Free Level 2 Counselling Course. Study online at your own pace, fitting learning around your work and home life. This free counselling course for adults takes around 11 months to complete. You'll explore key counselling theories, practical interaction techniques, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. The level 2 counselling qualification does not qualify you to practise as a professional counsellor, but it builds a strong foundation for roles in care, support work, education, and youth services. You must be aged 19 or over and live in England to qualify for funding.
Who this course is for
Gain key counselling skills that mean you can provide support wherever it's needed. Understand various theoretical approaches, helpful interaction techniques as well as the importance of the counselling relationship.While not qualifying you to practice as a professional counsellor, this nationally recognised qualification can be a stepping-stone. It is suitable for those who wish to increase their understanding of counselling skills and techniques in order to engage in helpful interaction appropriately. Learners could use this knowledge to complement an existing role (such as manager, mentor or HR team member), or as a basis for continued study to attain a qualification in this sector.This course is delivered online. Studying via distance learning means you can choose when and where you study. All of our award-winning, online learning resources are of the highest quality and are designed to be engaging and interactive to keep you focused on your learning at all times.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 19+ and live in England to qualify for funding.
What you will learn
You'll explore a range of theoretical approaches used in counselling practice.
You'll develop practical interaction techniques for providing helpful support.
You'll understand the importance of the counselling relationship and how it affects outcomes.
You'll learn how to apply counselling skills appropriately in different settings.
You'll build awareness of ethical boundaries and the limits of your role.
You'll reflect on your own communication style and how it affects others.
How you will learn
You study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is through written assignments and reflective tasks that you submit online. There are no exams. You'll have access to tutor support throughout the course to guide your progress and give feedback on your work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Herefordshire College Hereford will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills to support vulnerable adults
Care assistant: apply listening and communication skills in care settings
Teaching assistant: support pupils' emotional wellbeing in school
SEN teaching assistant: help students with additional needs in the classroom
Youth support worker: work with young people facing personal challenges
Adult educator: support learners in community or further education settings
Counselling volunteer: provide supported listening in a voluntary capacity
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Counselling: the next step if you want to move toward professional counselling practice. Most accredited counsellor training programmes require a Level 3 qualification as a minimum entry point.
Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma: broadens your options across care, support, and community roles.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to move into teaching or training adults.
