A Starting Point for Change
A calm, compassionate and professional space for adults aged 18+ to pause, understand what is happening, and begin building practical ways forward.
Starting Point Therapy offers evidence-informed CBT support for anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem difficulties and life transitions.
Meet Layla
Layla Lewis MSc
MSc-qualified CBT Practitioner
Founder of Starting Point Therapy
Therapy that begins with feeling heard
Hello, I’m Layla, founder of Starting Point Therapy. I created this practice because I believe meaningful psychological support begins with feeling genuinely heard, respected and understood.
I hold a First-Class MSc in Psychological Therapies with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, alongside an MA (Hons) in Psychology and COSCA counselling skills training. During my postgraduate training, I completed supervised CBT clinical practice with children, young people and adults.
Alongside private practice development, I work within NHS mental health services supporting young people experiencing complex mental health difficulties. This has strengthened my skills in therapeutic engagement, trauma-informed care, dynamic risk awareness, multidisciplinary working and psychologically informed support.
My approach is warm, collaborative and structured. I aim to help clients understand the patterns that may be keeping difficulties going, while developing practical strategies that can be used outside of sessions.
Professional transparency
I practise within my level of competence, receive ongoing clinical supervision, and am committed to continuing professional development so that my work remains ethical, reflective and evidence-informed.
Professional title:
Layla Lewis MSc, MSc-qualified CBT Practitioner.
Client group:
Adults aged 18 and over.
I am not currently advertising as an accredited therapist, chartered psychologist, HCPC-registered practitioner psychologist, or BABCP-accredited CBT therapist.
Support for adults experiencing mild to moderate emotional difficulties
You might not know exactly what you need yet. Therapy can be a starting point for slowing things down, making sense of patterns and deciding what change could look like.
Anxiety & worry
Support with overthinking, avoidance, reassurance-seeking, panic-like symptoms, fear of judgement and feeling constantly on edge.
Low mood & motivation
Exploring mood cycles, withdrawal, self-criticism and loss of routine, with gentle steps towards activity, meaning and confidence.
Stress & burnout
Understanding pressure, overwhelm, boundaries, perfectionism and the patterns that can keep stress going.
Self-esteem
Working with unhelpful beliefs, comparison, feeling “not good enough” and developing a kinder, more balanced view of yourself.
Perfectionism
Exploring high standards, fear of mistakes, people-pleasing and the impact of needing to get things right all the time.
Life transitions
Support during change, uncertainty, relationship shifts, work stress, study pressure or feeling stuck at a crossroads.
Starting Point Therapy currently works with adults aged 18+. The service is designed for planned, non-urgent psychological support and is not suitable for emergency or crisis situations.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured, collaborative approach that helps us understand how thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours can interact and keep difficulties going.
CBT is practical, but it is not about being told to “think positively”. It is about noticing patterns, testing out new ways of responding, and building tools that support you outside the therapy room.
In sessions, we may work on:
- Understanding what is keeping the problem going
- Developing a shared formulation
- Setting realistic therapy goals
- Noticing unhelpful thinking patterns
- Reducing avoidance and safety behaviours
- Building coping strategies and relapse prevention
Starting Point Therapy is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are at immediate risk, call 999, contact NHS 24 on 111, speak to your GP, contact your local crisis team or attend A&E.
What to expect
Initial enquiry
You get in touch and briefly share what you are looking for. I will explain next steps and consider whether the service may be suitable.
Consultation
A short initial consultation helps us consider fit, goals, risk, availability and any questions you have before booking an assessment.
Assessment
We explore what has been happening, relevant background, strengths, goals and what kind of support may be most helpful.
Therapy sessions
Sessions are collaborative and structured, with regular reviews so we can check whether therapy is helping and adapt where needed.
A good fit may be...
- You are aged 18 or over
- You are looking for support with anxiety, low mood, stress or self-esteem
- You want a warm but structured approach
- You are able to attend planned sessions safely
- You are interested in learning practical tools between sessions
Specialist support may be needed if...
- You are under 18
- You need urgent or crisis mental health support
- There is active suicidal crisis or high risk
- You need specialist eating disorder, psychosis, bipolar or complex trauma treatment
- There are complex safeguarding needs requiring a wider service
Launch fees
Initial consultation
20 minutes
Free
Initial assessment
60 minutes
£55
Therapy session
50 minutes
£60
Limited concession spaces may be available at £45 for students/NHS staff. Fees and availability can be discussed during consultation.
Common questions
Who can access Starting Point Therapy?
Starting Point Therapy currently offers support for adults aged 18 and over.
Are you accredited?
I am not currently advertising as an accredited therapist. I am an MSc-qualified CBT Practitioner working within my level of competence, with regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.
Do you offer online sessions?
Online sessions may be available where clinically appropriate, private and safe. Suitability can be discussed during the initial consultation.
What happens in the first session?
We discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you would like to change, relevant background, goals, risk and whether this service is the right fit for your needs.
Is therapy confidential?
Therapy is confidential, with clear limits. I may need to share information if there is risk of serious harm, safeguarding concerns, legal requirements or professional responsibilities.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your goals and needs. CBT is often time-limited and reviewed regularly, so we can decide together what feels helpful and appropriate.
What if you are not the right service?
If your needs fall outside my scope of competence, I will discuss this transparently and signpost you towards a more appropriate service where possible.
Do you provide crisis support?
No. Starting Point Therapy is not an emergency or crisis service. If you need urgent help, call 999, NHS 24 on 111, your GP, local crisis team or attend A&E.
Before beginning therapy
Before starting, you will be asked to read and agree to a therapy contract covering confidentiality, data protection, fees, cancellations, contact between sessions, record keeping and what to do in a crisis.
Therapy is by appointment only. Emails are used for enquiries and practical arrangements, not emergency support or ongoing therapy between sessions.
This website is for information only and does not replace medical, crisis or emergency support.
Begin with an initial consultation
To enquire about therapy, email Starting Point Therapy. Please include a brief outline of what you are looking for and your general availability.
Email: startingpointtherapies@outlook.com
Please do not use email for emergencies or crisis support. If you are at immediate risk, call 999 or attend A&E.
Email Starting Point Therapy