If you’re passionate about supporting others and want to develop practical, meaningful communication skills, this course is the perfect place to start. The Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills is designed for adults who want to build confidence, strengthen their listening skills, and develop a deeper understanding of how to support others ethically and effectively. Whether you work in health and social care, education, customer service, community roles or are considering a career change this qualification gives you valuable, transferable skills that make a real difference.
You’ll explore core counselling skills, professional boundaries, diversity and ethical practice, and the foundations of key counselling theories all within a supportive and reflective learning environment. This isn’t about becoming a counsellor overnight. It’s about developing the confidence, empathy and communication skills that are highly valued in every people-focused profession. For many learners, this course is the first step into the world of counselling. For others, it’s a powerful professional development opportunity that enhances their current role. Wherever you’re starting from, you’ll leave with greater self-awareness, stronger interpersonal skills, and a nationally recognised qualification to support your next move.
You will need suitable literacy skills to complete written assessments.
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| 19+ | Please enquire | You will be expected to provide yourself with stationary for your studies |
You will learn through:
• Tutor-led sessions
• Group discussions
• Skills practice and role-play
• Reflective activities
• Research-based tasks
Assessment is portfolio-based and internally assessed.
You will complete a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all learning outcomes. Assessment methods may include:
• Written tasks
• Recorded discussions
• Tutor observation (e.g. role-play activities)
• Reflective reports
This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured.
This course connects you to the wider world of wellbeing, support and professional helping.
Our curriculum reflects the ethical standards and professional expectations used within recognised counselling bodies such as BACP and the National Counselling Society, giving you insight into how counselling skills are applied in real-world settings.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore real-life scenarios, current sector challenges, and professional expectations, helping you see how counselling skills translate into meaningful impact in people-focused roles.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your current role, support others more effectively, or take your first step into a new career pathway, this course places you firmly on the map within the helping professions.
You’ll attend 3 hours of taught sessions each week one evening during term time, alongside independent study to prepare continue your studies between sessions. Teaching is primarily face-to-face, although there may be a small percentage of blended and online learning to provide flexibility and support your studies.
This qualification will help you to:
• Develop core counselling and communication skills
• Understand key counselling theories and how they underpin practice
• Explore ethical frameworks and anti-discriminatory practice
• Increase self-awareness and reflective skills
• Build confidence in supporting others appropriately
This course is particularly valuable if you work (or wish to work) in:
• Health and social care
• Education and support roles
• Voluntary and community work
• Customer-facing professions
• HR or supervisory roles
You must successfully complete all four mandatory units:
• Using Counselling Skills
• Introduction to Counselling Skills Theories
• Diversity and Ethics in the Use of Counselling Skills
• Counselling Skills and Personal Development
On successful completion, you may progress onto a programme linked to:
• Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory
• Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
You may also use this qualification for skill development purposes, enhance your current employment, strengthen application for support roles or your professional development portfolio.
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