Tonya Orvis

Response Times

I aim to respond to messages within the following timeframes:

Weekdays (Monday–Friday): between 9:00am and 6:00pm, I usually reply within the same day.

Weekends (Saturday–Sunday): responses may take longer, typically within 24–48 hours.

Please note that counselling messages are not monitored outside these hours. If you ever need urgent support, it’s important to reach out to appropriate emergency or crisis services rather than waiting for my reply.

Welcome, I’m Tonya. I offer gentle, trauma‑informed counselling and support with nervous system regulation. Together, we create a safe and attuned space to explore what feels heavy and to reconnect with your own voice.

Do you feel like your mind never shuts off -  replaying conversations, worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet, and feeling like you can’t ever fully relax?

Living with anxiety can feel exhausting. You might find yourself trapped in racing thoughts, unable to switch off, or constantly bracing for something to go wrong. Panic may come out of nowhere, leaving you shaky and unsettled. Everyday situations -work, relationships, even rest - can feel overwhelming or impossible to enjoy.

I  have a level 5 qualification in therapeutic counselling (DipHE Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Distinction, Registered Member of BACP). I set up You Matter Counselling because of both my lived and clinical experience of what helps. I know how heavy anxiety can feel, and I believe change happens when we have a space that feels safe, steady, and free of jargon.

My approach is rooted in the person‑centred ethos: creating a safe, respectful space where your voice leads the way. I work with adults both in person and online, offering flexibility to meet your needs. My practice is ICO registered, professionally insured, and committed to being inclusive, accessible, and empowering.

Counselling with me is collaborative. I don’t sit as “the expert” — instead, I walk alongside you. Together we’ll slow things down, build safety, and find strategies that help you feel calmer and more in control.

Clients often describe noticing small but powerful shifts: shoulders softening after a stressful day, breathing easier before a meeting, sleeping more restfully, or feeling steadier in situations that once triggered panic. These changes aren’t just insights in the mind — they’re felt in the body, giving a sense of relief, safety, and possibility. Over time, counselling can help you reconnect with your voice, feel more grounded, and move through life with greater confidence and ease.

I support clients with a wide range of anxiety‑related experiences, including:

Generalised anxiety — constant worry, racing thoughts, and difficulty switching off.

Panic attacks and panic disorder — sudden waves of fear, physical symptoms, and dread of recurrence.

Social anxiety — fear of judgement, avoidance of social situations, or feeling unable to connect.

Health anxiety — preoccupation with symptoms or fear of illness.

Trauma‑related anxiety — hypervigilance, nervous‑system dysregulation, or feeling unsafe in everyday life.

Life transitions and stress — navigating change, uncertainty, or overwhelming responsibilities.

I know reaching out can feel daunting — but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our first session is designed to give us a strong foundation. We’ll spend most, if not all, of the time completing a questionnaire together. This helps me gain a fuller understanding of you, your history, and what brings you to counselling. It’s an important opportunity for me to gather information so I can support you in the most meaningful way.

This session is less about “diving straight in” and more about slowing down, building safety, and making sure I have the context I need. By the end, you’ll have had space to share your story, and I’ll have a clearer picture of how best to walk alongside you in the sessions ahead.

Session Frequency At present, I offer weekly sessions. Weekly counselling provides consistency and momentum, which can be especially helpful when working with trauma, anxiety, or relational patterns. It allows us to build trust and safety more steadily, and gives you regular space to process and integrate what comes up.