Meet the People Behind Unmasked

Unmasked was created from lived experience, not just professional training.

We’re Toni and Sarah, co-founders of Unmasked, and before we were counsellors, we were people trying to navigate systems that didn’t always understand us.

Between us, we’ve experienced trauma, late diagnoses, feeling misunderstood, and trying to make sense of who we are in a world that often expects us to fit into boxes that were never designed for us.

Counselling played a huge part in both of our journeys. It gave us space, language, understanding, and the feeling of finally being seen. But we also noticed something was missing.

Too many spaces felt clinical, inaccessible, or not fully neurodivergent-affirming.

Too many people were being turned away, placed on long waiting lists, or left feeling like they were “too complex” or “not complex enough.”

We knew something needed to change.

Unmasked started as an idea, a conversation about creating the kind of space we wish we’d had. A space where people could show up exactly as they are, without pressure, without judgement, and without needing to mask.

Since then, it has grown into a community.

We now support people across Leeds and beyond through counselling, support groups, community work, and low-cost options, because we believe support should be accessible, not something you have to fight for.

Everything we do is grounded in:

• lived experience 
• relational, human connection 
• and creating spaces that actually feel safe to be in 

Unmasked isn’t just a service.

It’s a reflection of everything we believe should exist.

And we’re really glad you’ve found your way here 💛