Level 2 Award In Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)

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Timeline: 30 Weeks | Study method: Online or In person | Class time: 3 hours per week | Cohort: Smaller cohorts - stronger support | Code: CSK‑L2

National Counselling Psychotherapy Society logo
British Association Counselling Psychotherapy Approved Qualification

Approved by:

Next course dates - coming soon

If you are interested in enrolling in this course, please sign up to the wait list and we’ll let you know when enrollment is open.

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Begin Your Journey Towards Helping Others - Your First Step

You’ve felt it deep inside: the urge to help, to listen, to make a difference. You’ve experienced how powerful it is when someone really hears you and you sense that your purpose in life might be in offering that same gift to others.

But you also have a busy life, work responsibilities, and other commitments. You need a course that respects that, not one that demands that you put all that on pause.

This Level 2 Counselling Skills course gives you exactly that: a gentle, supportive, step‑by‑step foundation. It helps you move from intention through to having the skills, without overwhelming you or your schedule.


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Image of an open book with "Listen to the part of yourself that knows there's more out there for you."

Why Counselling Skills Matter

You already engage with people: in your relationships, at work, in conversations that matter. You care. You listen. Sometimes you wish you knew how to go deeper, to respond with intention instead of hesitation.

Learning counselling skills gives your empathy structure. It shows you how to respond with clarity and boundaries, how to hold space when someone’s pain is heavy, how to listen to others so they feel heard and not judged.

What you learn is built to trusted professional standards. This is a CPCAB Level 2 Award in Counselling Skills (CSK‑L2) recognised by the BACP and the NCPS.

It also enables you to move forward toward Level 3 in counselling or life coaching, with clear next steps and support along the way.

Even if you’re already in a helping profession such as nursing, health and social care, education and other supporting roles, learning counselling skills can hugely improve your communication skills and confidence in your relationships both professionally and personally.

This qualification and the knowledge and skills you will learn can increase your employability, lead to increased opportunities and can support the advancement in your career. 

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Course info

What You’ll Learn In This Level 2 Counselling Skills Course

Over 30 weeks, you’ll meet for 3 hours each week in a live, confidential, online space (sessions are not recorded to ensure confidentiality). This qualification builds the foundations you need to help ethically and confidently.

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    • Tutor presentations & guided walkthroughs: theory clearly explained and discussed

    • Practical application: trying new skills in a safe, supportive space

    • Discussion & peer learning: your stories matter, your voice matters

    • Reflection & feedback: regular reviews so you learn as you go

    • Presentation slides and detailed handouts

    • Video links and recommended podcasts

    • Blog posts, reading lists and book suggestions

    • Worksheets, infographics and guided exercises

    • Assignments, worksheets, reflective journals

    • Tutor‑observed skills tasks

    • Learning reviews and feedback

    • No high-pressure exams! You show your progress through your work and development across your regular attendance.

    • Using counselling skills ethically and safely

    • Empathy, listening, reflecting, summarising

    • Boundaries, confidentiality, limits of helping work

    • Self-awareness: how your experience shapes your presence

    • Diversity, respect, working with difference

    • Feedback, reflection, adjusting your style

“I had a fantastic experience doing the Level 2 course, it is really eye opening, fascinating and you learn so much.”

— Level 2 student
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How it works

How It Works: Built For You

  • Fully online or in person sessions in our Lincoln city centre location, live weekly sessions (usually working around school holidays and national holidays).

  • 30 weeks, 3 hours per week.

  • Smaller cohort sizes: allowing for more dedicated support from your tutor.

  • Materials included: slides, handouts, videos, infographics, worksheets - whatever works best for your learning style, we have it covered.

  • Tutor support: direct tutor contact, check‑ins, one‑to‑one help.

  • 24/7 learner community: share, connect, ask questions.

You’ll never feel alone in this. Every assignment, reflection and learning module is scaffolded with pillars of support so you know what comes next.

Who it's for

Who This Level 2 Course Is For
& What’s Expected

This is for you if:

  • You’re ready to step towards helping work.

  • You want to train as a counsellor/coach.

  • You’re looking for personal development.

  • You want to improve your relationships.

  • You want to increase your employability.

  • You want structure, but with flexibility.

  • You need a course that respects your life.

  • You’re willing to engage, reflect, practise, grow.

You do need to:

  • Be consistent in attending.

  • Bring willingness to explore, be challenged, and reflect.

  • Engage in portfolio work, assignments, skills practice.

  • Be open to emotional growth, with support along the way.

You don’t need prior counselling training, anyone can take this course.

Important note: this course does not allow you to practise as a fully qualified counsellor by itself, it enables you to move into further training paths.

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What You’ll Walk Away With

On successful completion of this course, you could:

  • Listen, empathise and respond with greater confidence.

  • Understand how to hold boundaries and work ethically.

  • Gain deeper self-awareness, learn more about your true self.

  • Hold a CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification on your CV.

  • Be ready to advance into Level 3 (counselling or life coaching).

  • Experience personal growth, better relationships, clearer voice, inner confidence.

You’ll move from “Can I do this?”“I am doing this.”

Common Questions & What You’ll Want to Hear

FAQs

“I’m already so busy, how will I keep up?”

This was designed for people with full lives. You’ll only need 3 hours per week, live. Assignments are paced. You get regular check‑ins and support.

“I’m not academic. I’ll fall behind.”

There are no exams. Everything is structured and assessed throughout your attendance and course work. You’ll get clear instruction, templates, one-to-one help, you won’t be left behind.

“Is this legit? Will people take me seriously?”

Yes! CPCAB, BACP, and NCPS recognition alignment mean this is a serious credential, not just a “nice course.”. You are building a solid foundation on which to become a counsellor or life coach, or improve your skills in your existing helping role.

“There are so many training options, how do I choose?”

This is designed for you, someone balancing life, work, dreams. The training pace, support, and clarity make it the reliable, smart choice.

“I’ll need face-to-face later for Level 4, will this help?”

Absolutely. This gives you a robust foundation with practical skills assessment by experienced tutors, and when you’re ready for local, face‑to‑face Level 4 training, you’ll step in with confidence and clarity.

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Accreditation & Credibility

✓ This is the CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK‑L2).

✓ It is BACP and NCPS recognised, which confirms it meets standards expected in the counselling sector and signalling alignment with professional counselling ethics.

✓ While this course does not allow you to work as a fully qualified counsellor on its own, it enables progression into Level 3 and beyond.

British Association Counselling Psychotherapy Approved Qualification
National Counselling Psychotherapy Society logo

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Investment

Investment, Application & Next Steps

You can pay in full, or we offer installments over a 7 month payment plan.

To apply: Submit your application form below, after which you will be contacted for an interview. If approved you will then be required to pay the deposit (CPCAB registration fee) to secure your place.

Pay In Full

Option to pay the course fees in full

Complete the application form to get started (CPCAB registration fee due after approval)

£854

(price not including the £182 registration fee, which must be paid in full and is non-refundable once the course has started)

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Payment Plan

Pay over 7 months - interest free!

Complete the application form to get started (CPCAB registration fee due after approval)

£122 x 7

Payments will be taken by direct debit over 7 months

(price not including the £182 registration fee, which must be paid in full and is non-refundable once the course has started)

APPLY

Learner Stories

“I had a fantastic experience doing the Level 2 course, it is really eye opening, fascinating and you learn so much. Everyone was a pleasure to work with, both tutors and others on the course alike. Learning over Zoom made it possible to take part on the course and I can’t recommend them enough. I'm looking forward to starting Level 3!”

— Level 2 student

“The course has been extremely informative and fun to take part in. The group and tutors have been brilliant. So supportive. I learnt a lot and found it incredibly therapeutic in terms of developing my own self-awareness and improving my mental health, which I was not expecting. It helped me and also my ability to become a helper for others. I would 100% recommend Level 2 Counselling Skills course.”

— Level 2 student

“I have enjoyed learning new things and interacting with other learners to develop my skills. I have really enjoyed the Peer Testimonies and the skills practice. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be as I thought I might have not had the confidence. Every class lesson was very valuable, and I loved being introduced to new skills, and what different therapies offer.”

— Level 2 student
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LEVEL 2
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This is the course you’ve been searching for

You don't have to wait for the right time. The right time is now. You don’t have to choose between your life and your dream. You can start now with a course that respects your individuality, your dreams, and your life. Take one steady, supported step. Let’s begin.

Please note we run courses once there is sufficient interest to ensure a high-quality learning experience for everyone, so please join the waitlist if you’d like to join us. As soon as numbers align and a new date is confirmed, we’ll be in touch with full details and clear next steps.

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Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST - L3)