellor graduating from the University of Salford with a first-class honours degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy with Professional Practice. My experience stems from placements within an educational setting and the university counselling centre, working with young people in a face-to-face environment, and facilitating remote counselling for adults. As a member of the BACP, I am an advocate for mental health in which navigating personal adversities have led me to the path of providing counsel to others. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients and colleagues, sharing and exploring in a safe and secure environment.
I have a passion for hearing the lived experiences of others, listening attentively and seeking meaning through understanding, compassion and care. My role is to facilitate a space where each person can explore whatever they wish, finding that all experiences will be met with the utmost care and respect. I wish to empower clients through exploration, encouraging all parts of self to be present.
Beyond the role of counsellor, I am the Wellbeing Officer and Senior Ladies Team Captain at Bury Athletic Club. These roles are incredibly important to me, advocating safety in sport and allowing all age ranges to access a means of exercise. Movement has been proven to enhance mental health and invite people to explore different means of movement which support their needs and match their abilities. You will often find me running locally; be sure to jog alongside and start a conversation.
Joining the team at Thriving Young Minds is a pleasure and an honour; it is with the support of the team that I was able to engage in placement and begin my practice. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue working with young people alongside their families, continuing the conversations and bridging the gaps.