Level 2 Counselling Course. Study online with South Bank Colleges. The course is free for some learners, and fees may apply for others depending on your circumstances. You study at your own pace, so it fits around work, family, or other commitments. Over 8 weeks, you'll build a grounded understanding of counselling skills, including how to listen actively, support others effectively, and apply ethical frameworks. This level 2 counselling qualification is recognised by employers in care, education, and support roles.
Who this course is for
Many people find it both helpful and empowering to seek the support of counselling at some point in their lives. People in any situation could benefit from counselling, and those of you with the correct understanding, knowledge and skills can provide them with the support they need to improve their personal well-being.This nationally-recognised qualification focusses on the key counselling skills you will need in order to provide support wherever it is required. This course will give you an understanding of various theoretical approaches, as well as covering the importance of a counselling relationship, and teaching you helpful interaction techniques.Successfully passing this course will not immediately qualify you to practice as a counsellor, but will increase your understanding of counselling skills and techniques, in order to engage in helpful and appropriate interaction. You can then use this knowledge to complement your existing role, or as a basis for continued study and progress to further qualifications in this sector. This is an online course taught over 4-8 weeks, meaning you can choose when and where you study, so it offers you the flexibility to fit your studies around your existing work, training, or home-life commitments, whilst achieving agreed deadlines set by you and your tutor.
Entry requirements
4 GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) at grade D or 3 or above, or Level 1 vocational qualification, or Level 1 qualification in English.Additional Information: If you do not hold a suitable Level 1 qualification, or cannot provide evidence of one, you may still be able to enrol on this course following an initial assessment to test your level of literacy in English.
What you will learn
You'll develop active listening skills used in counselling and support work.
You'll explore the core values and ethics that underpin counselling practice.
You'll learn how to build rapport and communicate with empathy.
You'll understand different counselling approaches and when they apply.
You'll reflect on your own communication style and how it affects others.
You'll learn how to recognise when someone needs additional professional support.
How you will learn
The course is delivered online. You'll work through learning materials at your own pace. Assessment is based on written assignments and reflective tasks that you complete and submit online. There are no formal exams. Contact South Bank Colleges on 020 7501 5000 or quote course reference X1COU-L2CE-O-A1/1 to find out more about how the course is structured.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Bank Colleges 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 empathy skills in care settings.
Teaching assistant: support pupils' emotional wellbeing in school.
SEN teaching assistant: work with children who have additional needs.
Youth support worker: help young people navigate challenges.
Adult educator: teach or mentor adults in community settings.
Counselling volunteer: gain experience before further training.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (NCFE or similar): the next step if you want to go deeper into counselling theory and practice.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: required if you want to practise as a counsellor. Most professional bodies expect at least Level 4 training.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you move into teaching or training roles in the community or adult education sector.
