Skip to content
0
Counselling Skills

Counselling Skills

Level 2
Online

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate
Shortlist and Apply

This FREE on-line qualification will help develop knowledge and skills around counselling by looking at counselling theories, key elements of the main theoretical approaches and will help develop self-understanding and reflect on values and beliefs. Successfully completing this qualification will help enable providing support and help to others.

An appropriate witness needs to be available to complete a witness statement as part of the Unit 4 assessment. Either a film demonstrating particular skills, or an appropriate witness will be needed to complete a witness statement as part of the Unit 4 assessment.

*The witness must hold a qualification in counselling skills and we may contact the witness to validate their qualifications and experience.

Unit 1: Using counselling skills

Learn to identify core counselling skills alongside understanding how these are practised in a counselling relationship. Gain an understanding of how to establish an effective working relationship and will consider the boundaries which need to be respected in this sensitive role.

Unit 2: Introduction to counselling skills theories

This unit will introduce key elements of the main theoretical approaches in counselling, psychodynamics, person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. There are key practical differences between these theories and you will hone your skills in understanding the significant importance of counselling theory.

Unit 3: Diversity and ethics in the use of counselling skills

This unit covers the concepts of diversity and ethics. Gain an understanding of anti-discriminatory practice, discover the key aspects of an ethical framework, and discover ways to address diversity in counselling skills practice.

Unit 4: Counselling skills and personal development

This unit encourages development of self-understanding, identifying values and beliefs and the ability to reflect on personal qualities and skills.

Approximate Course Duration – 8 -12 weeks (based on an average of 10-15 hours of self study per week)

Please note that while our online courses are designed to be flexible and allow you to study at a time and pace that fits around your existing commitments, there are set deadlines in place to support timely completion. You will also be expected to demonstrate consistent weekly progress. 

This qualification can be completed on either a desk top or mobile phone.  There are no specific software requirements needed apart from a stable internet connection. On successful completion you will receive an E-certificate.

  • This course is aimed at those 19 years (as at 31st of the academic year you are applying for) and over.

    When applying for one of our free courses you will be asked to supply a copy of your ID, which can be either a passport, driving licence, birth certificate or national identity card. If you were born outside the EU, you must have proof of residency status and you will need to provide a copy for our records. If you have declared you are in receipt of benefits or low wage you will also need to provide us with evidence of this.

    Please note whilst there is no limit to the number of free courses you can complete, you can only study one free course at a time.

    In some instances fully funded applications are subject to postcode eligibility or prior attainment.

     

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
Counselling Skills

What You Will Pay

British and European Union students

Age: 16-18

You will pay

£0

for your course

Your course could be free of charge as you may be eligible for financial support to help pay your tuition fees, travel, exams, materials or childcare.

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

British and European Union students

Age: 19+

Costs start at

£0

for your course

Your course could be free of charge as you may be eligible for financial support to help pay your tuition fees, travel, exams, materials or childcare.

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply

Overseas students

Please contact us to discuss your fees for this course

0345 155 2020

In recent years, research has proven that counselling is an effective way to help people with mental health problems. Various programmes to improve access and recruit more counsellors mean that it is a good time to consider a career in counselling.

Our counselling courses are incredibly popular with students and highly regarded by employers. The qualification can lead to a professional career as a counsellor but also equips students with listening skills that can be helpful in a wide variety of professional and voluntary roles.

Experience is essential for job applications so, while you’re studying, you can gain practical work experience in a local counselling agency or within our own counselling service. Many of our students have moved on to work for local counselling services or have also successfully started their own counselling practices.

View Courses
Play Video

Student Stories

Catherine Hews

I was at the point in my career as a Foster Care Supporter that I felt additional skills in counselling would be beneficial, not just for me but for the families I support. I have always been curious about people’s behaviour and their motivations and this course gave me an understanding of these topics. The support is excellent here from lecturers, they are always there to help out. I hope to have my own counselling practice one day and definitely think that this course is a stepping stone towards achieving that!”

Catherine Hews

Foundation Degree – Counselling – Gloucester Campus

Gemma Curtis

I couldn’t commit to university as I have children so Gloucestershire College was really local and convenient. I could gain the qualifications to take my career down a slightly different path, while looking after my family. I much preferred the relaxed atmosphere of the College as opposed to a university. You have to be committed, counselling can be challenging but it is very rewarding when you complete it. Within just a few months of graduating, I set up my own business and I am now self-employed.”

Gemma Curtis

Foundation Degree – Counselling – Gloucester Campus

Helen Jenkins

“I completed my foundation degree at Gloucestershire College in 2013, and in the same year, met Daryl. He’d been thinking about a change in career and after hearing about my experience, decided to study the same Therapeutic Counselling course, which he completed with a merit this year. “Since completing my Foundation Degree I’ve worked for the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, Let’s Talk, the Terrance Higgins Trust, and I’m now a Sexual Health Counsellor for the NHS.”

Helen Jenkins

Foundation Degree – Therapeutic Counselling – Cheltenham Campus

View Courses

Next Steps

Find out more

Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.

Open Events & Campus Tours

Join us for our next event and check us out for yourself. We hold Open Evenings several times a year where you can explore our campuses, meet the teaching teams and explore life at GC.

Application FAQs

Check out some of our most frequently asked admissions questions or get in touch with the team.