Rachel Newell — Director & Senior Tutor
MSc Childhood and Youth Studies | BSc Psychology | CPCAB Level 2–4 Qualified | CBT Practitioner
Rachel Newell is the Director of Insight Counsellor Training and a highly experienced tutor with over 12 years in education and counselling. With a strong academic background and a deep commitment to ethical, student-centred learning, Rachel leads with compassion, clarity, and purpose. Her qualifications include a Master of Science in Childhood and Youth Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and extensive counselling training, including:
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
- Practitioner training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Teaching with Empathy and Integrity
Rachel’s teaching is deeply rooted in the values that guide Insight Counsellor Training. Empathy is at the core of her practice—both in how she teaches and in how she connects with students. She understands that learning to become a counsellor is a deeply personal and transformative process. Through attentive listening and thoughtful guidance, Rachel creates a space where students feel heard, accepted, and supported.
Integrity shapes every aspect of her teaching. Rachel leads with honesty and transparency, ensuring her students are prepared not just to pass assessments, but to practise counselling ethically and responsibly. She models the kind of professionalism and authenticity expected in real-world counselling work, offering clear boundaries, practical wisdom, and accountability at every stage.
Championing Inclusivity and Respect
Rachel is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive learning environment. She actively celebrates the varied life experiences that each student brings to the room and fosters an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. Her approach to training is collaborative and culturally sensitive, encouraging students to challenge assumptions and grow through shared experience.
Respect is a guiding principle in Rachel’s interactions. She honours each student’s personal journey and supports them in discovering their unique path toward becoming a qualified and confident practitioner. Her classroom is a judgment-free space where learners are encouraged to be vulnerable, take risks, and develop their own voice.
Fostering Growth and Professionalism
Rachel believes that personal growth and self-awareness are fundamental to becoming an effective counsellor. Her courses integrate reflective practice, emotional development, and creative approaches to learning that allow students to better understand themselves, their motivations, and their impact. This emotional insight strengthens their ability to relate authentically to future clients.
Rachel also champions professionalism, helping students prepare for the ethical, practical, and emotional realities of the counselling profession. Her in-depth knowledge of CPCAB’s training model and CBT applications ensures that learners gain a strong foundation in both person-centred counselling and structured therapeutic approaches.
Leading with Heart and Vision
As Director of Insight Counsellor Training, Rachel provides leadership and vision for the centre. She ensures that every course delivered aligns with CPCAB’s rigorous standards while reflecting the heart of the organisation: a space where students can grow, connect, and prepare for meaningful work in the world of counselling.
Rachel’s work is driven by purpose and compassion. Her students don’t just learn how to become counsellors—they learn how to become grounded, ethical, and self-aware individuals who make a real difference in people’s lives.
ChatGPT said:
Awesome! Here are full-length (500-word) tutor profiles for Laura Williams and Mike Richard, with a similar structure and tone to Rachel’s—but with distinct voice and emphasis that highlight their unique strengths and roles at Insight Counsellor Training.
🌱 Laura Williams — Counselling Tutor & Supervisor
CPCAB Level 2–5 Qualified | CPCAB Certificate in Counselling Supervision | Specialist in Child & Adolescent Work
Laura Williams is a highly skilled counselling tutor and supervisor with a warm, grounded presence and a passion for supporting learners on their journey into therapeutic work. With CPCAB qualifications from Level 2 through to Level 5, and a Certificate in Counselling Supervision, Laura brings both breadth and depth to her teaching. Her professional focus lies in working with children and young people, and she is particularly skilled at helping students develop the sensitivity and emotional intelligence needed to support younger clients.
Laura’s teaching is informed by years of practical counselling experience and a deep belief in the power of the therapeutic relationship. She is known for her approachable manner, clarity in explaining complex ideas, and her ability to create safe, supportive learning environments.
Compassion-Driven Education
At the heart of Laura’s approach is a strong foundation in empathy. She understands how vulnerable and transformative the learning process can be—especially in a field that asks students to explore their inner worlds. Her teaching gently challenges students while holding space for them to grow and reflect. Whether in group discussion or one-to-one support, Laura’s students consistently describe her as “genuine,” “calm,” and “deeply understanding.”
Integrity is central to Laura’s philosophy as a tutor and supervisor. She encourages students to think critically, make ethical decisions, and hold themselves to high personal and professional standards. She openly models what it means to be an honest, accountable practitioner, and helps students understand the nuances of counselling ethics in real-world scenarios.
Expertise in Inclusivity and Working with Young People
Laura brings an additional layer of insight to her work through her experience supporting children and adolescents. She has a keen awareness of how trauma, attachment, and early life experiences shape identity and behaviour. Her work is inherently inclusive—she ensures that each student, regardless of background or learning style, feels recognised and valued.
Laura promotes respect for self and others, encouraging students to reflect on their own values and biases. She fosters an atmosphere where different perspectives are welcomed and explored with curiosity rather than judgment.
Supporting the Whole Person
Laura is passionate about the personal growth of each learner. She incorporates reflective practices and experiential learning into her sessions, giving students the tools to explore who they are as future counsellors—and as people. She understands that learning counselling skills is as much about becoming more self-aware and resilient as it is about technique.
Laura also champions collaboration, often weaving in group activities that build trust, connection, and confidence among peers. She encourages peer learning and mutual support, which helps students feel part of a community rather than isolated on their journey.
👨🏫 Mike Richard — Counselling Tutor
CPCAB Level 2–4 Qualified | Former Professional Educator
Mike Richard is an experienced educator and counselling tutor who brings structure, warmth, and a practical perspective to his teaching. With a solid foundation in both CPCAB Level 2, 3, and 4 counselling qualifications and a background as a professional teacher, Mike is uniquely positioned to bridge the worlds of education and therapeutic practice.
Mike has a natural gift for breaking down complex ideas and helping learners gain confidence in their ability to grasp counselling theory and apply it effectively. His sessions are well-paced, clear, and grounded in real-life examples that make learning come alive.
Teaching Through Connection and Respect
Mike’s approach to tutoring is rooted in empathy and respect. Having worked with learners from all walks of life, he knows how to meet students where they are, without assumption or judgment. His teaching environment is one where curiosity is encouraged and students feel seen and supported.
He holds a strong belief in inclusive education. Mike understands that people bring different life experiences, learning styles, and emotional backgrounds into the room—and he adapts accordingly. His previous work in schools has given him an instinctive understanding of how to nurture each learner’s confidence and competence at their own pace.
Integrity and Real-World Readiness
Mike is committed to integrity in counselling practice and training. He helps students understand the realities of being a professional counsellor—from maintaining confidentiality and ethical boundaries, to managing personal wellbeing and handling challenging client interactions. His practical insights are especially valuable for students transitioning from academic learning to real client work.
He emphasises professionalism as not just a set of rules, but a mindset. His students learn that how they show up—in terms of reliability, consistency, and self-awareness—can be just as impactful as the techniques they use.
Building Skills and Growing Together
Mike believes in creating space for personal development, encouraging students to reflect on their beliefs, behaviours, and emotional patterns. He often incorporates journaling, peer feedback, and structured reflection into his lessons to help learners deepen their insight and emotional resilience.
Collaboration is a key part of Mike’s teaching style. He often draws from his teaching background to facilitate group learning experiences where students build confidence, practice skills together, and form lasting professional relationships.
Mike’s presence in the Insight Counsellor Training team ensures that every student benefits from a calm, steady guide who not only teaches counselling—but models it in every interaction.