Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy College Devon - Totnes

Judith

I was studying at Heartwood where I was intending to complete Level 4 Diploma, but instead I completed half of it. I would be lying if I were to say that I was well supported. Unfortunately my experience was very limited and in fact wasn't supported much. Personally I was very misunderstood by the tutors, especially the course leader who. She claims to have worked and had an empathetic understanding for autistic people but she clearly didn't know what she was doing.

The support was very surface level and this goes for Heartwood overall. The support and resources may be there but it doesn't mean they would work for everyone. the college is very disorganised and it made my experience very overwhelming. They can say want they like about adhering to an ethical framework but their empathy was not consistently there. Although, I gained knowledge and I'm glad I met lovely peers on the course, I wish my experience could have been better.

The tutors and the college need to learn and own up to their errors and take full accountability for their actions. I'm glad I am not there any more as I have embarked on a new journey elsewhere.

Katie C.

I completed the online Foundation Certificate in Counselling (Level 3 equivalent) with Heartwood. The course was an amazing experience, I learnt so much about counselling and about myself, and I'm now progressing on to the next steps of training. Heartwood provided everything I needed to begin this journey and decide that counselling was for me. The tutor was so knowledgeable and approachable, and I formed meaningful relationships with my peers. This course definitely requires your input as a learner - the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

kate P.

I'm close to completing my level 3 qualification and it's been a really positive experience. The tutor is excellent - experienced, compassionate and professional. The course materials are clear and well-presented. The setting could not be bettered. There is a three-way learning structure which I find deepens my learning and understanding of the subject. I like this place a lot and will be applying here for my level 4.

S W.

I chose this college because it is set up in beautiful Dartington hall,Totnes and it didn’t disappoint.
My tutor Sarah was incredible and my group that I was put together have become a friends and support for a life.My personal journey was possible because it facilitated safe, confidential and caring space.I always wanted to become accredited and qualified in something that is so natural to me ,being in service to others ,Heartwood has given me this opportunity.It is a one of the life changing experiences.

Jason B.

I have recently completed an11-week Level 3 Introduction to Counselling course at Heartwood, and I couldn't be more professionally satisfied with my experience there. The course provided an excellent overview of the main counselling approaches - Gestalt, CBT, and Person-Centred Therapy. With Each thoroughly and clearly taught, giving a strong foundational understanding of how they could be used in an integrative manner.

My highlight was the ample opportunity to practice counselling and listening skills in triads with fellow students. This hands-on approach I found really invaluable, and made the experience as practical and useful in any present endeavour as possible. All of the time ensuring this practice was professional through a focus on the NCS ethical framework to ensure good practice.

The course was also delivered by an experienced and 'open' practitioner whose passion and knowledge made learning both rigorous and enjoyable. And the beautiful surroundings of the Dartington Estate further enriched the learning experience.

As a former teacher and lecturer, I can safely say that the course's rigour definitely matches the best of teacher training, and effectively helps prepar students for the real profession of counselling. Now that I've completed the Level 3 certificate, I do feel well-prepared and am eagerly looking forward to pursuing a Level 4 certificate with Heartwood. For anyone seeking a solid, professional grounding in counselling, I highly recommend studying with them

Suki B.

I found them totally unsympathetic. I signed up to this course shortly after having a baby. They took me on purely based on my level 3 certificate without any interview. The tutor was fine however when I realised I couldn’t cope with a newborn and the course I was told I couldn’t differ. I wasn’t happy but accepted this. However I will never forget the course director’s comments which were - did I not think I needed an interview before the course? I should do my due diligence before signing up for a course, you wouldn't buy a car without looking under the bonnet first and to top it all she said she thought I was over panicking. I felt like saying do they not think they have a duty of care to the people signing up to the course instead of just taking their money. They gave me a partial refund as they knew they were in the wrong (I wish I requested a full refund). Don’t go here there are many better training centres.

Olivia

After a phenomenal Level 3 experience and strongly encouraging feedback from my tutor, I applied for Level 4 (Diploma) in September 2023. I passed a skills assessment test and then was advised there would be an interview - no problem. However the interview by the senior tutor Helen, was truly horrific. I was challenged very directly about every possible problem that my application could suggest. I felt interrogated not interviewed, bullied, and left feeling humiliated. Judgement after judgment was presented to me for a response, not once was anything I responded affirmed, and I was never asked what I knew - I was lectured or shut down. There was no discussion. Not one kind word was said, every answer I gave was either critiqued unkindly or no response given. By the end I was in total shock, and given the very personal nature of the interview, felt deeply violated. I am no snowflake, mature and experienced with tough professional interviews, but the process was the rudest experience I have ever had, and came across as intentionally hurtful. I remained professional and friendly throughout but never received the same courtesy in response. I was rejected because I hadn't yet had personal therapy, although I was fully aware this would be a requirement while doing the level 4 course, and was looking forward to doing that. It had not been stated anywhere that previous experience of personal therapy was a requirement for enrollment. This interview experience (by a trained counsellor, head of all the tutors at Heartwood) could not have been more contrary to everything I had learned about the values of counselling - the importance of valuing another person, empathy and congruence. I did not experience any of these. I decided to share my experience with the course director before I received the interview result to ensure my reflections to her could not be construed as sour grapes and for a desire to ensure Heartwood had a chance to support me, repair their reputation in my mind, and protect others from such an experience in the future. In response I received a disbelief and denial of my interpretation of what happened "I am sorry you felt this way" kind of response - no assurance of any kind of procedures and measures they have for safeguarding students (or potential students) and managing such complaints, which suggests the lack of professionalism runs deep in the organisation. This was so different to my level 3 experience with Heartwood. However I was refunded my deposit for which I am grateful. I hope the managing board or owners take interest in these reviews. I am now happily studying elsewhere.

Andy M.

I trained here in 2017 and returned to teach in 2022. The estate and the college are a truly Zen environment and conducive to an immersion in therapeutic learning and healing. I love it.