Overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills is ideal for those who have no experience or qualifications in counselling. On completion of the course, you'll have gained a solid foundation of skills and knowledge from which to begin gaining practical experience or pursue further training, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills.
You'll discover what makes an effective counsellor, learn how to establish a fruitful relationship with clients, and develop effective listening skills. You'll also gain an understanding of diversity and ethics within counselling, learn how to handle crisis intervention, explore the importance of self-development and be introduced to therapeutic approaches such as CBT.
What you'll learn
In this unit, you’ll be introduced to theories which inform practical counselling techniques, such as psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioural therapy, and person-centred theory. You’ll also learn how and when each approach can benefit the client.
In the second unit, you’ll learn the importance of anti-discriminatory practice, the value in understanding issues relating to diversity and inclusivity, and gain a good understanding of ethical frameworks in relation to counselling skills.
Next, you’ll explore exactly what core counselling skills are and how they can be utilised in an effective counselling relationship, as well as strategies for ending interactions with clients in a positive manner.
Here you’ll learn how to develop self-understanding by looking inwards. Explore your own personal beliefs and values whilst assessing their impact on helping relationships. Uncover the benefits of personal development and your motivations behind helping others. You’ll also be able to identify the personal qualities essential in counselling and address how to meet your own support needs. This unit will close by highlighting the importance of self-reflection how it contributes to personal development.
Extra info
Awarding Body
Endorsed by

ACCPH is an independent, self-regulated UK professional body for qualified counsellors, coaches, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists. They serve people with nationally recognised qualifications from home study or distance learning students. Accepting members from all six modalities, including those ‘non-standard’ techniques such as Spiritual Coaching and Neuroscience amongst other approaches.
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Course Outcome
This qualification comes with NCFE CACHE Level 2 certification. NCFE CACHE has been developing courses in the childcare, education and healthcare sectors since 1945 and is one of the most reputable awarding bodies for qualifications in the UK and overseas. Practitioners working in these areas are much more employable having gained NCFE CACHE certification, and many employers specifically ask for their qualifications when taking on members of staff.
After you've completed this qualification, you'll be able to progress to more advanced qualifications such as the NCFE CACHE Diploma in Counselling Skills.
This certificate alone does not qualify learners to practice as a counsellor. The purpose of this qualification is to support progression to further learning and counselling-related work experience, after which you will be able to apply for a license to practice. You may choose to progress into the following professions:
- Support worker
- Healthcare assistant
- Mental health support worker
- Care assistants in residential settings
- Guidance worker
- Substance misuse worker
How is this course assessed or examined?
Throughout this course, you'll be assessed with appropriate tasks to demonstrate achievement of all the learning outcomes associated with each unit. The assessment method will consist of a portfolio of evidence that should prepare the learner for real-life situations that they may face in employment.
You may be expected to complete assignments, essays, research projects, presentations, video/audio recordings, and practical learning sessions to meet the requirements of your course. This information will be included in your study pack, detailing exactly what you need to do to accomplish your goals as a student.
This is a regulated qualification that is internally assessed and externally quality assured.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.