Welcome to Therapy at A Positive Start CIC

At A Positive Start CIC, we offer trauma-informed, person-centred counselling and psychotherapy for adults aged 18+.

We understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting — especially if you have previously felt unheard, judged, rushed, or misunderstood.

Our approach is gentle, collaborative, and paced around your nervous system, your needs, and your lived experience.

You do not need to be in crisis.
You do not need to have the right words.
You do not need to know exactly what is wrong.

You are welcome exactly as you are.

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Our Approach

All of our work is grounded in a trauma-informed, person-centred approach.

This means:

• We recognise that life experiences — particularly overwhelming or unsafe ones — can shape how the body, mind, and emotions respond
• We prioritise emotional and relational safety
• We work at your pace, without pressure to disclose more than feels comfortable
• We do not diagnose or label — we listen, reflect, and support understanding
• We see you as the expert in your own life

Therapy is not about fixing you.

It is about creating the conditions where understanding, choice, and self-connection can grow.

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Who We Work With

We offer counselling and psychotherapy for:

• Adults aged 18+
• Individuals
• Couples
• Groups (when available)

Adults come to us for many different reasons, including:

• feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or stuck
• relationship difficulties or patterns that feel hard to shift
• the impact of past or ongoing trauma
• emotional regulation and nervous system overwhelm
• life transitions, loss, or identity changes
• wanting space to understand yourself more deeply

You do not need to arrive with a clear “issue”.

Curiosity and a wish for support are enough.

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Individual Counselling

Individual counselling provides a confidential and supportive space where you can explore:

• thoughts, feelings, and bodily responses
• patterns in relationships or coping
• past experiences and how they may still show up in the present
• what you need now to feel more grounded and resourced

Sessions are shaped around you.

There is no agenda and no expectation to perform in therapy.

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Couples Counselling

Couples counselling offers a space to slow things down and explore:

• communication difficulties
• cycles of conflict or withdrawal
• emotional safety and trust
• the impact of stress, trauma, or life pressures on the relationship

We work in a non-blaming and balanced way, supporting each person’s experience while helping couples understand patterns rather than assigning fault.

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Working With a Student Counsellor

Some clients choose to work with a student counsellor as part of their counselling journey.

A Positive Start CIC is an approved practicum placement site for several universities and colleges. Counselling students complete part of their professional training with us while gaining supervised client hours required to qualify.

Our student counsellors are in the final stage of their HND counselling training and working towards professional registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Carefully Selected

We take great care in selecting the students who train with us. They are chosen not only for their academic progress but also for their personal qualities, integrity, and commitment to supporting others.

Many bring life experience and previous roles in caring or supportive professions, which enrich their ability to offer compassionate and thoughtful support.

Supervised and Supported

Student counsellors do not work independently.

They receive:

• regular internal supervision within A Positive Start CIC
• external supervision through their training programme
• ongoing guidance to ensure their work meets professional and ethical standards

This ensures clients receive safe, supported, and high-quality counselling.

Student counselling may be available where presentation and availability are suitable, and this can be discussed during your initial consultation.

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Starting Therapy

The first step is a free 30-minute telephone consultation.

This gives us an opportunity to understand what has brought you to seek support and to explore together what might feel like the right next step.

You can begin by completing the self-referral form below.
Once we receive your form, we will contact you by email to arrange a suitable time to speak.

There is no pressure to continue beyond this initial conversation.

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Fees & Accessibility

Our current session fees are:

• Individual counselling: £55
• Couples counselling: £75
• Concessionary spaces: £35–£45 (limited availability)
• Student counsellor sessions: donation-based (when suitable and available)

Fee options can be discussed during your initial consultation.

We aim to make support as accessible as possible for adults seeking counselling and psychotherapy support and will always explore what feels workable with you

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A Final Word

Therapy is a relationship — not a transaction.

Whether you are ready to begin, gathering information, or simply exploring what feels right for you, you are welcome to take your time.

If you are unsure, the free initial consultation is there to help you decide — gently and without pressure.

You can begin by completing the short self-referral form below.

This helps us understand a little about what you’re looking for and allows us to arrange a free 30-minute consultation call at a time that works for you.

You do not need to explain everything at this stage — just whatever feels comfortable to share.