Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Start date(s): September 2026
- Centre(s): Abraham Moss, Gorton Hub, Greenheys
- Course duration: 20 weeks
Course details
This qualification is useful for anyone who would like to develop their use of counselling skills for use in either work or in a personal capacity.
You may wish to progress towards further qualifications, or wish to study this programme in order to complement other programmes (for example, health and social care, children’s care, learning and development, voluntary and community work).
The objectives of this qualification are to help learners to:
- develop counselling skills
- understand the different approaches involved in the use of counselling skills
- appreciate the importance of self-development.
On this course you will study the following four mandatory units:
Using counselling skills: In this unit, you will identify core counselling skills and understand how these are practised in a counselling relationship. You will gain an understanding of how to establish a helping relationship and consider any boundaries that need to be considered.
Introduction to counselling skills theories: This unit will allow you to explore the key elements of the main theoretical approaches to counselling, including psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). You will discover the key differences between these theories and gain an understanding of the significance of counselling theory.
Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills: In this unit you will cover the concepts of diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills. You will gain an understanding of anti-discriminatory practice, discover the key aspects of an ethical framework and discover varied ways to address diversity in counselling skills practice.
Counselling skills and personal development: In this final unit, you will develop your own self-understanding – identifying your own values and beliefs and how to reflect on your personal qualities and skills. You will also identify where you would like to develop in the future and potential sources of support to help you do this.
This course is delivered face-to-face in our adult learning centres.
You will access materials and complete assignments via Google Classroom.
For this course, you will be required to create a portfolio of evidence meeting the assessment criteria for the qualification.
For this course you are required to have Level 1 English and maths qualifications.
You will also need access to a laptop or PC and be digitally confident to complete assignments throughout the course. You can apply to our Chromebook loan system if you do not have a suitable device.
I loved the course. the tutor made it with her style of teaching. She made the subject fun. I enjoyed the different styles of learning e.g. discussion, presentation, skills practice, quizzes.
Career and progression routes
After successfully completing this course, you may wish to progress onto Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills to further your learning. You could also look at completing the Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance.
You will also be able to use your newfound understanding and active listening skills within your current role.