Train with Purpose - Grow with Integrity
Train with Confidence. Grow with Purpose.
At Training by Liberty, we believe that becoming a counsellor is not just about gaining skills—it’s about growing into who you are, with support, compassion, and integrity.
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Whether you're just beginning or building on existing experience, we offer a full training journey: from Introduction and Diploma courses to Advanced Specialisms like Supervision and Working with Children & Young People, plus a wide range of CPD options.
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Our training is practical, ethical, and inclusive—delivered in small, welcoming groups by experienced tutors who are also practicing therapists. We value difference, encourage reflection, and create space for all ways of being.
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Though counselling isn’t yet a legally protected profession, our training meets high ethical and professional standards. We're a registered provider with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), so you can feel confident your learning is recognised and respected.
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You can find us on the UK Register of Learning Providers too, for peace of mind
Catherine Drewer
Director and Founder
Catherine is the Director and Founder of Liberty Talking Therapy and Training By Liberty. She is a Person-Centred and Humanistic therapist with a thriving private practice, offering counselling, supervision, and mentoring for counsellors.
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Holding a First-Class BA (Hons) in Counselling and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision, Catherine is a Senior Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and Member of the BACP (MBACP).
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Passionate about high-quality, ethical training, Catherine is committed to preparing counsellors with the solid foundations, professional skills, and resilience needed to thrive in practice.
Gosia Grabowska
Associate Tutor
Gosia is an experienced counsellor, placement supervisor, and tutor with specialist training in counselling children and young people. Alongside private practice, they are part of the Training By Liberty tutor team, delivering the Children and Young People course.
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Their practice is rooted in a humanistic and trauma-informed approach, with advanced training in counselling children and young people, trauma therapy, EMDR, clinical supervision, and supporting clients with complex needs. They are also active in creating workshops and resources on neurodivergence and trauma, reflecting their commitment to accessible and reflective education.
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Gosia describes their teaching style as warm, humorous, and clear, with an emphasis on building safe, inclusive learning environments. They are particularly passionate about supporting learners to develop authentic practice, professional skills, and personal confidence, while upholding empathy, resilience, and ethical standards at the heart of the counselling profession.
Michaela Hoyle
Associate Tutor
After a long career in education, Michaela began her counselling journey with a counselling skills course that proved to be life-changing, leading her into a fulfilling career as an integrative counsellor. Since completing her Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, she has worked in schools, charities, and private practice, alongside her role as a Specialist Mental Health Mentor with university students.
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Michaela is particularly interested in the links between mental health and education, having completed her master’s dissertation in this area. She now combines her academic knowledge, counselling experience, and passion for teaching as part of the Training By Liberty team, where she supports learners on the Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
Kelly Walters
Associate Tutor
Kelly is a qualified and experienced trauma counsellor and EMDR practitioner, working in Rochford and Southend with over eight years of experience supporting adults through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. An accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), she offers safe and compassionate support for issues including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, and neurodiversity-related concerns.
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Her therapeutic work is integrative, drawing on Person-Centred Therapy, CBT, Psychodynamic approaches, Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, and the Rewind Technique. Kelly believes that no one should have to struggle alone and that there is always hope.
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At Training By Liberty, Kelly brings her professional expertise and trauma-specialist knowledge into the classroom, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for learners to explore complex topics with confidence and care.
Gary Manning
Associate Tutor
Gary joined Training By Liberty in 2025, bringing with him extensive experience in counselling practice and training since 2019. Passionate about working with people from diverse backgrounds, Gary is primarily grounded in the Person-Centred approach, with a strong belief in the power of self-awareness and growth.
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He describes himself as kind, compassionate, and curious, with a commitment to ongoing self-development so he can best support others. Gary finds great joy in encouraging learners to discover their own strengths and awareness, and he looks forward to inspiring the next generation of counsellors through both guidance and collaboration.
Alex Watson
Associate Tutor
Alex is a Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, trainer, and advocate for counselling and mental wellbeing. His therapeutic approach is grounded in Person-Centred Therapy and Phenomenology, with a focus on creating safe, authentic relationships where people can deepen their understanding of themselves and their connection with others.
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He currently works in a senior school and a private mental health clinic, supporting young people and adults with a wide range of mental health challenges and life difficulties. Alex has also worked with local charities, supporting carers and adults in the community.
Alex brings a passion for learning, growth, and authentic living into his teaching at Training By Liberty. He believes that courage, commitment, and consideration are key to both learning and being, and he is dedicated to supporting students in realising their potential as counsellors and as people.