Free Level 2 Counselling Skills. Study online. The course is self-paced, so you can fit it around your other commitments without travelling to a centre. Over 7 weeks, you'll cover core counselling skills, the theory behind them, and the ethical framework that guides how they're used. You'll also look at how to develop your skills going forward. A good level of literacy at Level 2 is required to enrol. This counselling skills qualification does not give you accredited counsellor status; further study would be needed for that.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for anybody looking to get counselling skills. It's ideal for anyone who works in a helping capacity, such as support workers, teachers, social workers or youth workers. You could take it to complement other courses such as health and social care, children's care, learning and development or for voluntary and community work. The course won't make you a qualified counsellor but if that is your long-term intention, it's a good introduction to both the theory and practical skills you'll need to develop. You'll need patience, sensitivity and a non-judgmental approach.
Entry requirements
Good level of literacy with the ability to write at Level 2 (GCSE grade 4 (C) or above)
What you will learn
You'll learn how core counselling skills are used in a counselling relationship and in other helping activities.
You'll explore the counselling theories that underpin the use of those skills.
You'll understand the ethical framework that informs how counsellors work.
You'll reflect on how to develop your own counselling skills and qualities in the future.
You'll gain knowledge of how to support people's mental wellbeing using counselling approaches.
How you will learn
You'll study online through flexible learning materials you can access at your own pace. The course has four units covering counselling skills, theory, ethics, and personal development. Assessment is through written work that demonstrates your understanding of each unit. You'll need a good level of written literacy at Level 2 to complete the assessments.
What you will need to bring
You'll need reliable internet access and the ability to write at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or above). Learning Curve Group will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills to support clients day to day.
Youth support worker: help young people with emotional and social challenges.
Teaching assistant or SEN teaching assistant: support pupils' wellbeing in school settings.
Care assistant: bring a stronger understanding of mental health to care roles.
Adult educator: apply counselling skills when working with adult learners.
Social care or community worker: complement existing helping-role experience.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Counselling: the next step if you want to work toward accredited counsellor status.
Level 3 Award in Mental Health in the Workplace: useful if you support colleagues or teams.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your options across care and support roles.
Level 3 Certificate in Education and Training: relevant if you're moving toward teaching or adult education.
