Level 2 Counselling Skills Course in Southampton – Southampton College

Cost£360.00
Duration20 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start15 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body

About this course

Level 2 Counselling Skills Course in Southampton. Classes run at Southampton College, part-time during the day. The course runs over 20 weeks and covers the core skills used in counselling conversations, including active listening, empathy, and self-awareness. You'll take part in experiential learning and group exercises, which means engaging honestly with others and reflecting on yourself. There are no formal entry requirements, but you'll complete a short online questionnaire before enrolling. This counselling skills qualification opens doors in care, support work, education, and related roles.

Who this course is for

Adult part time learners

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, but you will need to complete an online questionnaire prior to enrolment. You should be aware that the course involves experiential learning and self-awareness exercises, which will be demanding of the self in interaction with others.Your place is not secure until payment has been received.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop active listening skills used in counselling and support conversations.
  • You'll explore how to use empathy and non-judgmental responses effectively.
  • You'll practise self-awareness techniques through experiential learning exercises.
  • You'll understand the boundaries and ethics involved in using counselling skills.
  • You'll reflect on how personal values and experiences affect your interactions with others.
  • You'll build skills in giving and receiving feedback in a group setting.

How you will learn

Classes are classroom based and part-time during the day at Southampton College. Learning is experiential, meaning you'll take part in practical exercises and group work alongside taught sessions. You'll be expected to engage in self-reflection and self-awareness activities throughout the course. Assessment is likely to include written work and observed practice, in line with the Certificate in Counselling Skills at Level 2.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Southampton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: use counselling skills in day-to-day support roles
  • Support worker: help clients with emotional and practical needs
  • Youth support worker: work with young people in community or school settings
  • Teaching assistant: support pupils' wellbeing alongside classroom learning
  • SEN teaching assistant: provide emotional support to pupils with additional needs
  • Adult educator: facilitate learning in community or further education settings
  • Counselling: a foundation step toward further counselling training and practice

What you could study next

A natural next step is the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Counselling, which takes your skills further and is often required for voluntary or paid counselling roles. From there, a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling leads toward professional practice. If you're drawn to education or support work, a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or Teaching and Learning Support is also worth exploring.

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