Level 2 Counselling Course in Bournemouth. Evening counselling classes run at Kings Park Leisure & Learning Centre on Thursday evenings from 17:30 to 20:30, so you can fit study around your existing commitments. Concessions are available, and the full fee is £479. The course runs over 30 weeks and covers the foundations of counselling skills, including listening and communication techniques that support individual well-being. It is designed for people working in or moving into support, care, or education roles. Note: this course includes experiential activities and is not suitable for anyone currently experiencing severe emotional difficulty.
Who this course is for
We have designed this course to support you in working within the support and care sector. Completing the course will give you the skills and knowledge needed for roles that help promote individual well-being. You can explore suitable career paths on the National Careers Service website: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/.
This course is not suitable for anyone experiencing severe emotional difficulty or psychological confusion. It includes experiential activities that may involve personal reflection. If your tutor feels the course is not appropriate for you in the early weeks, they may recommend deferring to a later date.
No prior counselling skills are required, though completing the Introduction to Counselling Skills course is recommended.
By enrolling, you are expected to commit fully to the course duration, home study, assessed work, and any examinations. Please consider your readiness for study; our study support toolbox may help: https://www.skillsandlearningace.com/toolbox/.
For online courses, you will need a computer (not just a phone or tablet) and basic IT confidence. Classes are delivered via Microsoft Teams. You can refresh your skills by visiting the Computing and Digital Skills section of our website.
A minimum of Level 1 English is required. You will complete an online English assessment after applying. This course is for learners aged 19 and over.
What you will learn
You'll develop active listening skills used in one-to-one support settings.
You'll learn how to communicate in ways that promote individual well-being.
You'll explore the core principles that underpin professional counselling practice.
You'll practise skills through experiential activities and group work.
You'll understand boundaries and ethical responsibilities in a helping role.
You'll build self-awareness as it relates to working with others.
How you will learn
Classes are classroom based, meeting weekly on Thursday evenings. Learning includes group discussion, experiential activities, and skills practice with other learners. Assessment is through coursework and practical demonstration of your counselling skills. The course follows the CPCAB framework, so assessment is ongoing throughout the 30 weeks rather than through a single end exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Kings Park Leisure & Learning Centre 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 communication skills in care settings.
Teaching assistant. Support pupils' emotional and social well-being.
SEN teaching assistant. Work with students who need additional support.
Youth support worker. Help young people navigate challenges and build resilience.
Adult educator. Facilitate learning in community or adult education settings.
Counselling. A first step toward a counselling career with further study.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills. The natural next step if you want to deepen your practice and move closer to a counselling role.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Required to work as a qualified counsellor in most settings. Leads to professional membership with BACP or COSCA.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Useful if you want to move into a teaching or training role using your communication skills.
