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Level 2 Award in Introduction to Counselling Skills (ICSK-L2)

ONL/150839/Q/FF
Location:
Delivered online
Start date:
28/04/2026
End date:
07/07/2026
Level:
Level 2
Time:
18:00 - 21:00
Duration:
10 sessions
Course hours:
Course hours

Course hours are the total number of hours you'll spend being taught by your tutor. Self study time is not included within the course hours.

30 hours
Day of week:
TUE
Tutor:
Patricia Dillon-Russell
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Who can join this course

This course is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is interested in developing basic counselling skills. It is ideal for individuals in helping roles—such as support workers, healthcare assistants, teachers, or volunteers—who want to enhance their ability to listen and respond effectively. No prior counselling experience is required, making it a perfect starting point for those new to the field.

The course will involve full learner participation and self-reflection. There will be personal and sensitive discussions in small and large groups, group activities and role plays followed by observer feedback. You will be asked to write a weekly reflective learning journal.

Assessment is by completion of an online portfolio and tutor observation of practical skills during the course.

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Is this course for me

The 'Counselling Skills Introduction Award CPCAB Level 2' course gives the opportunity for personal and professional development for those who work regularly with others, particularly in a supportive or advisory capacity.

This course is designed for you if:

You want to learn foundational counselling skills such as active listening, empathy, and appropriate responding.
You’re curious about counselling and want to explore whether it’s the right career path for you (please note: this course does not qualify you to practice as a counsellor).
You’re looking to improve your communication and interpersonal skills to enhance both personal and professional relationships.
You want to add value to your current role or improve your employability in people-focused professions.

While this qualification does not lead directly to employment as a counsellor, it can be a valuable asset in many roles and is a stepping stone toward further counselling training.

Course aims

By the end of the course you should be able to:

* Work within the boundaries of a helping role
* Set and maintain appropriate helping boundaries
* Show empathic understanding in interactions
* Keep the focus on the helpee’s needs and agenda
* Recognise the role of self-awareness in helping work
* Use core listening and responding skills effectively
* Reflect on feedback to improve counselling skills

What can I do next

The ICSK-L2 qualification is part of a suite of CPCAB qualifications. Once you have completed this qualification, you may wish to progress (if aged 18+) to CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2).

Non teaching dates

This course is scheduled to not be running on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Additional Information

To get the most out of your course we recommend you attend at least 85% of your sessions. If you do have a pre-arranged commitments booked during term time, please let the tutor know in advance so that we can help you catch up on missed sessions and ensure that you still achieve the course outcome.

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Joining your course

Delivered online

Click here for more details.

If you require any information about joining this online course then please call 03000 41 22 22 and quote the Course Code ONL/150839/Q/FF.