In this personal reflection, Alison Cunningham MBACP (Accred) shares her journey as a counselling tutor at Aspire Counselling Academy — highlighting the joys, challenges, and deep fulfilment of guiding students through their professional and personal growth.
Counselling Courses
A recognised pathway to qualification as a counsellor
from Level 2 to 6
100% pass rate
Wow ..... What a year, to each and every student that studied with us this year. we are proud to say all your hard work paid off and its been a 100% pass rate.
Level 2 100% pass
Level 3 100% pass
Level 4 100% pass
To all those going onto your next level, we can not wait to match this next year.
To those who qualified and finished with us, We look forward to hearing about your careers moving forward
From Alison, Karen and Rachael
#CPCAB #counsellingtraining
Level 2 100% pass
Level 3 100% pass
Level 4 100% pass
To all those going onto your next level, we can not wait to match this next year.
To those who qualified and finished with us, We look forward to hearing about your careers moving forward
From Alison, Karen and Rachael
#CPCAB #counsellingtraining
Aspire Counselling Academy
Aspire Counselling Academy, formerly known as The Listening Post Training, has been delivering high-quality counselling qualifications since 2019. Over the years, we have supported and guided numerous students through their counselling journey, many of whom have gone on to establish meaningful and successful careers in the field.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of counselling qualifications, from Level 2 through to Level 5, designed to cater to learners at various stages of their professional development. Each course is thoughtfully structured to meet rigorous academic and practical standards, ensuring our students gain the foundational knowledge and applied skills necessary for a career in counselling.
What truly sets Aspire Counselling Academy apart is our team of experienced, practicing counsellors who lead our courses. Their real-world expertise brings a depth of understanding to the training experience, enabling students to connect theory with practice. Through live case studies, reflective discussions, and professional insights, our tutors enrich the learning environment and foster both personal and professional growth.
At Aspire Counselling Academy, we are committed to nurturing confident, ethical, and competent counselling professionals who are well-prepared to support others in a wide range of settings.
We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of counselling qualifications, from Level 2 through to Level 5, designed to cater to learners at various stages of their professional development. Each course is thoughtfully structured to meet rigorous academic and practical standards, ensuring our students gain the foundational knowledge and applied skills necessary for a career in counselling.
What truly sets Aspire Counselling Academy apart is our team of experienced, practicing counsellors who lead our courses. Their real-world expertise brings a depth of understanding to the training experience, enabling students to connect theory with practice. Through live case studies, reflective discussions, and professional insights, our tutors enrich the learning environment and foster both personal and professional growth.
At Aspire Counselling Academy, we are committed to nurturing confident, ethical, and competent counselling professionals who are well-prepared to support others in a wide range of settings.
Approach/ modality
​All of our courses at Aspire Counselling Academy are based on the Person-Centred Approach, a key modality within the humanistic school of counselling. Developed in the 1940s by psychologist Carl Rogers, this approach is built on the belief that, given the right conditions—empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard—every person has the potential to grow, heal, and become their true self. Rogers called this natural process ‘self-actualisation’, and believed it is accessible to all.
Our training provides a thorough grounding in the theory, skills, and philosophy of the Person-Centred Approach. Taught by practicing counsellors, our courses help you develop the knowledge and competencies needed to become a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor.
By the end of your training, you’ll be equipped to work with clients in a way that empowers them to explore their experiences and make the changes they choose—through a relationship based on trust, authenticity, and empathy.
Our training provides a thorough grounding in the theory, skills, and philosophy of the Person-Centred Approach. Taught by practicing counsellors, our courses help you develop the knowledge and competencies needed to become a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor.
By the end of your training, you’ll be equipped to work with clients in a way that empowers them to explore their experiences and make the changes they choose—through a relationship based on trust, authenticity, and empathy.
CPCAB - awarding body
All of our counselling qualifications at Aspire Counselling Academy are awarded by CPCAB – the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body. CPCAB is the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation for counselling qualifications and is widely recognised across the counselling profession for its rigorous standards and high-quality training frameworks.
CPCAB qualifications are quality-assured and industry-respected, meeting the professional requirements needed for those training to become competent, ethical, and effective counsellors. Their qualifications are structured to not only support academic learning but also to promote the personal development and practical skills essential to professional counselling work.
Successfully completing CPCAB-accredited courses enables you to progress through recognised levels of training and gain eligibility to join leading professional membership bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), and others. This professional recognition is a vital step in developing your career and practicing as a counsellor within a wide range of settings.
Choosing a CPCAB course through Aspire Counselling Academy ensures you are receiving training that meets national standards and is respected by employers, professional bodies, and clients alike.
CPCAB qualifications are quality-assured and industry-respected, meeting the professional requirements needed for those training to become competent, ethical, and effective counsellors. Their qualifications are structured to not only support academic learning but also to promote the personal development and practical skills essential to professional counselling work.
Successfully completing CPCAB-accredited courses enables you to progress through recognised levels of training and gain eligibility to join leading professional membership bodies such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), and others. This professional recognition is a vital step in developing your career and practicing as a counsellor within a wide range of settings.
Choosing a CPCAB course through Aspire Counselling Academy ensures you are receiving training that meets national standards and is respected by employers, professional bodies, and clients alike.
BACP
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is one of the largest and most respected professional membership bodies for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK. Membership with the BACP provides formal recognition that a practitioner has met established professional standards in ethical practice, training, and competence.
Joining a professional body such as the BACP not only demonstrates your commitment to professional development and ethical practice, but also reassures clients, employers, and colleagues that you have received recognised and accredited training. It serves as a mark of credibility and trust within the counselling field.
While there are several membership bodies in the UK—such as the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and others—the BACP is particularly well known for its size, visibility, and active role in shaping the future of counselling and psychotherapy.
All of our courses at Aspire Counselling Academy are designed to meet the training standards required for BACP membership. Once qualified, our students are eligible to apply for membership, taking a significant step forward in their professional journey and opening up a range of opportunities in both private practice and organisational settings.
Joining a professional body such as the BACP not only demonstrates your commitment to professional development and ethical practice, but also reassures clients, employers, and colleagues that you have received recognised and accredited training. It serves as a mark of credibility and trust within the counselling field.
While there are several membership bodies in the UK—such as the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and others—the BACP is particularly well known for its size, visibility, and active role in shaping the future of counselling and psychotherapy.
All of our courses at Aspire Counselling Academy are designed to meet the training standards required for BACP membership. Once qualified, our students are eligible to apply for membership, taking a significant step forward in their professional journey and opening up a range of opportunities in both private practice and organisational settings.
Alison Cunningham
Alison Cunningham is an Accredited Member of the BACP and NCPS. She is the founder of Aspire Counselling Academy and runs her private counselling agency, Inner Journey, where she provides counselling, supervision, and employs a team of counsellors offering professional therapeutic services.
At Aspire Counselling Academy, Alison manages and mentors counsellors ranging from students in placement to qualified practitioners with various specialisms. She is passionate about supporting students throughout their training, helping them grow into confident and ethical practitioners.
As a tutor and course leader, Alison creates an inclusive and engaging learning environment, tailoring her teaching to meet diverse learning styles. She provides ongoing academic and pastoral support, guiding students through challenges and helping them develop their professional identity.
Alison believes in the potential for growth and self-discovery in everyone. Whether working with clients or students, she brings empathy, authenticity, and dedication to helping others find clarity and confidence.
At Aspire Counselling Academy, Alison manages and mentors counsellors ranging from students in placement to qualified practitioners with various specialisms. She is passionate about supporting students throughout their training, helping them grow into confident and ethical practitioners.
As a tutor and course leader, Alison creates an inclusive and engaging learning environment, tailoring her teaching to meet diverse learning styles. She provides ongoing academic and pastoral support, guiding students through challenges and helping them develop their professional identity.
Alison believes in the potential for growth and self-discovery in everyone. Whether working with clients or students, she brings empathy, authenticity, and dedication to helping others find clarity and confidence.
Karen Stockwell
Karen is a person-centred therapist who integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) into her practice. She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Bath Spa University and is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
With many years of experience, Karen has supported clients facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, ASD, and bereavement. She has a particular interest in working with trauma and is currently completing her EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) qualifications.
Karen is also an experienced counselling supervisor, working with both individuals and groups. She has been involved in the development, teaching, and assessment of CPCAB counselling qualifications from Levels 2 to 5 and is passionate about her role as a lecturer.
Her therapeutic style is warm, interactive, and rooted in respect, sensitivity, and compassion—creating a non-judgmental space for clients, which she mirrors in her teaching. Karen fosters an inclusive and accessible learning environment, committed to meeting the diverse needs of learners, often employing creative approaches to support their growth.
Her goal is to provide the right environment for learners to develop into reflective, safe, and ethical practitioners.
With many years of experience, Karen has supported clients facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, ASD, and bereavement. She has a particular interest in working with trauma and is currently completing her EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) qualifications.
Karen is also an experienced counselling supervisor, working with both individuals and groups. She has been involved in the development, teaching, and assessment of CPCAB counselling qualifications from Levels 2 to 5 and is passionate about her role as a lecturer.
Her therapeutic style is warm, interactive, and rooted in respect, sensitivity, and compassion—creating a non-judgmental space for clients, which she mirrors in her teaching. Karen fosters an inclusive and accessible learning environment, committed to meeting the diverse needs of learners, often employing creative approaches to support their growth.
Her goal is to provide the right environment for learners to develop into reflective, safe, and ethical practitioners.
Nigel Jermey
Hi, I’m Nigel, a Level 2 Counselling Tutor specialising in person-centred therapy. I trained with Aspire Counselling Academy, where I achieved my CPCAB Level 4 qualification. This foundation has allowed me to build a private counselling practice and maintain high professional standards in line with BACP guidelines.
I work with a diverse range of clients from all backgrounds, both online and face-to-face. Teaching brings me great joy, and I use an interactive, student-centred approach that fosters open dialogue and reflective practice. My goal is to inspire and empower students to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships with their future clients while deepening their understanding of everyday interactions and relationships.
Watching my students grow into compassionate, skilled practitioners is incredibly rewarding. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where learners feel comfortable exploring and enhancing their skills. I see my role as more than a tutor—I’m a guide, supporting their personal and professional growth every step of the way.
I am well-equipped to mentor aspiring counsellors. I place great importance on self-awareness, active listening, and empathy, and I am committed to helping my students embody these core values. I’m proud to be part of their journey and excited to contribute to the future of counselling.
I work with a diverse range of clients from all backgrounds, both online and face-to-face. Teaching brings me great joy, and I use an interactive, student-centred approach that fosters open dialogue and reflective practice. My goal is to inspire and empower students to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships with their future clients while deepening their understanding of everyday interactions and relationships.
Watching my students grow into compassionate, skilled practitioners is incredibly rewarding. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where learners feel comfortable exploring and enhancing their skills. I see my role as more than a tutor—I’m a guide, supporting their personal and professional growth every step of the way.
I am well-equipped to mentor aspiring counsellors. I place great importance on self-awareness, active listening, and empathy, and I am committed to helping my students embody these core values. I’m proud to be part of their journey and excited to contribute to the future of counselling.
Rachael Sullivan
Rachael Sullivan is a BACP member, counsellor, tutor at Aspire Counselling Academy, and soon-to-be qualified trauma coach. She is deeply passionate about fostering positive change, empowerment, and healing in every individual she works with.
Rachael brings a wealth of experience from her extensive background in the mental health field. Her work has included mental health support roles, counselling adults within local communities, and supporting children and young people in schools. Notably, she served as a Children and Young People (CYP) Counsellor at Little Havens Children’s Hospice, specialising in palliative care and bereavement.
Currently, Rachael runs a private online practice, working with both young people and adults. Her client base is diverse, addressing issues such as trauma, abuse, body image, and various other mental health challenges. She takes a holistic approach, nurturing body, mind, and spirit to encourage healing and empowerment from within.
Alongside her counselling and tutoring roles, Rachael is working towards becoming a qualified trauma coach, further expanding her skills and expertise.
As a tutor, Rachael is enthusiastic and enjoys challenging her students. She uses creative and tailored teaching methods designed to engage and motivate learners. Guided by the belief that “anyone can achieve anything”, regardless of their history or circumstances, she strives to help every individual reach their full potential.
Rachael brings a wealth of experience from her extensive background in the mental health field. Her work has included mental health support roles, counselling adults within local communities, and supporting children and young people in schools. Notably, she served as a Children and Young People (CYP) Counsellor at Little Havens Children’s Hospice, specialising in palliative care and bereavement.
Currently, Rachael runs a private online practice, working with both young people and adults. Her client base is diverse, addressing issues such as trauma, abuse, body image, and various other mental health challenges. She takes a holistic approach, nurturing body, mind, and spirit to encourage healing and empowerment from within.
Alongside her counselling and tutoring roles, Rachael is working towards becoming a qualified trauma coach, further expanding her skills and expertise.
As a tutor, Rachael is enthusiastic and enjoys challenging her students. She uses creative and tailored teaching methods designed to engage and motivate learners. Guided by the belief that “anyone can achieve anything”, regardless of their history or circumstances, she strives to help every individual reach their full potential.
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Blog
Thinking about becoming a counsellor? This blog explores what it’s like to train in person-centred counselling—from the core principles of empathy and authenticity to the practical steps of training and personal growth. Perfect for prospective students considering a meaningful, client-focused career in mental health.
An Aspire counselling student giving their experience on training to be a counsellor with Aspire Counselling Academy
