Free Level 2 Counselling Course. Study online, at your own pace, over 12 weeks. This free counselling course is delivered entirely by distance learning, so you can fit it around work, family, or other commitments. You'll explore counselling skills and how to apply them in supportive roles across care, education, and community settings. No formal qualifications are needed, though a good level of written English and maths is expected. You'll be assigned a personal tutor who provides written feedback and remote tutorial support throughout.
Who this course is for
Adults
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications but a good level of written English and maths is required.
What you will learn
You'll understand the core principles and values that underpin counselling practice.
You'll develop active listening and communication skills used in supportive conversations.
You'll explore how to build trust and rapport with people in distress or difficulty.
You'll learn about boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical responsibilities in a helping role.
You'll recognise how personal values and self-awareness affect the support you give.
You'll understand how counselling skills apply in care, education, and community settings.
How you will learn
The course is delivered fully online by distance learning. You'll receive all learning and assessment materials digitally. A personal tutor is assigned at the start and provides written feedback on your submitted assessments. You'll also have access to remote tutorial support throughout the 12 weeks. Assessment is based on written work you submit online rather than exams.
What you will need to bring
All learning and assessment materials are provided online. NCG Newcastle College Southwark 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 or young people.
Care assistant: apply listening and communication skills in care settings.
Youth support worker: help young people navigate personal or social challenges.
Teaching assistant: support pupils with emotional or behavioural needs in school.
SEN teaching assistant: work alongside children with special educational needs.
Adult educator: support learners in community or further education settings.
Counselling volunteer: build experience in a charity or helpline setting.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Counselling: the next step if you want to move toward practitioner-level counselling work. Most professional counselling roles require training at Level 4 or above.
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 the care and support sector.
