Certificate in The Walking Free Model: Counselling for Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse (formerly known as Post-Cult Counselling) 2025-26

We are currently delivering the Certificate which will be completed in late July 2026. The next Certificate may take place in 2027 although no dates have been set. Training is provided by Gillie, supported by two of her affiliated therapists, Pauline Hewitt and Vicky Kalis, who are experienced in the Walking Free Model.

Gillie’s research and feedback from clients show that therapists need to have in-depth understanding of the dynamics of coercive and cultic groups, 'brainwashing' or thought reform theory, and the 'cultic mind-set' in order to help their clients to recover. This course is designed to train them to work with these issues.

It includes working through Gillie's book 'Walking Free from the Trauma of Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse: A Workbook for Recovery and Growth' (link here) or a shorter psychoeducational Recovery Workbook developed by Gillie. Participants experience the Walking Free Model for themselves in a Recovery Workshop format, learn the theoretical aspects to equip them to use it with their clients, and cover practical and practice issues in delivering the model. Several assignments are required for successful completion.

Gillie is currently delivering the 2025 Certificate to 16 trainees. Please contact admin@hopevalleycounselling.com for further information about the next certificate.

Feedback from previous certificates

'Gillie and Vicky were great presenters, great mix of them relating their experiences and listening to our experiences. Theories were presented clearly and linked to our experiences. The amount of information was just right, not too heavy, not too light. Relationships were built despite all being on zoom. It felt like a safe space.'   

'I wouldn't change anything!'   

‘An outstanding experience, delivered with intelligence yet accessible. Full of depth, shared pain, shared hope. Felt like a safe group, thank you.'

The Recovery Workshop element:  'This course provided me with a theoretical framework to understand my experience. I examined my own experience through the lens of thought reform and came to some new realisations about how damaging my time in a cult was. It was good to have my experience validated - so much of the time I just took it as 'normal' -it was helpful to see that it was, in fact, really abusive and harmful.' 

‘I found it very well paced and a wonderful mixture of theory and practice. Thank you both!'   

'I absolutely loved this training and it certainly has been life transforming and will continue to impact me as I move forward personally and professionally.'   

'I think by far this is the most difficult course I have completed emotionally, but it was done in such a safe and respectful way and I have developed as a result both personally and professionally. I would definitely recommend it.'