Ridgeway College
Professional Counsellor Training
please feel free to look through the site and fill in then enrol with us.
Enrol at Ridgeway College...journey through complete counsellor training
please feel free to look through the site and fill in the application form.
Prof. Graham Cocking
Joint Principal PartnerJoint Principal Partner of Ridgeway College, Graham holds a Doctorate in Psychology, a Bachelor's Degree in Counselling Psychology, a Diploma in Crisis Counselling and a Diploma in Sociology.
Owner of Greetwell Counsellor Services and a Founding Member and Registrar of the International Society of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Graham is also Principal of Ridgeway College and a CCC Registered Counsellor.
His published work includes numerous counselling journal articles and his thesis, "An Analysis of Memory (False or Repressed)". Graham is an accredited trainer, Fellow of the Unifaculty & Institute of Therapies Management and Fellow of the Society of Holistic Therapists and Coaches.
Alongside teaching, Graham provides hypnotherapy, clinical supervision and discounted supervision for Ridgeway College students.
Contact GrahamJulia Hazelwood
UKCP • MBACP (Snr Accred) • UKATA • FISPCJoint Principal Partner at Ridgeway College, Julia is a qualified Clinical Supervisor, Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and approved supervisor at The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute.
She teaches counselling skills and theory through to Advanced Diploma level and holds a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma with Middlesex University and The Berne Institute of Transactional Analysis.
Julia's extensive qualifications include Counselling Psychology, CBT, Hypnotherapy, Working Creatively in Therapy, Working with Children & Adolescents and Psychotherapy.
She has trained counsellors since 2013, runs a successful psychotherapy practice in Lincolnshire and is an Accredited Trainer in Counselling, Professional Development and Supervisor Training.
Contact JuliaEmma South
Counsellor • CBT Therapist • Clinical Supervisor • TrainerEmma is a qualified and experienced Counsellor, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, Substance Misuse Worker, Hypnotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Trainer with more than sixteen years of counselling experience and over 12,000 client counselling hours.
She runs a successful private counselling practice and has a particular interest in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, fears, phobias, OCD and trauma, drawing upon a range of therapeutic approaches including the Rewind Technique.
Emma began her counselling journey with Ridgeway College and has gone on to build a rewarding and successful career within the profession.
"I began my Counselling training with Ridgeway College never knowing that it would take me so far and to be involved in a career that is exciting, interesting and incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about Counselling and, after a break from training, I am delighted to be back to share my enthusiasm and experience with students beginning their own learning journey."
Duncan Ellison
Accredited Counsellor • CBT TherapistDuncan retrained with Ridgeway College, completing his Advanced Diploma in Counselling in 2018. He also holds a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Degree in Drama.
He is Director of Active Listening Therapies, a thriving private practice based in Newark, supporting adult clients and delivering counselling and wellbeing services across academy schools for students, teaching staff and safeguarding leaders.
Duncan believes positive regard is at the heart of effective therapy, recognising that every individual has unique strengths and potential. He is accredited by the National Counselling Society.
Duncan is delighted to be part of the Ridgeway College teaching team, sharing both his professional experience and passion for counselling with future practitioners.
Zoe Burnett
Counsellor • Eating Disorder Specialist • Guest LecturerZoe qualified as a counsellor through Ridgeway College, completing Levels 2–5 alongside additional training in creative interventions, trauma, and counselling children and young people. She now works across private practice and NHS-funded eating disorder services.
Her specialist interests include eating disorders, body image, neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ mental health. Zoe has also completed advanced training in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
She has extensive experience supporting children, young people and adults, adapting therapeutic approaches creatively to meet the needs of each individual rather than expecting people to fit within a single model.
Alongside clinical practice, Zoe delivers guest lectures and seminars for universities and healthcare professionals, helping to improve understanding of eating difficulties, neurodiversity and compassionate therapeutic practice.
With a background in music and teaching, creativity remains central to Zoe's work, believing that communication is not always verbal and that healing can often be found through art, music and self-expression.
Heather
Counsellor • Lecturer • Psychology ResearcherHeather began her counselling training at Ridgeway College in 2019 and progressed through Levels 1–5 over four years. During her placements she has supported survivors of abuse, young people experiencing suicidal ideation, depression and a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges.
Alongside counselling, Heather has over twelve years' experience teaching within Further Education and community settings, with expertise in behaviour management, resilience, coaching and safeguarding.
She is passionate about combining education with accessible, high-quality counselling and has a particular interest in supporting survivors of abuse, the LGBTQ+ community and individuals exploring identity.
Heather is currently studying for a Master's Degree in the Psychology of Mental Health and is delighted to be teaching on the Level 4 programme at Ridgeway College.
Lauren Franklin
Counsellor • Children & Young People SpecialistLauren has over ten years' experience supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. She works within a large secondary school's Student Wellbeing Team, providing one-to-one support, delivering group workshops and working closely with families.
Alongside her school-based role, Lauren also supports young people aged 10–25 through a nationwide online counselling platform, giving her extensive experience in safeguarding, risk assessment and youth mental health.
Lauren completed her Advanced Diploma in Counselling with Ridgeway College in 2017, with placements focusing on bereavement and counselling for children and young people.
She has since completed additional qualifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Creative Therapy, and Working with Children and Adolescents. More recently, she has gained qualifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Child Protection and Therapy Dog Training.
Billy Graves
Editor • Researcher • Curriculum DevelopmentBilly is an editor and researcher at Ridgeway College, playing an important role in developing and maintaining the quality of the college's counselling course materials.
With a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for producing clear, engaging educational content, Billy oversees the editorial process across course modules, ensuring that learning materials remain accurate, accessible and professionally presented.
His research supports the continuous development of the curriculum by exploring emerging counselling practices, ethical developments and new therapeutic approaches, helping Ridgeway College remain current within the profession.
Billy's collaborative approach and commitment to educational excellence make him an integral member of the Ridgeway College team, supporting both tutors and students while helping shape the next generation of professional counsellors.
Vivienne Cocking
Vivienne Cocking has joined Ridgeway College to manage our volunteer placement administration, helping ensure that students and members of the public continue to receive the high level of service and support that the college is known for.
Viv has trained to Level 3 in Counselling Skills and Theory and brings valuable experience from both retail management and the caring profession.
As Ridgeway College continues to grow, Viv plays an important role in supporting students throughout their placement journey and ensuring the smooth day-to-day administration of the college.
Learn From Experienced Professionals Who Are Passionate About Your Success
Whether you're taking your first steps into counselling or advancing your professional qualifications, Ridgeway College provides supportive, accredited training delivered by experienced tutors with real-world expertise.