Accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)
This nationally-recognised Level 2 qualification is perfect for anyone who uses counselling skills in their work or personal life. Whether you're supporting others in a professional role or exploring a career in counselling, this course will equip you with the underpinning knowledge, competencies, understanding, and practical skills.
This qualification is your first step towards becoming a counsellor and it is the ideal starting point for those planning to progress to further training, including the Level 3 Certificate and the full two-year Diploma in Counselling.
This qualification can lead to employment opportunities for those employed in sectors such as health and social care, teaching and learning, advocacy and mediation, support and project work, and other helping roles.
Dates and times
This is a part-time course with 18 sessions that run once a week over a five-month period. The timing of the classes will be 10am-4pm with a one-hour lunch break.
February 2026
- Wednesday course sessions will run 25 February 2026 - 15 July 2026.
- Saturday course sessions will run 28 February 2026 - 18 July 2026.
Note that Saturday 27 June will run on Sunday 28 June and Saturday 18 July will run on Sunday 19 July
There will be a 30 week course offering from September 2026. Please contact us if you are interested in this version.
To register your interest for this course, please contact the Short Courses Team:
Telephone: 020 8240 4321 · Email: shortcourses@stmarys.ac.uk.
Location
This course will be delivered entirely online via Teams.
Price
The full cost is £1265. The deposit is £50.
Content
Accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB), the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills has seven learning outcomes:
- Use counselling skills ethically and safely
- Establish and sustain the boundaries of the helping role
- Work empathically as a helper
- Focus on their needs and concerns
- Use self-awareness in helping work
- Use a range of counselling skills to facilitate the helping interaction
- Use feedback and reflection to enhance counselling skills.
Assessment
This course is assessed via a portfolio of evidence, including written assignments, observations and peer feedback. To achieve this qualification, you must be proficient in all seven learning outcomes.
Requirements
We recommend that you should have achieved a level of education equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*-C before starting the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, but exemptions may be made for adult returners with experience of the workplace.
Award
Once you successfully complete this course you will be awarded a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills from CPCAB.
Book your place now
Select a course
Please select which course you would like to book on to:
For more information about this course please contact the Short Courses Team:
Telephone: 020 8240 4321 · Email: shortcourses@stmarys.ac.uk.