Chrysalis Courses Reviews 

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 The slides and educational resources are also outdated in their language, often using stereotypical language and ideas about gender without cause, and resort to bioessentialist language (male and female, rather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

Of course as well set out and has been very enjoyable my tutor Faye Hatch has been extremely helpful as helped guide me along through the modules as I was always suffered with education and learning in the past despite this the way the course is set out as allowed me to Breakdown the modules and units and to deliver the work in time

Thanks for all your support

Tom Kirby
WAR1A 24

Our tutor is excellent and extremely supportive. This course has been rich and nourishing in depth and knowledge and I am so grateful to our wonderful tutor who has facilitated this for us.

I firmly believe that the tutor makes all the difference in a learning journey, and I feel very fortunate to have had Rhianan Lowes as my tutor in the 2nd and 3rd years of my Chrysalis Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice. Her experience, compassion, and congruence have shaped my final years on the course, making the experience far more meaningful and rewarding. I am deeply grateful for her guidance and support, which have given me the confidence to be myself and to grow into the trainee counsellor I aspire to become.

I'm on the Bristol class for my Level 5 course, and the tutor we have - Rhianan - is brilliant. She's warm, open, and incredibly knowledgeable. She encourages honest discussion around each topic, and holds the class in a safe and caring way. I feel very lucky to be in this group, and have such excellent tutoring. I had a good tutor, Reuben, in my first year too.

Has the whole experience been great? Not always - the admin has been scattershot, and I've had a couple of experiences where things have been unclear, or policies have changed without any notice, making things more difficult for me than they needed to be. I also think that more thought needs to be put into which classes are in-person, and which are online.

Were this based on the teaching alone, it'd easily be 5 stars, but it's about the whole thing. Overall, I think Chrysalis is good, especially if you're juggling study on top of a full-time job or caring role, but it's specific tutors that will really make a difference to your overall experience.

Chrysalis came to our rescue when our previous college shut down our L4 course (mid way through learning). I can't thank them enough for stepping in and putting together a bespoke course for us to enable us to qualify as planned. My tutor Rhianan has been excellent from beginning to end, she is empathetic, kind and very knowledgeable. She made the learning interesting and she made the transition from our previous college to Chrysalis as easy as it could possible be. Thanks to all, especially Rhianan.

Rhianan is a great tutor and I’ve found her really interesting. Rhianan has also helped me when I've needed it. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey with Rhianan and Chrysalis.

Having had a very difficult year personally, I can say without hesitation, the support I have received from my tutor has been exceptional.
From the beginning of my first year with Rhianan as my tutor, I have felt in safe and knowledgable hands.
Classes are always considered and Rhianan’s generosity in sharing insight and experience has always made me feel incredibly lucky to have chosen this course.
Thank you.

Chrysalis have been amazing from start to finish. I have loved the way the class is taught and having Rhianan as my tutor has taught me so much, she brings so much knowledge and a feeling of being held. Their online system is also easy to use with a lot of extra learning available through webinars and reading.

I have loved my course and connected well with both of my Tutors over the past three years. Rhianan Lowes has been a wonderful teacher, mentor and guide as I embark upon my counselling career and I am truly grateful for her support. As a result of my enthusiasm and good experience, my daughter joined a Chrysalis Level 3 course earlier in the year and has just signed up for Level 4. Thank you for all you have brought my family.

The guidance and support of my tutor, Rhianan Lowes, has been absolutely invaluable and can only be described as 5 Star. Her patience, wisdom and beautifully human approach has helped me learn so much - about counselling and myself! She has been there whenever questions needed answering and is always on hand to provide a reassuring but highly professional perspective. I couldn't have asked for a better tutor - thank you!

What made my experience truly special wasn’t just my lovely class, but also Rhianan, my tutor.
She has created such a safe, warm, and welcoming space for us during our lessons. Rhianan is an absolute whirlwind of knowledge and experience — I’ve learned so much from her in such a short time.
She is real, genuine, and has been such an important part of my journey. I can’t thank her enough for how beautifully she’s held the group together, and for always being so proactive in responding to any questions or concerns we’ve had.
She’s been absolutely amazing, and I truly believe Chrysalis is very lucky to have her.
Thank you so much again,
Amber x