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.

Our Approach

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

This means:

• we recognise that life experiences 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Student counsellors are carefully selected and work under close supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice.

Sessions with student counsellors are offered on a supported contribution basis (typically £10–£25 per session), depending on availability and suitability.

Starting Therapy

The first step is a 30-minute introductory consultation.

This gives us an opportunity to understand what has brought you to seek support and to explore together what kind of support may feel most helpful.

Counselling usually begins with either:

• a six-session
or
• a monthly support membership

This helps create continuity and allows the work to develop at a steady and supportive pace.

Once a support structure is agreed upon, your appointment time is confirmed through MyClientHub.

Fees and Funding

Counselling sessions help sustain the wider community work of A Positive Start CIC, including prevention programmes for children, families and caregivers.

Individual counselling is offered through a supported contribution structure:

Standard Rate
£55 per session (£300 for six sessions)

Supported Rate
£45 per session (£250 for six sessions)

Access Rate
£35 per session (£200 for six sessions)

Monthly support memberships are also available for those who prefer regular ongoing sessions.

Couples counselling
£75 per session

A limited number of reduced-cost places are available where possible and reviewed periodically.

Referrals from Services

Some people are referred to A Positive Start CIC by GPs, NHS teams, social work, schools, employers and partner organisations.

Referrals do not automatically include funded sessions unless funding has been agreed in advance.

Where funding is available, we will always let individuals know.

Where funding is not available, referring organisations may support access to counselling through our Community Rate arrangements.

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.

The free introductory consultation is there to help you decide — gently and without pressure.

If you feel ready, you are welcome to complete the short self-referral form below to arrange a suitable time to speak.