Chrysalis Courses Reviews 

I have loved doing all of my courses with Chrysalis. I started with Linda Witchell for Hypnotherapy level 3 training in December 2021. I had tried university before this which was to theory based and I only managed a month before finding Chrysalis. I much prefer this style of learning. This course was taken in Bournemouth. I then went onto my Level 4 in Counselling with Martin Handy in Southampton in 2022. I am now completing my Level 5 in Bristol with Rhianan Lowes.
Linda was so motivational and was hands on and directive. I loved that she was practicing hypnotherapy and shared her experiences with us. I still remember them to date as they had such an inspiring impact on me.
Martin Handy for my level 4 in counselling was incredible I felt a bit anxious starting a new class in a different place with different people, but Martins gentle approach made me feel welcomed and seen. I remember the first day he demonstrated an initial meeting with a new client as role play in our class and I was so impressed by his ability to not just listen but truly hear what the client was saying and having the empathy and knowledge to know the feelings and schemas behind what they said. Martin inspired me to truly look inside myself, to heal my own suffering before trying to hold other people. I loved his spiritual approach and psychodynamic theories relating to Carl Jung this helped me to connect my holistic therapies that I already do in my job and linked them to my counselling. Martin helped me to find who I was in the world of therapy.
Then I met Rhianan Lowes for my final year in Bristol. At first I was sad not to have Martin again but Bristol was now much closer for me to travel to and I research Rhianan before committing. Rhianan is an incredible inspiring tutor with years of knowledge and experience. The group is much bigger than any of my other groups I joined and I could quickly see why. Rhianan has the perfect mix of professionalism and warmth with her person centred approach she truly sees the light in us all without judgement. I never feel worried about asking Rhianan anything and have felt supported and cared for. The whole group love her and I totally see why.
I totally recommend Chrysalis for anyone wanting to do hypnotherapy and or counselling. Everyone of my tutors have been incredible, and supportive, the office and tutors always get back to when questions or worries arise. Even when we all panic about finding placements, we all found them. All work that is handed in is marked and feedback given within 30 days. Vocational learning is certainly the way forward for any candidates that worry about going back to education. You watch a video before your case and have full extensive notes and then learn about it in your class face to face. I couldn't get through university but I have flown through the courses with Chrysalis. The structure support and set up are beyond brilliant. I am eternally grateful.

I enjoy the classes, however some of the class notes and the class environment could be improved. For example the class facilities and the practicalities around breaking out into smaller groups during class.

Nicola is an amazing tutor - I’m learning so much and her methods of training are excellent

I really enjoyed the Hypnotherapy and introduction to counselling skills course. Our tutor was excellent, understandable, supportive and always on hand between classes.

If you are neurodivergent do not go with chrysalis. The classes are huge, when you do triad practice work you are all in the same room which is an awful experience. Everything is paper based. A peer from the previous year who had ADHD lost her practice log and had to do hrs of more practice to log it all again. Come on chrysalis it’s 2025. A student was also mentioning they used a Remarkable tablet, the tutor didn’t even sound curious, just a I don’t think that’ll be allowed. You may struggle if you’re ADHD and/or Autistic, not because the course itself is hard, but because they are in the dark ages.

It’s hard work. If people think they’re in for an easy ride they’re wrong. But very rewarding. I look forward to my classes. I’m often disappointed if the class is on line as I enjoy the social aspect of it.

Not regretting it for a moment.

Not impressed.

Great tutors, excellent course materials, good course structure and responsive and understanding student support team. I really enjoy the course.

Vey basic course, some teachers are better than others but majority are focusing on just reading from slides provided as notes (which have so many typos). I suggest they should invest in reviewing their study material and spend sufficient time on hands on student practise.

I’ve been very impressed with the professionalism of all the tutors I have encountered, and the level service offered by the wider Chrysalis team. The courses themselves are very thorough so have equipped me with all the necessary skills I could’ve hoped for. Chrysalis offer students like me (with limited time) the opportunity to complete my studies on a weekend which suits my personal circumstances. The company also offer lots of additional support including, newsletters, industry updates, webinars, recommended readings, student discounts and networking opportunities.

I was unsure about chrysalis as I had read people’s opinions of it, which were opinion only as they had not studied with chrysalis.
I shouldn’t have listened.
The classes are informative, and structured, I’m enjoying my course and now have the belief I will complete and pass the course.
The support team are so helpful, and always respond to any queries very quickly,
I had studied a level three with another course provider who was supposedly very repeatable. I did not have the same experience.
I’m so pleased I decided to form my own opinion of chrysalis as opposed listening to hear say.

Chrysalis are great, even if there is a slightest problem they sort it out. They are great. And the course is great. Great learning, great people, and meeting the people on my course are great - we are all connected, and the tutor is great.

Fantastic guidance for the trainee counsellor

There needs to be a lot more information given about what is expected in your third year of study. I went with Chrysalis as it was a course that meant i could learn and still work full time. However the stipulations for placement in your third year were not clear and has led to me having to postpone the final year!

Fantastic tuition, Rachel has been phenomenal on my level 4, year 2 course. However, consistently the assignments (by chrysalis, not Rachel) are poorly outlined, poorly informed in terms of marking guidelines, what they're asking for, and were inconsistent in the language they use. The slides and educational resources are also outdated in their language, often using stereotypical language and ideas about gender without cause, and resort to bioessentialist language (male and female, rather than the fact we are working with men, women, and those outside the binary) while making it clear that we were not in the medical profession.
The access to course materials is poorly managed online, as we can't look ahead of our current modules, even if the content would be useful, and it's worse if we are waiting for a resubmission because we can't move on to the module resources until it's been completed even if the module is our current one.
Further still, the guidance for placements is poorn in part because the organisation doesn't have consistent or positive links to local charities or organisations that we would want to practice with. Chrysalis needs to spend money, time and effort to make connections with others to ensure our learning and access to practice is guaranteed. Many other courses do just this, for example matrix college in Norfolk, and the Norwich centre.

Chrysalis is an excellent counselling training organisation that provides a clear, structured, and supportive pathway for students. The course content is well designed, combining theory with practical application in a way that feels both accessible and comprehensive. The management of the programme is effective and well organised, ensuring that students are guided smoothly through each stage of their learning journey. Communication is clear, and expectations are outlined in a way that creates both confidence and motivation to progress.

A particular highlight of my experience has been the quality of teaching and support offered by my tutor, Rhianan. She has been consistently professional in her approach, setting high standards while also creating a safe, encouraging learning environment. Her empathy and ability to truly companion students through the process have made a lasting impression on me. Rhianan’s wisdom and depth of knowledge, combined with her approachable style, have been invaluable. She has a unique ability to balance constructive feedback with genuine encouragement, which has not only enhanced my learning but also increased my self-belief and confidence as a trainee counsellor.

Overall, I feel very fortunate to have chosen Chrysalis for my training. The organisation as a whole demonstrates a commitment to quality and student support, and tutors like Rhianan embody the values of professionalism, empathy, and excellence that make the learning experience so rewarding. I would highly recommend both Chrysalis and Rhianan to anyone considering a career in counselling.

The course material itself covers a huge range of content and uploading and accessing work is easy on the online portal.
I must say that Tania, in south student support, has been extremely helpful in going above and beyond over the years, with various queries I had. (If I could give her 5 starts separately I would)
In terms of tutors - it really is luck of the draw, I had one incredibly insightful/inspiring teacher, who fostered debate and one tutor who was the opposite - so a certain level of self motivation and interest is key. Overall, I found this an accessible way of studying and gaining my qualification, in a cost effective manner- in what I deem to be quite a classist/elitist industry. After my placement, I feel prepared to enter this sector, whether it be via PP or another route

I am currently in Year 3 and my tutor Rhianan Lowes has been a truly outstanding tutor, combining extensive knowledge with genuine compassion. She creates a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where I feel comfortable reaching out with any question or concern. Her approach not only enhances my learning experience but also reassures me that my growth as a counsellor is both valued and supported. Rhianan is an inspiring role model, and I greatly admire the way she embodies the qualities of an excellent counsellor. Her guidance has given me a clear vision of where this journey can lead, and I feel very fortunate to have her as part of my training.

Great group of peers and our tutor worked hard to facilitate connections between us.. I really enjoyed both face to face and online learning sessions. Some of the assignments were lacking in terms of imagination; often we were just asked to regurgitate knowledge rather than given really interesting questions or scenarios to consider. Otherwise very happy with my first year.

The structure of the course is helpful and graduated in terms of understanding the different theoretical models and subjects that may come up in counselling