Reaching Out

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Many people feel unsure about what to say, whether their situation is “serious enough,” or what the process will involve.

At A Positive Start CIC, we aim to make the process as clear, gentle, and pressure-free as possible.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

You are welcome to contact us whenever you feel ready.

Step 1: Self-Referral

You can get in touch in whichever way feels easiest for you.

Website
Contact – A Positive Start CIC

Email
info@apositivestart.org.uk

Telephone
01450 367422

WhatsApp
(+44) 07547 739106

There is no obligation and no pressure when you contact us.

Many people simply begin with a question or an enquiry.

Step 2: Free Initial Conversation

Once you get in touch, we will send you a welcome email offering a few options for a free 30-minute telephone conversation.

Once a time is agreed, we will send a calendar invitation to confirm the appointment.

This conversation is not an assessment and there is no expectation to commit to counselling. It is simply an opportunity to talk and see whether our service feels right for you.

During this conversation we will:

introduce ourselves and our approach
listen to what has brought you to seek support
explain how counselling works
explore what type of support might feel helpful
match you with the most suitable therapist (qualified counsellor or student counsellor where appropriate)

If it does not feel like the right fit, that is completely okay.

Step 3: Choosing to Continue

If you decide you would like to begin counselling, we will agree together:

a convenient appointment time
whether sessions will be individual or couples counselling
the appropriate fee band

Fees are not means tested and are agreed through open, respectful conversation based on your circumstances.

Session Fees

Individual Counselling

£55 — Standard fee
£45 — Reduced rate
£35 — Concessionary rate

If you currently have no income or are receiving benefits, sessions may be offered by donation.

Couples Counselling

£75 — Standard fee
£60 — Reduced rate
£45 — Concessionary rate
£30 — Supported access rate (low income)

How Fees Are Agreed

Fees are guided by what feels manageable for each client and may take into account:

employment status
changes in income or financial pressure
student or pensioner status
access needs and personal circumstances

You are always welcome to discuss fees openly, and arrangements can be reviewed if your circumstances change.

Working With a Student Counsellor

In some cases, clients may be offered counselling with a supervised student counsellor.

A Positive Start CIC is an approved practicum placement site for several universities and colleges, where counselling students complete part of their professional training.

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

Carefully Selected

Students are carefully selected not only for their academic progress but also for their personal qualities, integrity, and commitment to supporting others.

Many also bring valuable life experience and previous work in caring or supportive professions.

Supervised and Supported

Student counsellors do not work independently.

They receive:

regular internal supervision within A Positive Start CIC
external supervision through their college or university
ongoing professional guidance

This ensures clients receive safe, ethical, and well-supported counselling.

Student counselling may include:

an initial block of sessions (usually around 12) which is then reviewed
optional donations (never expected)

Availability is limited and discussed during the initial conversation.

Step 4: Online Paperwork

Before your first session, you will be asked to complete:

a Client Details Form
a Counselling Contract or Student Counselling Contract

Submitting these forms provides your digital consent and agreement.

Step 5: Welcome Letter & Appointment Confirmation

Once your forms have been received, you will receive a Welcome Letter and Agreement Summary confirming:

receipt of completed paperwork
key agreements (confidentiality, safeguarding, cancellations, endings)
your agreed session fee
your allocated counsellor (qualified or supervised student)
the date, time, and location of your first appointment

What the First Session is Like

The first session is simply a gentle conversation.

There is no expectation to share anything before you are ready.

Many people begin by talking about what has been difficult recently, while others start by sharing a little about their story or what they hope might change.

Your counsellor will help create a calm, supportive space where you can move at your own pace.

You are always free to pause, reflect, or take things slowly.

Is Counselling Right for Me?

People often wonder whether their situation is “serious enough” to seek support.

Counselling can be helpful if you are:

feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted
noticing patterns in relationships that feel difficult to change
struggling with anxiety, low mood, or stress
living with the effects of past experiences or trauma
going through a life transition or loss
wanting space to understand yourself more deeply

You do not need a diagnosis or a clearly defined problem.

Sometimes simply having a safe space to think and feel openly can make a meaningful difference.

Cancellations

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.

If less notice is given, or an appointment is missed without good reason, a charge may apply.

This will be:

your usual session fee, or
a minimum of £20

This applies to all sessions, including student counselling, as the space cannot usually be offered to someone else at short notice.

Technical Support

If you experience any difficulties with:

online forms
appointment links
payments
online sessions

please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Email
info@apositivestart.org.uk

Telephone
01450 367422 (please leave a message)

No question is a silly one — we are here to support you.

Get In Touch Today