Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

An introduction to using counselling skills, the theory behind them, and the ethical boundaries that make them safe to use.

Level 2 Certificate
NCFE CACHE
Typically one year
Funding available

About this course

Counselling skills are useful well beyond counselling itself. Anyone whose job involves listening to people in difficulty, in care, education, housing, the voluntary sector or elsewhere, does that job better for understanding how these skills work.

This certificate covers the skills themselves, the main theoretical approaches behind them, the diversity and ethical considerations that govern their use, and your own personal development as someone using them. It is the recognised first step if you want to train as a counsellor.

Who this is for

Open to learners aged 16 and over. NCFE sets no recommended prior learning requirements. There is no placement requirement.

What you will study

Four mandatory units, all of which must be achieved. Each is 30 hours.

Using counselling skills

The skills themselves, and using them safely and effectively within your limits.

Introduction to counselling skills theories

The main theoretical approaches and where the skills come from.

Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills

Boundaries, confidentiality, difference, and the ethical framework.

Counselling skills and personal development

Self awareness, reflection, and the effect this work has on you.

Where this can lead

Roles this can lead to

Support worker roles across care, housing and the voluntary sector
Helpline and advice roles
Pastoral and wellbeing roles in education
Trainee counsellor, with further qualifications

This qualification does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor. It is the first step on that route.

Further study

Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory
Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

How you are assessed

Internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence, including practical skills work, and quality assured by NCFE.

Support while you study

Every learner gets an individual learning plan, an initial assessment of English and maths, and a named tutor. You will have a college email address and access to Microsoft Teams. See our learning support and career support pages for what else is available.

Part of a pathway

This course sits within the following employment pathways. A pathway combines several qualifications into a route towards a particular kind of job.

Ready to get started?

Talk to us about whether this course is right for you, what funding you might be eligible for, and when the next start date is.

Apply now

01287 280800 | adultlearning@atomix.ac.uk