Rachel Newell

Lead Trainer and Director

CPCAB Level 2–5 Qualified | Certificate in Counselling Supervision | Specialist in Child & Adolescent Work | Delivering tuition for 12 year

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.

Laura Williams

Counselling tutor and clinical supervisor

CPCAB Level 2–5 Qualified | 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 and qualified teacher

Mike – Counsellor, Course Tutor & Educator

PGDip Counselling & Psychotherapy | Qualified Teacher | Person-Centred Therapist | Community Mental Health Advocate

Mike is a qualified counsellor and fully qualified teacher who brings together therapeutic depth and educational clarity. With a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Salford University and a strong foundation in person-centred counselling, Mike supports both individual clients and aspiring counsellors through his integrated work in mental health and education.

Mike is a tutor with Insight Counselling Training, where he teaches CPCAB-accredited courses and helps students develop not only their counselling knowledge but also their confidence and self-awareness. Drawing on his background in formal education, he has extensive experience designing and delivering engaging, accessible learning experiences for diverse groups of people—ranging from beginners taking their first steps into counselling, to those progressing into professional practice.

Supporting Authentic Growth and Emotional Awareness

Mike’s approach to counselling is centred around connection, curiosity, and respect. He offers a non-judgmental, compassionate space where clients can safely explore their emotions, challenges, and inner world. His person-centred approach places the client at the heart of the work, walking alongside them as they rediscover clarity, purpose, and self-trust.

He understands how overwhelming life can feel when we’re carrying anxiety, stress, or emotional uncertainty. Mike supports individuals in unpacking these experiences, strengthening their sense of identity, and building tools to navigate life with greater awareness and resilience.

Mike has also built significant experience in men’s mental health, having founded a social enterprise focused on peer support and community engagement. His work in this space has created much-needed environments where men feel able to speak honestly and be supported in their emotional wellbeing.

Education with Integrity and Purpose

As a trained teacher, Mike is passionate about inclusive education and student-centred learning. He believes that meaningful learning happens in safe, respectful spaces where people are encouraged to grow at their own pace. His teaching style blends structure with flexibility—making counselling theory accessible while creating opportunities for deep personal insight.

Whether in the classroom or the therapy room, Mike brings consistency, empathy, and professionalism. His educational background allows him to support learners from all walks of life, adapting his approach to meet different learning needs and emotional starting points.

Ethical, Reflective Practice

Mike engages in regular clinical supervision and continuous professional development and is committed to the ethical guidelines of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). His recent CPD includes training in neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirmative counselling approaches, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive, affirming practice.

Mike’s work is grounded in the belief that change begins with connection—whether that’s helping a client feel truly heard or empowering a student to realise their potential. Through both counselling and education, he is dedicated to fostering self-awareness, resilience, and lasting growth.

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