If you have started looking at counselling courses, you have probably noticed that Level 2 and Level 3 sound quite similar.
Both focus on counselling skills. Both cover listening, communication and supporting others. So, what is the actual difference?
The simplest way to look at Level 2 vs Level 3 counselling skills is this: Level 2 gives you an introduction, while Level 3 takes that learning deeper.
Level 2 helps you build the foundations. Level 3 asks you to look more closely at counselling theory, self-awareness and how you use those skills with other people.
What Do You Learn at Level 2?
Level 2 Counselling Skills is often the starting point for people who are new to counselling.
You might be thinking about a future career, or you may simply want to become a better listener in your current role. Either way, Level 2 gives you a chance to learn the basics without expecting you to already know the subject.
You will usually explore areas such as:
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Asking suitable questions
- Responding without judgement
- Confidentiality
- Personal boundaries
- The difference between counselling and giving advice
You may also start looking at how your own experiences and opinions can affect the way you respond to someone else.
The Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) describes Level 2 as an early step in the training route towards becoming a qualified counsellor. It introduces counselling skills, ethics, theory, personal development and awareness of difference and diversity.
Level 2 may suit you if you:
- Have never studied counselling before
- Want to find out whether counselling training feels right for you
- Support people as part of your job
- Want to improve your communication skills
- Are considering further study
These skills can be useful in many roles, including care, teaching, management, HR, customer service and community support.
You do not need to want a new career to get something from the course.
What Is Different About Level 3?
Level 3 Counselling Skills builds on the skills covered at Level 2.
You will still spend time developing listening and communication skills, but the course usually goes further into counselling theory, putting theory into practice in a safe environment and developing a reflective journal for personal development.
In Level 3 Counselling Skills there is a focus on understanding why people think, feel and behave in certain ways. You will go beyond theoretical skills. You start to practice counselling skills in real triad sessions.
Level 3 is for learners who already understand the basics and want to continue their progression in counselling.
Counselling Skills Courses At A Glance
| Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|
| An introduction to counselling skills | Builds on previous counselling learning |
| Suitable for beginners | Usually suited to people with Level 2 or similar experience |
| Covers listening, empathy and boundaries | Looks at theory, ethics and self-awareness in more detail |
| Helps you decide whether to continue | Can prepare you for further counselling study |
| Does not qualify you as a counsellor | Does not usually qualify you as a counsellor |
Listen To Other Learners’ Experience of Counselling Courses
Which Counselling Course Should I Take?
Level 2 is usually the better choice if counselling is completely new to you. It gives you room to learn, practise and decide whether you would like to continue.
Level 3 may be the next step if you have already completed Level 2 or have similar experience. It is also suitable for people who want a better understanding of counselling approaches for a role in care, education, HR, management or support work.
You do not need to have your entire career mapped out before you begin. Many learners start because they want to understand people better, then decide what comes next once they have more experience.
What Comes After Level 2 Counselling?
For most learners asking what comes after Level 2 counselling, the answer is Level 3.
After Level 3, some people continue to Level 4 practitioner training.
It is important to understand that Level 2 and Level 3 do not usually qualify you to work as a counsellor.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy states that core practitioner training should normally be at least a Level 4 diploma or equivalent. It should also include supervised client work and a substantial amount of classroom learning.
For some people, Level 2 is enough to improve the way they communicate and support others. For others, it becomes the first step towards a new career.
Ready to improve your communication skills? Discover Enterprise Made Simple’s counselling courses.