Why study with us

Do You Want To Study with us?

At Holistic Therapies Training Academy, we’re more than just a training provider – we’re a passionate team of industry professionals dedicated to helping you thrive. With a supportive, down-to-earth approach, we combine accredited qualifications, hands-on training, and flexible learning to suit your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you’re just starting out or upskilling, we empower you with real-world knowledge, practical confidence, and ongoing support to turn your passion into a profession. When you study with us, you’re not just joining a course – you’re joining a community that genuinely cares about your success.
Our team

Meet our team
@ Bideford

Karen Ashton
Founder - Managing director
Tutor ~ Assessor ~ Lead IQA
Known affectionately as “The Aromatherapy Geek,” Karen is the visionary behind Holistic Therapies Training Academy. With decades of experience as a beauty and complementary therapy tutor, assessor, and IQA, she’s also a published author and course writer. Karen is passionate about empowering learners with real-world skills and a supportive, nurturing approach.
Jason Ashton
Head of sports and fitness
Tutor ~ Assessor ~ IQA
Jason, aka “The Ninja” or “The Hubster,” leads our sports therapy and fitness training. A qualified massage and sports therapy tutor, assessor, and martial arts instructor, Zen Combat School, & co-owner of Zen Waters Charity, he brings energy, discipline, and a practical mindset to every course.
Claire Hutchings
Beauty & Massage Tutor
Tutor ~ Assessor ~ IQA
Claire, owner of Oceanic Beauty Training, is a highly experienced beauty therapy educator with over 15 years of teaching in a college setting. Having collaborated with Holistic Therapies Training Academy six years ago as a freelance IQA, Claire has joined the teaching team. Her extensive expertise and supportive teaching style make her an invaluable asset to our students.
Emma Jones
Complementary therapies & massage tutor
Tutor ~ Assessor ~ IQA
Emma is a skilled aromatherapy and reflexology tutor based in Bideford. As the owner of Amber Orchid Holistic Therapies, she brings a holistic, heart-led approach to her teaching, helping learners connect deeply with the healing power of touch and scent.
Laura Williams
Lash, brow & nail tutor
Tutor
Laura brings a sparkle of expertise to our lash, brow and nail courses. With a passion for lash & borw treatments, and owner of Beehive Beauty, she combines her therapy business knowledge with a friendly, approachable style that helps students feel empowered and inspired.
Denise Paynter
Reiki Master & Crystal tutor
Tutor
Denise is a compassionate and intuitive tutor with a rich background in both holistic therapies and healthcare. Denise is passionate about treating the whole person and finds great joy in guiding others as they explore their own healing and development. She now teaches Reiki & Crystal Therapy, with warmth, wisdom, and heart.
Alex Roadnight
Centre assistant and student support
Alex is the friendly face behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly at the academy. From welcoming students to supporting tutors, she’s always ready to help with a smile and a solution.

Meet our team
@ Plymouth

Karen Trim
Massage & Complementary therapies tutor
Tutor ~ Assessor
Karen Trim leads training at our Plymouth centre, offering courses in massage, facials, dermaplaning, and complementary therapies. As the owner of Plymouth Holistic Training, she’s known for her depth of knowledge and supportive, hands-on teaching. The Plymouth centre is also a VTCT approved centre

Meet our team
@ Taunton

Kim Price
Laser therapy tutor
Tutor ~ Assessor
Kim Priced leads training at our Taunton centre, offering courses in laser therapies. As the owner of Be.Laser & skin training, she’s known for her depth of knowledge and supportive, hands-on teaching. The Taunton centre is also a VTCT approved centre

Meet our team
@ other venues

Charlotte Davies
Lash, brow & beauty tutor
SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE
Charlotte offer a range of lash, brow and beauty courses
KILEY DOLBY
Reflexology & Massage tutor
WISBECK, NORFOLK
Kiley offers massage & reflexology courses
SAM allner
Beauty & Massage tutor
BRIDPORT, DORSET
Sam offers a range of courses in beauty and massage

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a better everyday life for many people and bring inspiration and innovation to everyone
We share our passion for sharing knowledge with students from all walks of life. All our courses are planned, recorded and edited based on 3 core principles:
  • Our online courses start with a thorough explanation of the topic covered.
  • Our unique 3-part layout provides the best visual quality on the web.
  • All our lessons are applied to common industry practises so that you understand how to use the theory in a practical context.
A thriving community

2,345 students and counting

The school has everything that I need for successful study: textbooks, daily assignments, planner, notebooks, music sheets, a staff who are very skilled and experienced, and ready to help at any time.
Josh Stobbard
I am most grateful that my son's teacher not only makes learning fun and shares his knowledge, but his passion for studying as well. I could not have found a better place for him to learn.
Amanda Russel
I received my certificate, and I would like to thank you for your continuous support. The courses were challenging, but my instructors were always there supporting me and ready to help.
Magda Green
100%
employee satisfaction
5
Years of life
1000s
of customers

Frequently asked questions

How can I choose my courses?

We offer a number of different learning paths, which you are invited to read and choose the one that better meets your needs. However if you need any advice or clarifications, we are at your disposal at any time.

What if the student and teacher’s personalities don’t work well together or the student is dissatisfied?

We have 16 teachers so if a problem occurs – which is extremely rare – we can switch you over to one of the other teachers. If you think you may get more out of lessons from a teacher with a different teaching style, we have the flexibility to change you to another instructor.

What can you offer that I cannot get at other online schools?

With us you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most notable professionals in the field. We are intricately involved with education across the U.S. Our students regularly participate in local, state-wide, and national workshops and festivals.
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