Free Level 1 Counselling Skills. Study online. You can work through this counselling skills course at your own pace, fitting it around work, family, or other commitments. Over around 5 months part-time, you'll build listening skills and techniques that help you support others more effectively. The course covers the foundations of counselling practice. It does not qualify you to work as a counsellor, but it develops skills valued in support, education, and care roles. You'll need a Level 1 English qualification to enrol.
Who this course is for
Our accredited Counselling course at level 1 will give you an introduction to counselling skills and is suitable for you if you’re interested in pursuing a career in counselling including those in job roles such as Support Workers, Teachers, Managers and Team Leaders. You will develop listening skills and techniques to create positive change in others. Whilst this level course does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor it will provide you with an ideal opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques, qualities, and attributes essential to progress any counselling career.
Entry requirements
To enrol in this course, it is required that you hold a minimum level 1 qualification in English. Prior to starting the course, you will be required to complete a brief initial assessment. This will help us understand your current starting point and allow us to tailor the course to meet your specific needs.
What you will learn
You'll develop active listening skills used in counselling and support settings.
You'll learn techniques to help create positive change in others.
You'll explore the core principles and values that underpin counselling practice.
You'll understand boundaries and the limits of counselling skills in non-counsellor roles.
You'll practise communication approaches that build trust and rapport.
You'll reflect on your own responses and how they affect others.
How you will learn
You'll study online, working through course materials at your own pace. Before you start, you'll complete a brief initial assessment so the course can be tailored to your needs. Assessment is based on the work you produce during the course. Cambridgeshire County Council will confirm the specific assessment tasks when you enrol.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cambridgeshire County Council will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills in day-to-day client support.
Care assistant: communicate more effectively with people in your care.
Teaching assistant: support pupils' emotional wellbeing in school.
SEN teaching assistant: build skills for working with vulnerable young people.
Youth support worker: help young people through structured listening and guidance.
Adult educator: bring communication and listening skills into teaching roles.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills: the natural next step if you want to go deeper into counselling theory and practice.
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies: required by most counsellor training programmes before you move into supervised practice.
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your options across care and support roles if you want to work in adult social care.
