Level 2 Counselling Course. Study online, with evening sessions running weekly over 30 weeks. This level 2 counselling qualification builds the listening and communication skills used by people working in support, care, and helping roles. You study at your own pace around your schedule, with no need to travel to a centre. The course includes experiential activities that may involve personal reflection, so it is not suitable for anyone currently experiencing severe emotional difficulty. A fee of £479 applies, though concessions are available.
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 helping conversations.
You'll learn how to communicate empathy and build trust with the people you support.
You'll understand the ethical boundaries that apply to counselling and support work.
You'll explore how personal values and self-awareness affect your practice.
You'll gain knowledge of the core principles that underpin professional counselling practice.
You'll practise skills through experiential activities and reflective exercises.
How you will learn
The course runs online, with weekly evening sessions on Wednesdays from 17:30 to 20:30. Learning includes experiential activities, group work, and personal reflection exercises. Assessment is through the CPCAB framework, which typically involves written assignments and observed practice of counselling skills. You will build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Poole Adult 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 day to day.
Care assistant: help individuals with emotional and practical needs in care settings.
Youth support worker: work with young people facing personal or social challenges.
Teaching assistant: support pupils' wellbeing and communication in school.
SEN teaching assistant: work with students who need additional emotional support.
Adult educator: facilitate learning for adults in community or education settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills: the next step if you want to deepen your counselling practice and work toward professional training.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: required to practise as a qualified counsellor. Most professional bodies expect training at this level.
Level 3 Award in Health and Social Care: broadens your knowledge for roles across the care sector.
