L2 Cert In Counselling Skills
Every counsellor starts somewhere. Learn the skills, techniques, and self-awareness needed to progress to higher-level counselling qualifications. You can choose to study this course in the day or evening, classes are once a week, and the course is academic year. Fast track options are available.
You will develop a range of skills including:
• Psychodynamic theory
• Person-Centred theory
• CBT
• Establishing boundaries
• Ethical framework and anti-discriminatory practice
Once you complete our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, you’ll be ready to move on to Level 3 and take your next steps toward a rewarding career in counselling, social work, or another helping profession.
- Course Information
- Course Code
- XDC2CSK
- Learner Aim Reference
- 60010514
- Price
- £504 Lancashire area / £1008 none Lancashire area
- Attendance Pattern
- Daytime or Evening
- Course Level
- Level 2
- Study Mode
- In person
- Course Location
- Leyland Campus
- Age Group
- Adults (19+)
- Course Duration
- Starts September 2026 for 35 Weeks / 17 Fast Track weeks
- Overview
*Price & Funding
The course may be free of charge if you fit one of the following criteria and reside in the Lancashire area:
- Unemployed in receipt of a recognised state benefit
- Low Wage (Earning below £25,750 annual gross salary)
Payment options:
- Pay in full
- 4 x equal consecutive payments
- Sponsor
Sessions Available
Start End Day Session Time Venue 08/09/26 Jan 2027 Tues Day 09:15 – 16:00 Langdale Road, Leyland Fast track 08/09/26 Jun 2027 Tues Evening 17:30 – 20:30 Langdale Road, Leyland Delivery method
Fully delivered in the classroom.
Important Information
- Access to a computer is essential for successful completion of the course.
- Learners must be able to use basic Microsoft packages.
- Applicants need to be able to demonstrate their ability to handle the level of academic work.
- Learners should be respectful of everyone regardless of their age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
- The course requires the learner to participate in personal disclosure and associated personal development with their peers.
- Learners need to be in a sound state of mind to study this qualification.
- Entry Requirements
- Students must be aged 19+
- GCSE English grade C/4 or above or, Level 2 Functional Skills English
Learners who do not hold this qualification may take a Century English assessment. To progress with their application, they must achieve a Level 2 score, as the course includes written assessments.
Please note that if you wish to progress in the future to the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills or the Level 4 Therapeutic Diploma in Counselling, you must hold the specified English qualification.
- How will I be assessed?
Internal assessments and internal and external moderation. Students will build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course, which will consist of written assignments, tutor and peer observations and testimonials, and other work produced by the student. The portfolio will be assessed by your tutor throughout the course and moderated internally and externally. Please note there is no formal exam for this course.
- Progression Pathway
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.
Career opportunities:
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (Next step)
- Volunteering
- Health and Social Care
- Education and Youth Work
- Higher Education and Training
- Advocacy and Mediation
- Support and Project Work
- Workplace Management and HR
- Programme Specification
Course units:
- Counselling Skills and Personal Development
- Using Counselling Skills
- Introduction to Counselling Skills Theories
- Diversity and Ethics in the Use of Counselling.
Students will learn:
- A range of counselling skills which will include practice with other students in the class. This includes looking at theories such as Psychodynamic theory, Person-Centred theory, and CBT.
- Identifying own values and beliefs and how this can affect helping relationships.
- How personal and professional support can be used to highlight issues arising from counselling skills practice.
- How to establish boundaries when starting a counselling relationship.
- Key aspects of ethical framework and anti-discriminatory practice.
- Health, Safety & Well-Being
Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.
- Safeguarding
Runshaw College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
- National Careers Service
For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.
- FAQs - Level 2 Certificate in Counselling
How many English assessment tries can I have?
Two – If in the future you wish to progress to Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills/Level 4 Therapeutic Diploma in Counselling with Runshaw College you must hold the English qualification as you will be expected to complete written assessments.
Do classes take place throughout the year?
No, Runshaw College observes term times in line with local education. A full college calendar will be provided upon enrolment.
Do I need to attend every lesson?
Yes, you must attend all lessons without fail (unless due to exceptional circumstances) as any absences will have a significant impact on your learning and achievement on the course.
I am planning a holiday which means I will miss some of the course; can I still enrol?
It is advisable that if you have planned holidays or know that you will need time off from the course, that you consider applying for the next available intake. Any missed class time will have a detrimental impact on your learning, development and progress. This is particularly the case for the fast-track course.
Minimum attendance expectations at Runshaw are 90%
I have a higher qualification in a related subject (psychology, mental health, coaching). Or I have other relevant experience, can I go straight onto Level 3 or Level 4?
Progression onto the Level 3 and Level 4 programmes of study are subject to the successful completion of a Level 2 tutor-taught course. Although your experience and knowledge will be a great asset to your studies, the Level 2 will provide you with the foundational skills and learning to support your development at higher levels. This is also a requirement set by the qualification awarding bodies and professional counselling bodies we work with.
Do I need to attend every session in person?
Yes, the course is experiential in nature, meaning that your knowledge will come from practicing and reflecting on what you are learning. Active participation is essential, and sessions consist of skills practice, group discussions and activities to support learning.
Can I still do the course if I have work or family commitments?
Yes. Many students balance study with other responsibilities. We have two course options, either the part-time evening course (one evening per week for 34 weeks), or the daytime fast-track course (one full day per week for 17 weeks).
Will I need a computer?
Yes, access to, and familiarity with using a computer or similar equipment to complete your work is essential. The college also has a computer suite in the library for use by all students. During this course you will create an e-portfolio to produce and organise your work. A full induction is provided at the start of your course.
Will this qualification allow me to practice as a professional counsellor?
No, the level 2 qualification serves as an introduction and will not qualify you to be a counsellor but will help you to decide if you would like to pursue further training in this field. The knowledge, skill and personal development opportunities provided on the Level 2 course will serve you well in other professional and personal areas if you decide counselling isn’t for you or wish to undertake the course to support progression in another related professional field.
What will I need to do to become a qualified counsellor?
Training to be a professional and qualified counsellor usually takes 3-4 years in the UK. A minimum of a level 4 diploma is usually required to practice as a professional counsellor. More information about training to become a qualified counsellor can be found on the BACP website: https://www.bacp.co.uk/careers/careers-in-counselling/training/
What can I do with a Level 2 counselling skills qualification?
On the level 2 course you will be developing sought-after and highly transferable interpersonal communication skills. They are valuable in a wide range of personal and professional roles such as: healthcare, mentoring, customer service, management, social care, support work and teaching.
I have been out of education for a while, what support is available to help me with my studies?
We welcome adult learners, and support is available throughout your course to help with writing, study skills, and IT. Your course tutor is there to support you and guide your learning. Your course leader and head of school are also available should any challenges arise. All students also have access to all student services, including study support, library resource centre, IT, wellbeing and much more.
Can the course accommodate additional learning needs or disabilities?
Absolutely, please let us know any support needs when you apply so we can make adjustments.
What is the difference between counselling skills and counselling?
Counselling skills are a combination of communication skills, personal qualities, ethics, values and principles which can be used in many roles to help others. Although counsellors will use these skills, they have advanced training and specific professional qualifications. By undertaking this course, you will learn to focus on listening and understanding and helping others to find their own answers – rather than giving advice.
Will we be practicing real counselling sessions or is it more theory-based?
The course combines both practical activities, discussion and theory. You will practice the skills learnt with your peers in your class rather than ‘real client’s’, this is for your safety and the safety of others.
Will I need to do homework?
Reading, directed study, portfolio building, assessment & class preparation, are expected to continue outside session hours – at least 3 hours per week for the evening course, or 6 hours if you are on the fast-track route.
Will I need to do a placement as part of the course?
No, at level 2 there is no requirement to undertake a placement whilst on the course. However, you may find that you would like the opportunity to apply the skills learned in a real-life setting, and therefore you may consider volunteering. This is a personal choice, and there is support at Runshaw should you like to explore this.
Do I need to be in counselling, or will the course include, or be like counselling?
Counselling is not required at level 2. Although a large focus of the course in your personal development, the course is not a therapy group. You are expected to share some personal experiences, which you feel comfortable to do so and are appropriate, within class and in written work. It may become necessary for tutors to recommend that students undertake counselling. In exceptional circumstances, it may even be necessary to discuss the possibility of transferring to a more suitable course.
Will I need to talk about myself, or share personal things with others?
Personal development is a central part of the course. You will be asked to only share what feels safe for you, and is appropriate to the context we are working in. You will be given opportunities to engage in activities to enhance self-awareness, and students are encouraged to keep a reflective journal.
I have just experienced a significant life event (bereavement, relationship breakdown etc.), will the course be suitable for me?
We advise students to think carefully about whether engaging in a course like this would be suitable following a significant life event. Although this is a level 2 course, some students may find some of the topics discussed to touch on personal experiences. Please get in touch with the course leader and/or tutors to discuss any specific concerns you may have.
I can struggle with my mental health at times; will be the course be suitable for me?
We advise students to think carefully about whether they currently feel a sufficient level of personal resilience to undertake the course, and to ensure that they have the necessary support in place beforehand. Please get in touch with the course leader and/or tutors to discuss any specific concerns you may have.
How do tutors make sure the learning environment feels safe and respectful?
We expect all students to adhere to the Runshaw RESPECT policy. Group boundaries are agreed at the start of the course, to help maintain confidentiality and promote mutual respect and trust throughout. Tutors’ check-in regularly and encourage open communication. If something comes up that feels challenging, you can take a break and speak to your tutor privately. If you have any concerns on the course, speak to your tutor in the first instance, alternatively, the course leader, and head of school are also there to support you.
