Our Origin and Mission
Studio 3 was founded in the early 1990s by Andy, Dave and Pete, when crisis management in care meant control, compliance and containment.
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We asked a different question: "Who is the person and what has happened to them?"
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Drawing on psychology, Jiu Jitsu and a refusal to accept the status quo, that question became the Low Arousal Approach.
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More than 30 years on, it still drives everything we do.
Our History
1992
Studio 3 was launched
1994
First use of the term 'Low Arousal' is published by Professor Andy McDonnell
2000
Studio 3 Clinical Support Services was launched
2003
First training delivered in Denmark for children and adult services . Today we continue to deliver training in the UK & Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Australia and South Africa
2018
Independent review of Studio 3 training shows positive outcomes, including reductions in staff injuries and low usage of restrictive interventions
2020
Due to Covid19 pandemic Studio 3 begins free and low cost online introductory programmes for staff and families
2025
It is estimated that over the last 30 years over 300,000 people worldwide have received 'Low Arousal' training
Our approach, guided by our values
These values shape how we think, how we work and how we show up alongside people, families and services. They are not statements of intent, they are principles we try to live by in practice.
We are willing to name what others avoid.
Courage
We are willing to name what others avoid.
Authentic
We are willing to name what others avoid.
Curious
We are willing to name what others avoid.
Credible
What we believe to be true
Our work is guided by a small number of deeply held beliefs:
Behaviour is communication
Behaviour tells a story about need, experience and context.
Reflection is a professional skill
How we respond can calm or escalate a situation.
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Dignity matters
most in a crisis
People deserve respect, choice and safety, especially when distressed.
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Distress is shaped
by context
Stress, trauma and environment always matter.
Our philosophy in practice
Below outlines the ways we support individuals and families, from assessment through to ongoing support.
Individualised care and support
Every person is different. Support should be too.
Learning from lived experiences
Lived experience shapes everything we do,
Reducing restraint and seclusion
Restrictive practices have no place in good support. We work with organisations to replace them.