Bridging the Gap between Education and Lived Experience

Practicum Students

We champion the creation of safe, non-judgmental, trauma-informed environments that ensure individuals are acknowledged and understood, which we consider a vital part of the healing journey.

To nurture the upcoming cadre of trauma-informed therapists, we provide counselling practicum placements for students eager to acquire significant experience and insights. As a certified Practicum site, we take professional responsibility for our students, offering continuous support, routine evaluations of their clinical skills, and weekly face-to-face consultations.


We work in tandem with our students to design sessions, matching them with clients that suit their current level of proficiency.

The practicum experience at A Positive Start is designed with considerable flexibility and independence, equipping you for your future role as a counsellor.

To provide the highest level of support for our students and clients, we limit the number of student places available.

Should you have any further questions, please contact us at info@apositivestart.org.uk or via our contact page, alternatively you can submit an application using the webform below and we will be in touch.

APPLY NOW

Unlock your potential with our Student Membership!

Enjoy exclusive access to our Trauma- Informed TRUST online course, designed to deepen your understanding and practical skills in trauma-sensitive practices.

Benefit from CPD opportunities, workshops and a wealth of resources to support your studies and professional growth. Stay inspired with our insightful blog posts and up-to date information specifically curated for practicum students.

Plus, receive ongoing guidance and support to help you navigate your education journey and prepare for a meaningful career in therapy.
Join today and take the first step toward becoming a well-informed, compassionate professional!

Become a Student Member Today!

Student Membership starts from as little as £59 per annum

This is an annual membership that can be renewed each year for as long as you are a student

Your membership comes with a welcome pack including welcome letter, worksheets, presentations, blog posts & 50% discount off our CPD accredited Trauma Informed TRUST course, with lived experience insight and CPD hours.

You benefit from regular updates and additions to our a library of CPD online workshops and resources and have access to support and guidance from qualified professionals, along with up-to date information about practicum placements, supervision, insurance  + much, much more..

If for any reason you decide you want to cancel your membership, you are free to do so at anytime by giving 1 months notice by email to admin@apositivestart.org.uk. (Please note: No Refunds are given.)

Become a student member using the link opposite and providing the required details

Guiding Students to Thrive in Their Own Way

Lived Experience Practitioners

A Positive Start CIC provides both in-person and remote placements for trainee counsellors and psychotherapists dedicated to offering mental health support within the community.

We particularly welcome students whose own lived experiences have drawn them to the profession.

We encourage students to be enrolled in an accredited program such as BACP, UKCP, NCPS, BABCP, or BPS.

We also support lived experience students who have  completed a minimum Level 4 counselling diploma with the Blackford Centre for Counselling.

A Positive Start CIC, a trauma-informed, person-centred organisation, attracts numerous applications each month from aspiring counsellors.

We strongly recommend becoming a member to access CPD, training sessions, workshops, and blogs to enhance your chances of securing a placement. The APS CIC applications team values an understanding of trauma and dysregulation, empathy, compassion, personal self-awareness, and cultural humility in applicants.

Our CPD accredited trauma-informed TRUST program, a requirement for all students, is specially designed to enhance the skills of trainees and improve their chances    of a successful application and placement with us.

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"What might appear as attention-seeking behaviour from a calm, safe & secure perspective is often, from a fear driven state, actually connecting seeking"

— Deborah J Crozier, Founder & Managing Director

Perception Vs Reality Bridge the Gap Puzzle Pieces 3d Illustration