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.
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, previously known as The Listening Post Training has been providing qualifications within counselling since 2019 and has seen many students complete their counselling training with us.
We pride ourselves in providing qualifications from level 2 to level 5 that are taught by practicing counsellors, who bring in their knowledge, skills and experiences to enhance and develop our students experience and understanding of counselling training.
We pride ourselves in providing qualifications from level 2 to level 5 that are taught by practicing counsellors, who bring in their knowledge, skills and experiences to enhance and develop our students experience and understanding of counselling training.
Approach/ modality
All of our courses are Person-centred counselling, which is one of the humanistic modalities or approaches.
It was founded in the 1940s by the American psychologist Carl Rogers who believed that, given the right conditions, a person can reach their full potential and become their true self, which he termed ‘self-actualisation’. This actualisation process is innate and accessible to everyone.
Our courses will inform you to the theory, skills and knowledge of the Person Centred Approach, resulting in you becoming a qualified Person Centred Counsellor able to work with clients to enable them to make changes they wish to make.
It was founded in the 1940s by the American psychologist Carl Rogers who believed that, given the right conditions, a person can reach their full potential and become their true self, which he termed ‘self-actualisation’. This actualisation process is innate and accessible to everyone.
Our courses will inform you to the theory, skills and knowledge of the Person Centred Approach, resulting in you becoming a qualified Person Centred Counsellor able to work with clients to enable them to make changes they wish to make.
general information
CPCAB
All our counselling qualifications are awarded by CPCAB. CPCAB is the U.K's leading awarding body within counselling and recognised by the counselling profession as a quality assured qualifications that meets requirements for counsellors. These qualifications also enable you to register with the BACP, NPCS and other counselling membership bodies.
BACP
The BACP is a membership body for counsellors and Psychotherapy. By joining a membership body, it enables other within the profession and potential clients the awareness that you meet the standards within the profession. There are many different membership bodies, the BACP is currently one of the largest and well known within the industry. Our courses meet BACP requirements to join their organisation once qualified.
College
Our college is situated in Bentalls, Basildon. set up for counselling training
Meet the tutors
Rachael Sullivan
Tutor
Rachael Sullivan is a BACP member, Counsellor, Tutor at Aspire Counselling Academy and soon to be Trauma Coach. Rachael is passionate about creating positive change, empowerment and healing to every individual. She has a accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience from her time of working within the mental health field which ranges from mental health support work, counselling adults within the local community, children and young people within schools and was a CYP Counsellor at Little Havens children’s hospice where she worked predominantly in the area of palliative care and bereavement. Rachael now runs a private practice online with young people and adults. Her private practice allows her to work with a diverse client group which currently oversees areas such as Trauma, Abuse, Body Image and many other mental health issues. Rachael is holistic in her approach, tending to body, mind and spirit to encourage healing and empowerment from within. Rachael is also working towards becoming a qualified trauma coach to add to her list of skills alongside her role as a counsellor and tutor. As a tutor, Rachael is an enthusiastic individual that enjoys challenging her students. She likes to work creatively thus tailoring the lessons to be creative and engaging whilst using a motivational approach that “anyone can achieve anything” despite their history, background or circumstances so that every individual can reach their full potential.
Alison Cunningham
CEO Aspire Counselling Academy
Alison Cunningham is an Accredited member of the BACP and NCPS. Alison is the founder of Aspire Counselling Academy & The Listening Post C.I.C providing counselling within the community, overseeing the rapid growth that has The Listening Post has seen. The Listening Post team of counsellors range from students in placement to qualified counsellors with different specialisms. Alison is very much apart of this team, line managing counsellors. Alison is a counsellor, tutor and supervisor providing both counselling and supervision to both trainee and qualified counsellor, as well as to other professionals, whose role includes wellbeing services. Alison believes that we all strive to be our best and that our experiences can impact us achieving our best, with this philosophy, Alison works with clients and students to gain an understanding of themselves and find their own answers, whilst walking alongside and supporting them. Alison has a wide experience working with different issues and client groups through face to face, zoom and telephone work, using different skills that work to benefit those accessing support. As a tutor, Alison feels her role is to facilitate your learning and adapting her approach to meet how you best learn. She uses different methods to keep the lessons engaging, where everybody feels included and has learnt something new.
Karen Stockwell
Tutor
Karen is a person-centred therapist who integrates Cognitive behavioural therapy into her practice. Karen holds a Master's qualification in Counselling and Psychotherapy practice which was completed at Bath Spa University and is an accredited member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. Karen has many years of experience working with clients with various presenting difficulties including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, stress, ASD, and bereavement. She has an interest in working with Trauma, and Is currently completing her EMDR qualifications. Karen is also a supervisor of counselling and work with groups and individuals. Karen has experience creating, teaching and accessing CPCAB counselling qualifications level 2-5, and is passionate about her work as a lecturer. Her therapy style is warm and interactive. while treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion in a space free from judgement which is mirrored in her teaching. The teaching environment Karen creates is inclusive, accessible and she works hard to meet learners needs, which can involve thinking outside of the box. Karen's goal is to provide the right environment, for learners to grow into reflective, safe and ethical practitioners.
Nigel Jermey
Tutor
Hi, I'm Nigel, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself as a Level 2 Counselling Tutor specialising in person-centred therapy. I previously trained with Aspire Counselling Academy achieving my CPCAB level 4 allowing me to develop a private practice as a counsellor and ensure that I continue to provide a high-quality standard in line with the BACP. I currently work with a diverse client list from all walks of life through online platforms as well as in person. Teaching is my joy, and I adopt an interactive, student-centred approach that encourages open dialogue and reflective practice. My aim is to inspire and empower my students to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with their future clients, as well as develop their own understanding of their day to day interactions and relationships. Seeing my students grow into compassionate and effective helpees is incredibly rewarding. I cherish the opportunity to create a safe, non-judgmental space where my students feel comfortable exploring and developing their skills. I see my role as not just a tutor, but a guide helping them navigate their personal and professional growth. I've been fortunate to gain extensive training and practical experience over the years, which has equipped me with the tools to support and mentor aspiring counsellors. I place a high value on self-awareness, active listening, and empathetic communication, and I strive to instil these core values in my students. I am proud to be part of their journey and excited to contribute to the future of counselling.
Courses
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course. FAST TRACK. complete in 13 weeks
This qualification is intended for candidates who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling work.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Participate in the interactive and informative CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) ONLINE event to develop essential counselling techniques and strategies. JANUARY ONLINE EVENING CLASS 6:00 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Join our online CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies (CST-L3) event and enhance your counselling skills from the comfort of your home. JANUARY EVENINGS 6 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Experience the comprehensive training of the CPCAB Level 4 - Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) on Saturdays.
This qualification is designed to give qualified counsellors the additional skills and proficiencies to work effectively using online and phone mediums. It equips candidates to work in a counselling role offering online and phone therapy in an organisational context or in independent practice. Candidates studying this qualification must first have completed the two Open University courses below which provide the theoretical basis for this level 5 award: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as online and phone counsellors in a range of job and career opportunities, which include but are not limited to: An online and phone counsellor in private practice or agency settings. The candidate may choose to diversify into the area of teaching counselling (including online delivery) within a FE or HE context providing they hold suitable teaching experience or qualifications. Entry requirements You must have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent consisting of a minimum of 420 Guided Learning Hours, in addition to appropriate pre-TC-L4 (or equivalent) training. You must also have completed the following Open University courses: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge
application forms
Application Form for ONLINE courses
Please download our application form to register your interest in enrolling onto one of our online courses. Please email completed application form to: Courses@Aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk
Application form for CLASSROOM course
Please download this form if you are applying to learn one of our courses through being in the classroom (in person learning) based at Arnhem House, Bentalls, Basildon, SS14 3BX Please email completed application form to: Courses@Aspirecounsellingacademy.co.uk
recommended book list
Recommended books for the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)
Read More
Recommended books for CPCAB Level 3 (CST-L3) Counselling Studies
Read MoreFeedback on courses
Videos
Gallery
Blog
An Aspire counselling student giving their experience on training to be a counsellor with Aspire Counselling Academy
Embark on a rewarding path towards professional counselling excellence with Aspire Counselling Academy's CPCAB Level 2 Training, designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Contact
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course. FAST TRACK. complete in 13 weeks
This qualification is intended for candidates who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling work.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Participate in the interactive and informative CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) ONLINE event to develop essential counselling techniques and strategies. JANUARY ONLINE EVENING CLASS 6:00 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Join our online CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies (CST-L3) event and enhance your counselling skills from the comfort of your home. JANUARY EVENINGS 6 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Experience the comprehensive training of the CPCAB Level 4 - Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) on Saturdays.
This qualification is designed to give qualified counsellors the additional skills and proficiencies to work effectively using online and phone mediums. It equips candidates to work in a counselling role offering online and phone therapy in an organisational context or in independent practice. Candidates studying this qualification must first have completed the two Open University courses below which provide the theoretical basis for this level 5 award: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as online and phone counsellors in a range of job and career opportunities, which include but are not limited to: An online and phone counsellor in private practice or agency settings. The candidate may choose to diversify into the area of teaching counselling (including online delivery) within a FE or HE context providing they hold suitable teaching experience or qualifications. Entry requirements You must have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent consisting of a minimum of 420 Guided Learning Hours, in addition to appropriate pre-TC-L4 (or equivalent) training. You must also have completed the following Open University courses: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course. FAST TRACK. complete in 13 weeks
This qualification is intended for candidates who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling work.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Participate in the interactive and informative CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) ONLINE event to develop essential counselling techniques and strategies. JANUARY ONLINE EVENING CLASS 6:00 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Join our online CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies (CST-L3) event and enhance your counselling skills from the comfort of your home. JANUARY EVENINGS 6 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Experience the comprehensive training of the CPCAB Level 4 - Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) on Saturdays.
This qualification is designed to give qualified counsellors the additional skills and proficiencies to work effectively using online and phone mediums. It equips candidates to work in a counselling role offering online and phone therapy in an organisational context or in independent practice. Candidates studying this qualification must first have completed the two Open University courses below which provide the theoretical basis for this level 5 award: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as online and phone counsellors in a range of job and career opportunities, which include but are not limited to: An online and phone counsellor in private practice or agency settings. The candidate may choose to diversify into the area of teaching counselling (including online delivery) within a FE or HE context providing they hold suitable teaching experience or qualifications. Entry requirements You must have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent consisting of a minimum of 420 Guided Learning Hours, in addition to appropriate pre-TC-L4 (or equivalent) training. You must also have completed the following Open University courses: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course. FAST TRACK. complete in 13 weeks
This qualification is intended for candidates who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling work.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Participate in the interactive and informative CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) ONLINE event to develop essential counselling techniques and strategies. JANUARY ONLINE EVENING CLASS 6:00 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Join our online CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies (CST-L3) event and enhance your counselling skills from the comfort of your home. JANUARY EVENINGS 6 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Experience the comprehensive training of the CPCAB Level 4 - Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) on Saturdays.
This qualification is designed to give qualified counsellors the additional skills and proficiencies to work effectively using online and phone mediums. It equips candidates to work in a counselling role offering online and phone therapy in an organisational context or in independent practice. Candidates studying this qualification must first have completed the two Open University courses below which provide the theoretical basis for this level 5 award: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as online and phone counsellors in a range of job and career opportunities, which include but are not limited to: An online and phone counsellor in private practice or agency settings. The candidate may choose to diversify into the area of teaching counselling (including online delivery) within a FE or HE context providing they hold suitable teaching experience or qualifications. Entry requirements You must have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent consisting of a minimum of 420 Guided Learning Hours, in addition to appropriate pre-TC-L4 (or equivalent) training. You must also have completed the following Open University courses: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge
Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CBT-L5)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course. FAST TRACK. complete in 13 weeks
This qualification is intended for candidates who want to develop CBT skills and theory as an integral part of their professional counselling work.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Experience deep learning and practical application in the CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) classroom-based course.
Join us for the CPCAB Level 3 - Counselling Studies (CST-L3) - Classroom Based event and enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of counseling.
Discover the latest techniques and practices in therapeutic counselling at the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4)
Participate in the interactive and informative CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) ONLINE event to develop essential counselling techniques and strategies. JANUARY ONLINE EVENING CLASS 6:00 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Join our online CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies (CST-L3) event and enhance your counselling skills from the comfort of your home. JANUARY EVENINGS 6 - 9:30PM APPLICATIONS OPEN
Experience the comprehensive training of the CPCAB Level 4 - Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) on Saturdays.
This qualification is designed to give qualified counsellors the additional skills and proficiencies to work effectively using online and phone mediums. It equips candidates to work in a counselling role offering online and phone therapy in an organisational context or in independent practice. Candidates studying this qualification must first have completed the two Open University courses below which provide the theoretical basis for this level 5 award: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge This qualification will enable successful candidates to work as online and phone counsellors in a range of job and career opportunities, which include but are not limited to: An online and phone counsellor in private practice or agency settings. The candidate may choose to diversify into the area of teaching counselling (including online delivery) within a FE or HE context providing they hold suitable teaching experience or qualifications. Entry requirements You must have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4) or the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) equivalent consisting of a minimum of 420 Guided Learning Hours, in addition to appropriate pre-TC-L4 (or equivalent) training. You must also have completed the following Open University courses: Online counselling: getting started Online counselling: advancing your knowledge
