Mia’s Story

A new start, built online 

When Mia* (*name changed for privacy) first joined Reboot, she had recently moved to Warrington from Bristol. Support began virtually through 1:1 video calls, but from the outset Mia was highly engaged and brought real energy to sessions. 

At the time, Mia was experiencing significant anxiety, particularly around her health, alongside moments of disassociation. She was already beginning to identify strategies that helped her manage this, including box breathing and using cold water techniques. She also reflected on supportive conversations with professionals that helped her recognise her own ability to influence change in how she was feeling. 

Small steps, big shifts 

Over time, Mia began to focus more on her independence and on gently pushing herself outside of her comfort zone. 

This included important everyday steps such as visiting her sister more frequently and building up to overnight stays, as well as using public transport independently. Even when feeling anxious beforehand, she continued to take these steps and began to recognise and feel proud of her progress. 

Head, heart and everything in between 

As Mia approached her 18th birthday, a key decision emerged about whether to remain in Warrington or return to Bristol. This was a difficult and emotional period, explored over multiple sessions. 

Mia described feeling torn between her “head and heart”, with each pulling her in different directions. To support this reflection, she explored her personal values, identifying freedom, support, humour, patience, excitement and realness as most important to her. 

These conversations helped Mia better understand where she felt she had grown the most, and where she felt she could continue that growth. 

Choosing her path 

After visiting Bristol to see friends and family, Mia made the decision to remain in Warrington. While she felt nervous, she also described feeling excited about the next chapter and the independence she was building. 

Shortly before moving into her own accommodation, Mia shared that she had attended a job fair with a friend. Although she did not initially intend to apply for work, she decided to go for a role at McDonald’s and was successfully offered the position following interview. 

Building a life of her own 

At this stage, Mia was attending college, working, living independently, and building a routine supported by new friendships and connections in Warrington. 

As her engagement with Reboot naturally reduced, this reflected her growing independence and confidence in managing day-to-day life. In a later session, Mia described herself as being ready to “fly the nest.” 

Navigating change with resilience 

As Mia’s formal closure approaches, she has recently experienced some instability in her housing situation and is currently in temporary accommodation. Despite this, she has made the decision to prioritise college and step back from work for now. 

She has reflected that, although things feel uncertain at times, she is focusing on what matters most in the present and continuing to draw on the skills she has built over time. 

Looking ahead 

Mia’s journey reflects resilience, self-awareness and steady progress towards independence. The decisions she has made, and the skills she has developed, continue to support her as she navigates change and builds towards greater stability.