Certificate in Counselling Skills – Level 2 (part-time)
What is Counselling Skills?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment. A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy and can help people to deal with negative thoughts and feelings. Talking therapies such as counselling can be used to help with many different conditions including anxiety, depression, drug misuse and eating disorders. In the role of a counsellor you assist the person to gain a better understanding of feelings and thought processes and identify ways of them to find their own solutions to problems.
Why should I study this qualification?
This qualification provides an opportunity to investigate the knowledge and skills needed to use counselling skills and engage in a helping interaction appropriately. You will develop a greater self-awareness, counselling skills and an understanding of counselling and the counselling process. This qualification does not qualify you to practice as a counsellor but would be a useful progression route for those interested in furthering their study or widening their work role. The therapeutic value of counselling is increasingly recognised, with practitioners employed in private practice and in settings such as education health and social care services and advisory organisations.
Course structure and content
Attendance is 2-hours a week for 10-12 weeks and you will study the following units:
- Using counselling skills
- Introduction to counselling skills theories
- Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills
- Counselling skills and personal development
With guidance from your tutor you will take part in a range of activities in a classroom environment.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by your tutor on specific written and practical tasks and with support and guidance you will compile a portfolio of evidence. This will include all the work you have completed and it must be submitted at the end of the course in order to achieve the qualification. You must bring a pen, writing paper and a ring binder file to lessons.
In addition to attending a 2-hour session each week you should allow 3-4 hours a week for further study. It is essential that you aim to achieve 100% attendance in order to cover the specific course criteria.
No previous qualifications or experience is required, however a good level of English is necessary. You do not need a work placement or to be working in a counselling environment to study this qualification. On starting the course you will complete initial assessments in literacy and numeracy to ascertain your current level. This will enable the tutor to meet your learning needs and provide additional support if required.
On successfully achieving this qualification you may have the opportunity to progress to a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills. You must have an excellent attendance record to progress.
The fee for this course is TBC.
You will not be charged a course fee if you are:
- Aged 16-18 and studying full-time
- Aged 19-23 and enrolling on a course at Entry Level or Level 1 without prior qualifications
- Aged 19-23 and enrolling for your first full Level 2 qualification
- Studying English or Maths at or below Level 2
- Enrolling on a course at Entry Level, Level 1 or 2, unemployed, seeking employment and in receipt of any of the following: Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or Income Support.
Please note that evidence of benefits must be provided at enrolment and you will also need your N.I Number and a form of I.D (passport, driving license, birth certificate or utility bill).
For further information and guidance please call us on 01287 280250.