Alison Cunningham MBACP (Accred) PNCPS (Acc)
Founder · Counsellor · Supervisor · Tutor


Alison Cunningham MBACP (Accred) PNCPS (Acc)
Founder · Counsellor · Supervisor · Tutor

Alison is an integrative counsellor, educator, supervisor, and agency director accredited by both BACP and NCPS. Since qualifying in 2016, she has combined deep clinical practice with leadership roles to ensure accessible, high‑quality mental health support.

Founder & Head of Therapeutic Services – Inner Journey Counselling Services Ltd
After serving as CEO of a counselling agency, Alison founded Inner Journey Counselling to provide ethical, compassionate therapy staffed by a team of dedicated professionals. She offers both short‑ and long‑term integrative therapy through secure online and telephone sessions, helping clients build resilience, confidence, and well‑being using tailored therapeutic models 

Founder & Tutor – Aspire Counselling Academy
Alison also established Aspire Counselling Academy to train future practitioners from foundational counselling skills to advanced therapeutic qualifications. As course leader, she mentors students from placement through qualified practice, fostering ethical, person‑centred professionals  She creates inclusive, reflective learning environments adapted to diverse styles and stages 

Clinical & Supervisory Practice
In private and supervisory work, Alison provides structured intervention rooted in evidence-based frameworks, supporting clients and supervisees through ethical and reflective spaces. Her supervisory role adheres to BACP/NCPS standards and is known for empowering counsellors to develop awareness, broaden their skillset, and strengthen professional practice 

Philosophy
At the heart of Alison’s work is a strong commitment to empathy, integrity, and individual growth. She integrates humanistic, person‑centred, CBT, existential, and trauma-informed approaches to create safe, non-judgmental spaces for healing and self-discovery .


Working with Suicide and Suicidal Ideation: Building Confidence in Supporting Clients at Risk
The first in a new series of CPD courses for mental health professionals

We are delighted to launch the first in a series of specialist online CPD trainings led by Alison Cunningham, designed to support counsellors and mental health professionals in developing clinical skills, confidence, and ethical competence in key areas of mental health practice.

This inaugural course focuses on working with suicide and suicidal ideation—one of the most complex and sensitive issues practitioners may face in the therapy room. With a focus on both clinical knowledge and practitioner wellbeing, the training offers a robust foundation for safe and effective practice.




Identify Warning Signs and Risk Factors



Identify subtle and overt signs of suicidal ideation across diverse clients using trauma-informed approaches and validated risk assessment tools.

Ethical and Compassionate Interventions



Apply ethical, safeguarding-aligned interventions within UK mental health guidelines

Working with Survivors and bereaved family



Support survivors and bereaved families with cultural, developmental, and emotional sensitivity

Example Curriculum

  Course details
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  Module 1 - Introduction to Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
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  Module 2 - Myths, Stigma and Public Misconceptions
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  Module 3 - Recognising suicidal ideation in clients
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  Module 4 - Understanding suicide triggers and risk factors
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  Module 5 - Suicide statistics & global perspectives
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  Module 6 - Approaching a Suicidal client safely
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  Module 7 - Safety planning and crisis management
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  Module 8 - Post-attempt care and working with survivors
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  Module 9 - Supporting families after a suicide
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  Module 10 - Ethical responsibilities for counsellors in the U.K.
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  Module 11 - Legal requirements and duty of care in the U.K.
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  Module 12 - Working with specific populations
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  Module 13 - Self-care for practitioners working with Suicide.
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  Module 14 - Building a community response to Suicide
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  Module 15 - Final integration and advanced case studies
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