This course has been designed to give students the underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies to safely use listening and helping skills ethically and in a variety of contexts and roles. As such this course would be suitable for individuals seeking a career change, undertaking voluntary work in a range of sectors, and will support progression to Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications for those who are considering training to become a professional counsellor. 

This Level 2 Award aims to:

• enhance and improve verbal communication skills, especially empathy, the ability to listen and respect silence
• enhance and improve written communication skills
• provide a basic understanding of what counselling is about and be able to compare and contrast counselling with other forms of helping activities
• develop an understanding of what counselling training entails and assist learners to make a more informed choice as to whether or not s/he is suited to undertake vocational counselling training as opposed to other types of training
• introduce learners to experiential learning processes that will include a high element of personal growth work, developing further self-confidence and self-esteem
• prepare learners to progress onto appropriate further qualifications

Target Group

This course is designed as a basic generic introduction to counselling for those who have had no previous experience of, or training in, the field of counselling. Its versatility appeals to a wide range of potential learners including those who are considering embarking on formal counselling training as an intended career change. The course allows learners to make a more informed choice as to whether or not to embark on a demanding vocational training towards a possible career in counselling or an allied career, e.g. welfare advice work, where counselling skills would be useful. It is also intended for those who wish to improve their listening and communication skills. It is appropriate for those who are: 

• returning to study
• seeking a career change
• undertaking voluntary work
• enhancing career prospects through extra qualifications
• thinking of training as a professional counsellor
• seeking development of enhanced social skills

Prospective learners must be aware that they will not be qualified to practice as counsellors on completion of this course, or even claim to be competent in the use of counselling skills. 

Entry Requirements

This is an open access course - no previous counselling training is required; candidates do need to show they are in a mentally stable place to be able to study. Entry is dependent on a personal interview. Students will need to be able to write journals and an essay, and have access to a computer, printing and email.

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of this Level 2 Award, or an equivalent, will be a pre-requisite for entry into the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills programme. However, for those who do not intend to continue their studies further in the field of counselling, the course can be a valuable introduction to communication skills transferable into a range of career and educational opportunities. 

Course Dates & Times

This course runs over 10 weeks in a choice of two group times; Wednesdays 5.30 – 8.30pm or Fridays 9.30am – 12.30pm, with a one week break for half-term as per local schools. We will run one or both groups according to demand.

Winter 2025

WEDNESDAYS: Evening group 5.30pm-8.30pm.
Jan 15th, 22nd, 29th | Feb 5th, 12th, 26th | March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

OR 

FRIDAYS: Morning group 9.30am–12.30pm.
Jan 17th, 24th, 31st | Feb 7th, 14th, 28th | March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Spring 2025

WEDNESDAYS: Evening group 5.30pm-8.30pm
April 23rd, 30th | May 7th, 14th, 21st | June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th | July 2nd

OR 

FRIDAYS: Morning group 9.30am–12.30pm
April 25th | May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd | June 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th | July 4th

Fees

£390 for all tuition and registration. The full fee must be paid before starting the course. Note: If a third party organisation is paying your fees we will need a purchase order number from them, and full payment must be made before the start of the course. 

How to Apply

Click the Apply for Course button below to complete our online application form. If you need any further information before applying, please use the Got Questions button.