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 - Founder & Consultant
Specialist area: Neurodiversity
I founded Thriving Young Minds in 2018 following repeated poor experiences in statutory services for my own children, particularly with regards to the lack of appropriate support for neurodivergent young people. I wanted Thriving Young Minds to be a different experience for parents that drew on my professional and personal experiences which taught me how imperative it is for young people and their families to feel accepted and understood.
In 2026, I made the decision to step back from Thriving Young Minds for family reasons. The only viable way forward was to hand it over to someone who I trust implicitly and who shares the same vision, values and approach. Hayley and I have worked together for over 10 years, and I know that she will both maintain and enhance the service.
I continue to support the team through strategic development, consultation and through my passions around support for young people and families, particularly around neurodivergence but also those experiencing a range of difficulties. You may see me in 1:1 parent support, at groups or events, as my passion in this area will continue.
Personally, my children are now approaching late teens. We enjoy spending time together, walking, having days out, spending time at home, but I know we are moving into a new phase of increasing independence – send help!
I know Hayley and the team will continue to provide the highest level of service; this is a core part of the Thriving Young Minds approach. We always have and always will endeavour to support children, young people and families to the best of our ability.
Hayley - Service Manager, 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 through talking therapy, EMDR and family therapy. Regardless of the approach that I am using, I pride myself on fostering therapeutic relationships that feel safe, compassionate and empowering.
Taking over Thriving Young Minds from Adele has been an absolute privilege; I know how hard she worked to establish and grow the service and its reputation, and I take great pride in ensuring Adele’s legacy continues, hopefully for many more years to come!
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.
Managing 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 emotional distress 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 - Therapist
I am a person-centred counsellor who graduated 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. I started working at Thriving Young Minds in 2025 and I also work as an emotional development coach for a local alternative provision service.
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 Senior Ladies Team Captain at Bury Athletic Club which is a role that is incredibly important to me. Movement has been proven to enhance mental health and is something that I am a passionate advocate for. You will often find me running locally; be sure to jog alongside and start a conversation.
Joining the team at Thriving Young Minds was 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.