Free Level 2 Counselling Course. Study online, at your own pace, over 12 weeks. This free counselling course is fully funded by the UK Government for learners aged 19 or over who have lived in the UK for 3 or more years and live in West Yorkshire or outside a devolved area. Contact the centre to confirm your eligibility. You'll explore key counselling theories, including person-centred care and cognitive approaches, and develop practical communication skills to support others. There are no entry requirements.
Who this course is for
This online course provides an introduction to counselling, designed to help you build the knowledge and skills necessary to support others. Throughout the course, you will explore key counselling theories, including person-centred care and cognitive. You will gain an understanding of how these theories can be applied in real-life situations to support individuals in need.
The course will also guide you through practical approaches to counselling, helping you develop key skills in communication, empathy, and active listening. Additionally, you will examine the role of values and beliefs in the counselling process, reflecting on your own self-awareness and understanding.
In the final unit, you will have the opportunity to put the skills you’ve acquired into practice. This includes creating a practical scenario where you can demonstrate your counselling abilities. The demonstration can be recorded as a video or audio file, or, alternatively, you can opt for a witness to observe and provide feedback on your performance. This hands-on element is designed to help solidify your learning and give you the confidence to apply counselling techniques in real-world settings.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements for this course however you will be asked upon enrolment what your previous qualifications are.
What you will learn
You'll explore person-centred care and cognitive counselling theories.
You'll learn how to apply counselling theories to real-life situations.
You'll develop practical communication skills for supporting others.
You'll build an understanding of how to listen and respond effectively.
You'll gain knowledge of ethical boundaries in a counselling context.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through course materials at a pace that suits you. Assessment is based on written assignments and reflective tasks that you complete and submit online. There are no exams. You'll be asked about your previous qualifications when you enrol, so the course can be tailored to your starting point.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Heart of Yorkshire Education Group will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Counselling support worker: assist qualified counsellors in community or charity settings.
Care assistant: use counselling skills to support clients day to day.
Support worker: help individuals with mental health, housing, or social needs.
Teaching assistant: support pupils' emotional wellbeing in school.
SEN teaching assistant: work alongside children with additional needs.
Youth support worker: provide guidance and emotional support to young people.
Adult educator: support learners in community education settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Counselling: the next step if you want to work toward practitioner-level counselling roles. Most training organisations require a Level 2 counselling qualification before entry.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to move into teaching or training roles.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your options across care and support work.
