Free Level 2 Counselling Skills course. Study online. You can work through the material at your own pace, which makes it easier to fit around work, caring responsibilities, or other commitments. The course covers how to use counselling skills in everyday interactions, whether in a professional role or personal context. It takes around 6 to 10 weeks to complete. You'll need to pass a short English assessment before you start.
Who this course is for
This 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 (eg health and social care, children's care, learning and development, voluntary and community work).
Entry requirements
You should have been living in the UK for 3 years by the start of the course. You should be over 19+ and not currently be enrolled on an apprenticeship. Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection An email account that you regularly check You need to pass a short English assessment You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient time to study the qualification as it is expected that you will achieve within 6-10 weeks.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to use core counselling skills such as active listening and empathy in real conversations.
You'll explore the values and ethics that underpin counselling practice.
You'll develop your ability to support others through difficult situations.
You'll understand the boundaries of counselling skills versus formal counselling.
You'll reflect on your own communication style and how to improve it.
You'll learn how counselling skills apply in health, social care, education, and community settings.
How you will learn
You study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is through written assignments and reflective tasks that you submit online. You'll need regular access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. You should also have an email account you check regularly, as tutor feedback and course communications come through email.
What you will need to bring
You'll need a computer with a reliable internet connection and an email account you check regularly. Northampton College Main Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills to support vulnerable adults day to day.
Care assistant: communicate more effectively with clients and their families.
Youth support worker: help young people navigate personal and social challenges.
SEN teaching assistant: support pupils with emotional and communication needs.
Teaching assistant: apply listening and communication skills in classroom settings.
Adult educator: bring counselling awareness to community learning environments.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (NCFE or similar): the next step if you want to deepen your practice or work toward becoming a qualified counsellor.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: combines well with counselling skills for roles in adult care or mental health support.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you're moving toward teaching or training roles in community or adult education settings.
