Helping people thrive without restraint or force

Training, coaching, and mental health supports for individuals, professionals, and organisations — founded on 25+ years of evidence-based practice.

For Individuals & Families

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For Professionals

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For Organisations

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How can we help you?

Choose your path to find the right support, training, or resources.

For Individuals & Families

Autism and ADHD assessments, therapy, counselling, and family support. Our neurodiversity pathways are tailored to each unique situation.

  • •Autism & ADHD diagnostic assessments
  • •Therapy and counselling for adults & children
  • •Family support and advice
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For Professionals

BILD ACT certified training in crisis management, Low Arousal Approaches, de-escalation, and trauma-informed practice. CPD accredited.

  • •Managing Signs of Distress (BILD ACT)
  • •Low Arousal Approach training
  • •Trauma-informed practice
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For Organisations

Psychology consultancy, staff training, and mental health strategies for care services, NHS trusts, schools, and residential settings.

  • •Organisational training programmes
  • •Restraint reduction strategies
  • •Clinical consultation and supervision
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25+
Years of practice
50,000+
Professionals trained
5
Countries worldwide
BILD ACT
Certified training
Our approach

A different approach to crisis

Studio 3 pioneered the Low Arousal Approach — a non-aversive, evidence-based method for supporting people in distress. Rather than restraint or force, we focus on reducing stress, understanding behaviour, and building environments where everyone can thrive.

Our work is based on applied academic research and positive psychology, informed by the lived experiences of neurodivergent professionals and individuals. Founded by Professor Andrew McDonnell, we've spent over 25 years proving that calm, compassionate approaches work better than coercion.

Learn about our approach
Black and white image showing a side table with a cup of coffee and a copy of The Reflective Journey by Professor Andrew McDonnell

"Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive."

— Professor Andrew McDonnell, Founder

What we do

Our services

Evidence-based training, assessment, and support across mental health, education, and care settings.

Training & Coaching

Crisis management, de-escalation, Low Arousal Approaches, and staff well-being training. In-person and online.

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Neurodiversity Pathways

Autism and ADHD assessments, therapy, counselling, and family support through our dedicated clinical team.

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Education

The LASER Approach for schools, whole-school strategies, and support for children with additional needs and distressed behaviour.

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Research & Resources

Academic research, practitioner articles, and free resources on Low Arousal, restraint reduction, and positive psychology.

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How we work

From enquiry to impact

A clear, collaborative process designed around your needs.

1

Tell us what you need

Submit an enquiry or referral. We'll listen to your situation and goals.

2

We design a plan

Our team creates a customised training or support plan for your context.

3

We deliver

Training delivered in-person, online, or hybrid — whatever works for your team.

4

We support

Ongoing CPD, follow-up, and resources to sustain the impact long-term.

What people say

Trusted by professionals worldwide

"

After Studio 3's training, our restraint incidents dropped by 70%. The Low Arousal Approach transformed how our team handles crisis situations. It's not just a technique — it's a mindset shift.

SM
Sarah Mitchell
Service Manager, Residential Care
"

The autism assessment process was thorough, compassionate, and life-changing for our family. Finally, we had answers and a clear path forward. The team made us feel heard from the very first call.

JR
James Richardson
Parent
"

We've worked with Studio 3 across three school districts. The LASER Approach has given our teachers practical tools for de-escalation that actually work. Exclusions are down, and staff confidence is up.

DP
Dr. David Patterson
Director of Education, Local Authority
Grounded in evidence

Research that drives practice

Our work is based on applied academic research and positive psychology, informed by the lived experiences of neurodivergent professionals and individuals. We don't just train — we contribute to the evidence base.

Book

The Reflective Journey

A Practitioner's Guide to the Low Arousal Approach by Professor Andrew McDonnell

Practitioner Articles

Best practice in low arousal supports and trauma-informed care from Studio 3 staff

Academic Research

Publications and research papers on crisis management, de-escalation, and restraint reduction
150+
Published articles
3
Published books
12
Research partners
25+
Years of research
Impact

Real results, real settings

How our approach delivers measurable change in care, education, and health services.

Reducing Restraint in Residential Care

Challenge: High restraint use across a 60-bed residential facility
Approach: Low Arousal training for 120 staff over 6 months
Result: 70% reduction in restraint incidents, 40% fewer staff injuries

Transforming School Inclusion

Challenge: Rising exclusions for children with SEN in a local authority
Approach: LASER Approach whole-school training across 8 schools
Result: 45% reduction in fixed-term exclusions in one academic year

Supporting a Family Through Diagnosis

Challenge: Child displaying distressed behaviour, family struggling to cope
Approach: Autism assessment, family pathway support, Low Arousal coaching
Result: Diagnosis received, behaviour incidents reduced by 60% at home

Ready to get started?

Whether you're seeking support, booking training, or exploring consultancy — we're here to help.

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01225 334 111 office@studio3.org We respond within 1 business day