Free Level 2 Counselling Skills course. Study online. You can work through the material at your own pace, fitting study around work, caring responsibilities, or other commitments. The course takes 12 weeks and covers how to use counselling skills in everyday life and work, the theories behind those skills, diversity and ethics, and personal development. It does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor, but it supports roles where counselling skills are used and opens doors to further study.
Who this course is for
This online qualification is useful for anyone who would like to develop their use of counselling skills for use in either work or a personal capacity. These may be learners who wish to progress towards further qualifications or learners who wish to study this programme in order to complement other programmes (such as health and social care, children’s care, learning and development, voluntary and community work). Additionally, with 19+ funding, this online course is likely free for you to study!
Entry requirements
There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification, however, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 1 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to use counselling skills in everyday interactions at work and in life.
You'll explore key counselling theories and the approaches that underpin helping conversations.
You'll examine diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills.
You'll reflect on your own personal development in relation to counselling skills.
You'll practise engaging in a helping interaction appropriately and responsibly.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through four mandatory units covering counselling skills practice, theory, diversity and ethics, and personal development. Assessment is based on the work you produce for each unit. You submit your work online and progress at your own pace across the 12 weeks.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chelmsford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills in day-to-day client support
Care assistant: communicate more effectively with people in your care
Youth support worker: help young people through structured listening and guidance
SEN teaching assistant: support pupils with additional emotional or social needs
Teaching assistant: apply helping skills in educational settings
Adult educator: complement teaching practice with counselling awareness
Volunteer or community worker: strengthen your skills in a voluntary role
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory: deepens your knowledge and is a recognised step toward professional counselling training.
Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills: a more substantial qualification for those considering a career in counselling or therapeutic support roles.
Level 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care or Children and Young People's Workforce: if you want to combine counselling skills with a broader care or education career.
