Level 2 Counselling

This qualification is the essential first step on a qualification pathway if you intend to become a professional counsellor and is also useful if you wish to develop your listening skills for use in a variety of personal, professional, or volunteer contexts. This qualification does not lead directly to an employed role. However, it could enhance an existing role or increase the general employability of those seeking to enter the job market.

You will learn skills that can be used in everyday life and to appreciate the importance of self-development in professional practice including: • Basic counselling skills (listening and responding skills) in helping roles • Understanding the role of a counsellor (this qualification won't allow you to be a counsellor, but may help you decide whether you want to continue the qualification pathway to become one. • Improve professional and personal relationships • Improve communication to enhance work and personal relationships or promote better community relations.

This qualification is not suitable for those who are currently in a state of severe emotional difficulty and/or psychological distress, as the course involves classroom based practice therapy activities and deep personal reflection. There are no exams for this course, you will be assessed on your portfolio of evidence and written assignments. It is important to understand that the level of commitment on this course is high and the written element requires you to complete substantial pieces of writing, throughout the course, for which you will be given staggered deadlines. You can expect to take approximately two extra hours a week of independent study and preparation outside of class time to complete these assignments.

You will need to complete an initial written assessment activity to establish your existing English and vocational skill level and make sure that the course is right for you. At a minimum, you should have an English Functional Skills qualification at Level 1 (lower GCSE) for entry onto this course. If you do not have proof of this, you may be asked to undertake a specific English assessment to confirm this. Continuing professional study in this area will require you to have English Functional Skills at Level 2 (higher GCSE) to be able to complete the required level of assignments. Therefore, you will be encouraged to gain English qualifications prior to joining this pathway, if you do not have the capacity to study this concurrently.

Successful completion of the course will allow you to progress onto the Level 3 certificate in Counselling Skills, if appropriate. It can also be considered as the first qualification level towards becoming employed in the counselling sector. Continuing studies will require you to have English Functional Skills at Level 2 (higher GCSE) to be able to complete the assignments at the required level. Therefore, you will be encouraged to gain English qualifications prior to joining this pathway if you do not have the capacity to study this concurrently.