Long Valley Therapy Training is an independent, Kent‑based provider of counselling, supervision and CPD courses, known for rigorous standards, small‑group intimacy and a human, values‑led approach. Founded and run by practising therapists, we teach what we practice: ethical, relational therapy that changes lives.
Our Roots
Our story began in a library back in 2012. Nick, who had just qualified as a therapist, stepped in to cover a class for a group of counselling students. That day sparked something special – a deep passion for lifelong learning, supporting others on their journeys, and making a meaningful contribution to counselling in the UK.
In the years that followed, Nick worked across various training environments in both the further education and private sector. He noticed an increasing trend towards profit driven models of training that led to ‘just enough’ curriculums and burnt out teachers. He noticed many providers overstretching themselves, relying on unqualified staff, dropping crucial elements (eg. process group) and adopting authoritarian systems of learning where students are discouraged from challenging the staff.
Recognising the importance of a horizontal hierarchy (where everyone’s input is valued equally), Nick believed teaching staff should confidently engage with critical thinking, actively encouraging debate, and be open to challenge by students.
As a centre, we believe quality matters far more than quantity. That means smaller groups, stronger support, and a carefully designed curriculum blending solid academic theory with real life insights and diverse perspectives.
Today, Long Valley Therapy Training exists as a voluntary collaboration of dedicated professionals, offering a thoughtful alternative to larger, commercially driven training providers; supporting our students during and beyond their training experience is who we are.
Our Community
Nicholas Langley
Programme Lead:
Accredited Diploma & Supervision
Elaine Caswell
Programme Lead:
Introductory Training
Zena Cooper
Process Group Lead
& Facilitator
Natasha Leppard
Teaching Assistant
(currently in training)
Our Wonderful Students
Current and Future Therapists and Supervisors
Our Journey: the milestones
2020
The decision to move towards independence and begin creating a truly meaningful training process for future therapists.
Lots and lot of planning, meetings and prep…
2021
Formed a collaboration with Elaine Caswell Therapy who provided entry level training whilst the Diploma in Counselling.
Began building meaningful connections with local placement providers.
2022
Our first cohort of trainees began their journey towards qualified status at same time we began ours towards NCPS accredited status.
We welcomed Zena to our team to provide the students with an impartial, quality process group experience.
2023
We launched our Diploma in Clinical & Developmental Supervision; a highly praised programme for qualified counsellors wanting to provide a supervisory service. This training places the personality and experience of each trainee as central to the learning experience.
2024
Accreditation Achieved!
Our Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling was awarded Accredited Course status with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society!
2025 Q1
As we continue to grow, we have expanded into a new venue in Deal, Kent which signifies the threshold for groups we want to maintain. Natasha Leppard has joined the team to help us continue on the path of quality training, innovation and meaningful learning.
2025 Q4 & beyond
Having reached the size that we wanted to, we will now be focusing on refinement, community building and exploring the possibility of developing specialist training with new, exciting collaborations.
Watch this space!
