Free Level 2 Counselling Skills course. Study online. You can work through the material at your own pace, fitting study around your existing commitments. Over around 6 months, you'll develop listening and communication skills used in care, education, and support roles. The course covers what counselling involves, how to use its skills responsibly, and how to support others effectively. It won't qualify you as a counsellor, but a level 2 counselling skills qualification is valued in roles across social care, education, and youth work.
Who this course is for
This nationally recognised qualification is a great introduction to the world of counselling and is perfect for anyone looking to build strong communication and listening skills. Whether you want to support others in your personal life or feel more confident in a role at work, this course will give you the tools to do it thoughtfully and responsibly. While it won’t make you a qualified counsellor, it does give you a solid understanding of what counselling involves and how its skills can make a real difference in everyday life.
You might be working or volunteering in health and social care, education, youth work, or a community setting—or you might just want to improve how you connect with people in your personal life.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entrance requirements.
What you will learn
You'll understand the core principles and values that underpin counselling practice.
You'll develop active listening skills and learn how to use them in supportive conversations.
You'll explore how to communicate empathetically and non-judgementally.
You'll learn about personal and professional boundaries when supporting others.
You'll examine how counselling skills apply in workplace and community settings.
You'll reflect on your own communication style and how to develop it.
You'll understand the limits of counselling skills and when to refer someone to further support.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is through written assignments and reflective tasks that you submit online. There are no exams. Professional Development and Training will guide you through the assessment process and confirm submission deadlines when you enrol.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Professional Development and Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Support worker: use counselling skills in day-to-day client support
Care assistant: communicate more effectively with people in your care
Youth support worker: listen and respond to young people's needs
SEN teaching assistant: support pupils with emotional and communication needs
Teaching assistant: handle sensitive conversations with students and families
Adult educator: bring reflective communication skills to teaching roles
What you could study next
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (NCFE or similar): deepens your understanding and is a step toward professional counselling training.
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling: the qualification route toward becoming a practising counsellor, typically requiring supervised placement hours.
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: broadens your options across the care and support sector.
