Tonia Aitken

Hello and a warm welcome

My formal training is in Relational Transactional Analysis (TA) which is a widely recognised school of psychotherapy combining psychoanalytical, humanist & cognitive approaches. Though I work with people who have experienced a broad range of emotional and psychological difficulties and trauma, I have particular interest in supporting those struggling with sense of identity, relationship problems, (including domestic abuse); and those suffering loss and bereavement (including the loss of a loved one to suicide).

Being an older woman, I have a wealth of life experience. I have enjoyed several careers in my time;  youth worker, primary school teacher, bespoke jewellery maker and artist, and psychotherapist, which I came to later in life. I am also an experienced Pilates and fitness instructor who loves exercise and outdoor pursuits. I have a holistic view of health where I see mind, body, and the environment we live in as intrinsically connected and of equal importance.

My approach to counselling & psychotherapy 

I passionately believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to create personal growth and positive change in people’s lives. I have experienced this for myself in my own personal therapy, and am privileged to have witnessed it happening repeatedly and consistently in my work as a therapist with clients. 

As well as my psychotherapy training and experience, I bring my natural intuition, curiosity and open-mindedness into the therapy room, focussing on helping you understand yourself and your relationships better. I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental, safe and totally confidential space for us to work together to explore what may be going on behind the difficult emotions, thoughts and behaviours troubling you.

I  completed my 4 year Advanced Training in TA Psychotherapy - Advanced Dip. TA (psych) - am a registered member of BACP (MBACP), and am working towards UKCP registration.

I am a member of United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA), International Association of Relational Transactional Analysis (IARTA), a registered member of BACP (MBACP) and a trainee member of UKCP.  I adhere to their ethical guidelines, please see: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/media/bkjdm33f/ukcp-code-of-ethics-and-professional-practice-2019.pdf

As well as working in private practice in Exeter city centre, I worked at DCCP, The Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Newton Abbot 2021-2024

I welcome face-to-face appointments at the PAC rooms in central Exeter and also offer counselling and therapy online via Zoom.

Please email to arrange an initial introductory session.