Level 2 Award in Skilled Helping & Counselling Skills:

UPDATE - we are running L2 this September both online on Saturdays and face to face at our offices on Wednesdays & Fridays.                  Please see the Dates/Times section below for details

Thinking about training as a counsellor? Looking to improve your communication and listening skills? Interested in supporting others more effectively in your personal or professional life? 

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.

Both online and face to face courses finish in time for progression onto our Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills in January 2027. 

What will I learn?

Throughout the course you will: 

• Develop active listening and communication skills 
• Learn the importance of empathy, silence and attending skills 
• Gain an understanding of what counselling is and how it differs from other helping roles 
• Explore professional boundaries and ethical practice 
• Increase self-awareness through experiential learning and reflective activities 
• Build confidence in both verbal and written communication 
• Develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships with others 
• Discover what further counselling training involves before committing to professional qualification routes 

The course places a strong emphasis on personal growth and experiential learning, making it both educational and personally rewarding. 

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for: 

• Individuals considering a career change 
• Those returning to study after a break 
• Volunteers working in supportive or helping roles 
• Teachers, healthcare staff, support workers and managers
• Enhancing career prospects through extra qualifications
• Anyone wishing to improve their communication and interpersonal skills 
• Individuals considering progression to professional counselling training

Please note that completion of this course does not qualify you to practise as a counsellor. It is designed as an introductory qualification and a stepping stone towards further counselling training. 

Entry Requirements

This is an open-access course and no previous counselling training is required. 

Applicants will be invited to attend an informal telephone interview to discuss their suitability for the course and ensure they are in an appropriate place emotionally to undertake the personal development aspects of the programme. 

Students will need: 

• Access to a computer and for the online course a reliable internet connection
• An email address 
• The ability to complete reflective journals and written assignments 
• A private space from which to attend online sessions (for the online Saturday course)

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion of the Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills provides a recognised route into our Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills. 

For those not intending to pursue professional counselling training, the qualification also provides valuable transferable skills applicable to a wide range of careers, voluntary roles and personal development opportunities. 

Course Dates & Times

Face to Face:

This course runs three times a year 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.

Online:

For September intake the online course will run on 10 Saturdays, 9.30am - 12.30pm. There will be a break for half-term.

Next intakes:

Autumn 2026 - Face to Face:

WEDNESDAYS: Evening group 5.30pm-8.30pm.
September 23rd, 30th | October 7th, 14th, 21st | November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th | December 2nd

OR 

FRIDAYS: Morning group 9.30am–12.30pm.
September 25th | October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd | November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th | December 4th

Autumn 2026 Online:

SATURDAYS:  9.30am - 12.30pm

September 19th, 26th | October 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th | November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

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.