Counsellor Practice Start Programme

              A 6-Month Supported Pathway into Private Practice

Designed specifically for Aspire students and newly qualified counsellors ready to take their first step into private practice.


Programme Overview
  • 6-month structured programme
  • 2 hours counselling room use per week included
  • Monthly facilitated private practice group
  • Based in Basildon, Essex
  • Limited places available

How the Programme Works
The programme is delivered on a simple monthly membership basis over 6 months.Your monthly fee includes access to counselling rooms for up to 2 hours per week, giving you a consistent and professional space to begin seeing clients.As your practice grows, additional room hours can be booked at an additional cost, allowing you to expand at your own pace.


Limited Places on the Counsellor Practice Start Programme are limited to ensure fair access to rooms and meaningful support.We recommend expressing your interest early to secure a place.

what’s included

You will attend a monthly 1-hour group session focused on building your private practice, including:
  • getting your first clients
  • managing enquiries and boundaries
  • professional registration and insurance
  • working ethically and confidently
These sessions are facilitated by Alison Cunningham, owner of Aspire Counselling Academy and Inner Journey.
You will receive access to essential templates to support your practice, including:
  • client contracts
  • intake forms
  • GDPR and privacy documentation
As part of the programme, you may:
  • use the Aspire Basildon address as your practice location
  • be listed on our website as an Aspire Affiliated Practitioner
  • Newly qualified Level 4 and Level 5 counsellors
  • Aspire students approaching qualification
  • Practitioners who feel unsure how to begin private practice
  • Those wanting a supported and structured start

The Counsellor Practice Start Programme is offered on a monthly membership basis over a 6-month period.


Monthly Fee: £110
Payable monthly in advance
This includes:
  • Up to 2 hours counselling room use per week
  • Monthly facilitated Practice Builder group
  • Access to essential practice resources
  • Opportunity for professional listing
Additional room hours can be booked separately at the standard hourly rate.