Counsellor and psychotherapist Paige Harrison felt she couldn’t give clients enough time when she worked in the NHS and education, so she set up her own private practice.

Paige, from Stoke-on-Trent, set up The Nook at Milton where she offers one-to-one counselling and psychotherapy sessions as well as group therapy.

She also holds retreat days and women’s circles including the likes of holistic therapies, yoga, nutritious food and walking.

“I’ve mainly worked in education settings, specialist provisions and within the NHS offering counselling and therapy work,” said Paige, who studied Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at Derby University.

“I was only able to offer people six sessions. I wanted to give people the choice and control to have as many sessions as they needed.

“I went part-time to open a private practice then left my job completely, found the perfect premises and just went with it.”

The Nook opened in March 2023 and is designed to look and feel different to a traditional clinical setting. There are comfortable armchairs and soft blankets. Clients are welcomed by Copper, a therapy dog.

“I’m very much not clinical,” she said. “I’m trying to break stigmas about mental health and seeking support. It’s about trying to move out of the box.

“The Nook is a cosy, warm, welcoming, safe space.”

Paige is currently the only member of staff at The Nook but brings in collaborators to help facilitate retreats.

She added: “My business is small but unique. I can see myself expanding the brand over time and maybe having other therapists but I don’t want to lose what makes The Nook unique.”

Paige has entered the Young Business Person of the Year category of the Staffordshire University Business Awards and The Nook at Milton has been entered for Small Business of the Year.