By Alison Cunningham MBACP (Accred)
When I first started my journey into counselling, I could never have imagined just how deeply fulfilling it would be—not just working with clients, but standing in front of a class of aspiring counsellors, guiding them as they find their voice, their confidence, and their own unique way of being in this profession. Teaching at Aspire Counselling Academy (formerly The Listening Post Training) has become one of the greatest joys of my career. As someone who is still actively counselling and supervising practitioners, I bring those real-life experiences into the training room, and that synergy between theory and practice is where the real magic happens.
There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a student arrive at Level 2, nervous and unsure, and then seeing them blossom into a confident, self-aware practitioner by the time they reach Level 4 or 5. I often say that learning to become a counsellor is not just about acquiring skills—it’s about becoming. I've laughed with students, supported them through tears, and celebrated every “aha” moment that lights up their face when something finally clicks. These are moments I never take for granted.
My teaching style is grounded in partnership. I see my role as a facilitator rather than a traditional lecturer. Each student brings their own story, learning style, and way of understanding the world. It’s my job to adapt, support, and stretch them in the way that suits them best. Whether I’m teaching in person or over Google Classrooms, I aim to make my sessions interactive and grounded in real-life scenarios. Counselling is a very human profession—it only makes sense that learning it should be just as human.
Because I still work as a counsellor and supervisor, my teaching is constantly informed by what’s actually happening in practice. Whether it’s how to handle a client in crisis or how to navigate ethical dilemmas, I bring these examples into the classroom so that students can see how textbook theory translates into therapeutic reality. And when students ask, “But what does that look like in practice?”—I love being able to answer with honesty and real-world wisdom.
Aspire isn’t just a place where we teach CPCAB-accredited courses—it’s a community. I strive to create an environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. We’re not just training counsellors—we’re nurturing people who will go on to hold space for others in some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I feel incredibly privileged to be part of that journey.
One of my proudest moments is hearing feedback from past students who say things like:
“Alison created a safe space for me to learn and be myself. Her support was everything.”
“I’ve never had a tutor who made learning feel so natural. I left every class inspired.”
“I wasn’t just taught—I was encouraged to grow.”
It means the world to know that my approach resonates.
Even as a tutor, I’m still learning. Every group of students teaches me something new. Whether it’s a different perspective, a challenge I hadn’t anticipated, or a new way to explain a complex idea—every cohort helps me grow. That's the beauty of this work. It’s never static. It’s alive, evolving, human.
Being a tutor at Aspire Counselling Academy isn’t just part of my job—it’s a part of who I am. Each group of students brings fresh energy, stories, and potential into the room, and I feel deeply honoured to walk alongside them on this transformational journey. If you're thinking of training as a counsellor—or returning to your studies—I’d love to welcome you. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. Let's grow together.
— Alison Cunningham MBACP (Accred)
