Free Level 2 Counselling Course in Birkenhead

CostFREE
Duration11 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyABC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Counselling Course in Birkenhead. Evening classes run at Wirral Met College, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. This level 2 counselling qualification is designed for people with no previous experience of using counselling skills. The course runs over 11 weeks part-time. You'll explore the core skills used in counselling conversations and how to apply them in supportive roles. To enrol, you'll need to be 19 or over on or before 31st August, and have a minimum of three GCSEs at grade D/3 or above.

Who this course is for

Many adults can study this course for free. Check the 'Can I study for free?' section below to see if you're eligible. The SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills is made up of credit rated units developed in association with Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for the Health and Social Care Sector, and awarding organisation partners. This qualification is designed for those learners who have had no previous experience of using counselling skills. The SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills qualification aims to enhance and improve verbal written communication skills, provide a basic understanding of what counselling is about and be able to compare and contrast counselling with other forms of helping activities, and introduce learners to experiential learning processes that will include a high element of personal growth work, developing further self-confidence and self-esteem.

Entry requirements

You must be 19 or over on or before 31st August to study on this course. Minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade D/3 or above. In some cases applicants may be able to demonstrate suitability for the course which is outside the standard entry criteria. Such applications can be considered on individual skills, experience and likelihood of a successful outcome. This qualification can be emotionally difficult. If you are having personal therapy or receiving psychiatric treatment, we may seek evidence from an ap

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the core principles and values that underpin counselling practice.
  • You'll develop active listening and communication skills used in supportive conversations.
  • You'll learn how to use counselling skills in a helping relationship.
  • You'll understand boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical practice in counselling contexts.
  • You'll reflect on your own responses and how they affect the people you support.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered in a classroom setting on evenings at Wirral Met College. Learning is interactive and includes group discussion, skills practice, and reflective activities. Assessment is through written work and observation or demonstration of counselling skills in practice. The course is developed in association with Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for Health and Social Care.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wirral Met College 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 skills in care and wellbeing roles
  • Youth support worker: support young people through personal challenges
  • SEN teaching assistant: help pupils with additional emotional or social needs
  • Teaching assistant: support learners in educational settings
  • Adult educator: work with adults in community or learning environments
  • Counselling: a first step toward a counselling career with further training

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Counselling: the next step if you want to develop counselling practice further and work toward professional counsellor training.
  • Level 3 Award or Certificate in Supporting Mental Health: broadens your skills for roles in health, social care, or education.
  • Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification: opens routes into a wider range of care and support roles.

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