Business Startup

With a passion for helping people, Stephanie decided to get involved with counselling 5 years ago. She trained at her local college in Trafford and used her experience of working with adults with mental health issues to set herself up as a qualified counsellor. Unsure about how to set up in business she decided to call Business Support Solutions and ask for some advice. They invited her to attend a free business awareness session to find out more about starting up on your own.

Making positive changes to your life

With a dedicated business advisor, Stephanie was able to sit down one-to-one, write a business plan, and talk through ideas about how to build her reputation as a counsellor, as well as promote her service. By building relationships with local people within the community and voluntary sector, Stephanie decided to volunteer at a local hospice. She helped people with stress, relationship problems, bereavement, loss, anxiety and depression as well as other issues.

Confident in her abilities to help people reach their potential, Stephanie decided to set up on her own. Working from her home, Stephanie has created a tranquil, relaxed space to work from, but also visits people in a place that’s convenient for them. Working as a qualified, non-judgemental and confidential therapist, she talks things through with her clients, and helps them unravel their thoughts and feelings, whilst supporting them in working towards a more content and successful way of being.

With support from Business Support Solutions Stephanie is confident that her business will be a success. She said, “Working for myself was something I’d always dreamed about, now I am actually doing it - it’s fantastic. Having the free support has been great; it’s given me the confidence to make it happen.” Stephanie has launched her website, and is marketing her services through events, community links, and local networks. She is happy to talk to anyone interested in counselling.