Start your journey with our Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSKL2) or Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CSTL3).
CPCAB Counselling Training
Ready to explore a future in counselling?
About the courses
Our counselling courses provide a strong foundation in core skills, ethics, and self-awareness—whether you’re just starting out or building on prior learning.
Both the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSKL2) and the Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CSTL3) are designed to equip learners with the knowledge, competencies, and reflective practice needed to use counselling skills safely and effectively in a range of contexts.
CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) is the UK’s leading counselling awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA and Qualifications Wales. The CPCAB is run by counsellors for counsellors. The qualifications are developed from evidence-based research with a clear progression route to becoming a qualified counsellor.
We are currently waiting for approval for Level 2 and 3.
What you'll learn
These qualifications are ideal for those beginning their journey toward becoming a professional counsellor, individuals in helping roles looking to deepen their communication and relational skills, or anyone seeking to improve their personal and professional relationships.
Learning outcomes include:
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Apply counselling skills ethically and safely in supportive roles
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Work empathically, always centering the needs and concerns of others
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Build self-awareness and use it to inform your helping practice
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Develop a wider range of counselling skills to support meaningful interactions
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Use reflection and feedback to grow your competence and confidence
Why choose us?
Study in the peaceful grounds of St Michael’s Hospice in Herefordshire, an inspiring setting designed to support your growth.
Our evening courses (with occasional weekend workshops) make learning accessible for busy lives. You’ll have access to:
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A purpose-built education centre and onsite library
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A relaxing café and sensory gardens for quiet reflection
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A private summer house for skills practice
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Free Wi-Fi and onsite parking
Flexible, supportive, and close to Hereford—it’s the ideal place to start your counselling journey.
What you'll get
Gain real-world experience by volunteering at the hospice, applying your counselling skills while working with a diverse range of people. Multiple roles are available to help you learn actively, boost self-awareness, and develop ethical, confident practice.
Our experienced mentors, Karen and Clare, have supported students for years, creating a safe, inclusive, and student-focused learning environment where growth and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Complete the course with proficiency and you’ll receive a certificate of completion to mark your achievement.
Our Courses
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills (CSK-L2)
This qualification equips you with the essential knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding to use counselling skills confidently and safely across a range of settings.
√ Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours (minimum)
√ Total Qualification Time: 170 hours
√ Credit value: 17
√ Minimum age: 18 years
√ Cost: £600
√ Start: September 2025
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies (CST-L3)
This qualification is for those with prior counselling skills training who want to deepen their knowledge of theory, ethics, and mental health, prepare for professional counselling, and take the next step in their career.
√ Guided Learning Hours: 90 hours (minimum)
√ Total Qualification Time: 196 hours
√ Credit value: 20
√ Minimum age: 19 years
√ Cost: £1,200
√ Start: January 2026
The Level 2 qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies to use counselling skills ethically and safely across various roles and contexts. It is suitable for those beginning professional counsellor training, individuals in helping professions seeking to enhance their practice, and anyone aiming to improve personal and professional relationships.
Learning outcomes
- Use counselling skills ethically and safely within the helping role.
- Work empathically, keeping the helpee’s needs and concerns at the centre.
- Develop self-awareness and apply in your helping work.
- Use a variety of counselling skills to support the helping process.
- Use feedback and reflection to continually improve your counselling skills.
These qualifications have been awarded NCPS Recognised Qualification CPCAB CSK-L2 and CPCAB CST-L3 qualification status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, confirming it meets the standards for introductory-level training in counselling and psychotherapy.
Level 2 and 3 qualifications prepare learners for work in agency settings or supportive roles across sectors such as health and social care, education, advocacy, and project work. While these qualifications form a key part of the counselling training pathway, it does not by itself qualify graduates to practice as counsellors, join an Accredited Register, or refer to themselves as specialists without additional training or qualifications.
The hospice is in the process of applying for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4). The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification – maps to the requirements for BACP Qualification Approval and fully incorporates BACP’s Online and Phone Therapy Competence Framework. This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC. The provision of level 2, 3 and 4 will lead to a professionally recognised qualification in therapeutic counselling.
How long is the course?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – 20 weeks – 15 evening sessions & 5 workshop days – 90 guided learning hours.
What are the course dates?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – September 2025 commencement (exact date tbc)
What are the course times?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills
5.00 pm to 9 pm, 16 weeks x 4 hours (day tbc)
9.00 am to 4.30 pm, 4 x day workshops (weekend)
What is the course cost?
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – £600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – £1200.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 2 & 3 combined – £1600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Funding may be available for the course, please use the links below:
- Link to CPCAB funding guide
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/eligibility
Express your interest in this course by clicking here.
The Level 3 qualification is designed for individuals who have already completed a recognised counselling skills course and wish to progress toward becoming a professional counsellor. It deepens understanding of counselling theory, ethics, and mental health, and prepares learners for work in agency settings. It enhances employability, supports career advancement, and provides a pathway to practitioner-level training (TC-L4). Recognised by the NCPS as it meets the standards for introductory-level counselling and psychotherapy training.
Learning outcomes
- Use an ethical framework to understand and respect your proficiency limits.
- Follow ethical, legal, and procedural guidelines.
- Understand client assessment and referral processes in agencies.
- Know the counsellor’s role and boundaries to build, maintain, and manage the counselling relationship.
- Reflect on personal and social diversity to enhance empathy in your practice.
- Establish the client’s needs from the start and keep their agenda at the centre of the work.
- Use counselling theory to enhance self-awareness and to strengthen empathy.
- Explore key counselling theories and use to understand clients and support mental health.
- Recognise common mental health issues.
- Value the role of research in counselling practice.
- Develop your skills through feedback, reflection, and case discussions.
- Understand and engage in clinical supervision to enhance your practice.
These qualifications have been awarded NCPS Recognised Qualification CPCAB CSK-L2 and CPCAB CST-L3 qualification status by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, confirming it meets the standards for introductory-level training in counselling and psychotherapy.
Level 2 and 3 qualifications prepare learners for work in agency settings or supportive roles across sectors such as health and social care, education, advocacy, and project work. While these qualifications form a key part of the counselling training pathway, it does not by itself qualify graduates to practice as counsellors, join an Accredited Register, or refer to themselves as specialists without additional training or qualifications.
The hospice is in the process of applying for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (TC-L4). The Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – BACP Approved Practitioner Qualification – maps to the requirements for BACP Qualification Approval and fully incorporates BACP’s Online and Phone Therapy Competence Framework. This qualification meets all the requirements of SCoPEd Column A and provides candidates with a route to membership and accreditation with professional associations in counselling approved by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) e.g. BACP, NCPS, ACC. The provision of level 2, 3 and 4 will lead to a professionally recognised qualification in therapeutic counselling.
How long is the course?
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – 20 weeks – 15 evening sessions & 5 workshop days – 90 guided learning hours.
What are the course dates?
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – January 2026 commencement (exact date tbc)
What is the cost of the course?
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – £1200.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 2 & 3 combined – £1600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Funding may be available for the course, please use the links below:
- Link to CPCAB funding guide
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
- https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/eligibility
Express your interest in this course by clicking here.
Ready to go?
- Register your interest in attending the course
- Contact will be made within 7 working days
- We are currently pending approval from the CPCAB so you will be updated when approval is gained and be invited to an induction day.
Your questions answered
Clare
- Clare brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to her role as a counselling tutor. With a Foundation Degree in Counselling with Worcester University and over 10 years of professional experience, Clare specialises in supporting families of those with life-limiting illness, and those bereft. Her interests include the neurobiology of trauma and working with the nervous system in a somatic way. She has a proven track record of supporting clients through complex emotional and psychological issues, fostering resilience and promoting well-being. Clare is known for her calm, empathetic and non-judgmental approach, creating a safe space for clients to explore their feelings. Clare has a Diploma in Life Coaching which has informed her teaching and support work.
- As a tutor with 3 years experience, she is dedicated to providing comprehensive training and support to students, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in their counselling careers. Her passion is watching the learners grow and develop into competent and ethically guided practitioners. Clare has just completed the Diploma in Education and Training (DET).
Karen
- Karen is a highly experienced counselling tutor with over 9 years of practice in the field of hospice care. She holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Worcester in Integrative Counselling. Karen has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate through various life challenges included in hospice care, and mental health. Her approach is compassionate and client-centred, focusing on empowering clients to achieve their personal goals.
- In addition to her clinical work, Karen is passionate about teaching and has been a dedicated tutor for the past 5 years, mentoring aspiring counsellors in learning arena and on work based placements. Karen graduated with a Diploma in Education and Training (DET) 3 years ago.
Clare and Karen are both trained Cyber Therapists which includes telephone and online therapy, and the psychological theories around these.
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – 20 weeks – 15 evening sessions & 5 workshop days – 90 guided learning hours.
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – 20 weeks – 15 evening sessions & 5 workshop days – 90 guided learning hours.
Level 2 and Level 3 can be completed in one academic year, allowing for enrolment on Level 4 in September/October 2026.
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills
5.00 pm to 9 pm, 16 weeks x 4 hours (day tbc)
9.00 am to 4.30 pm, 4 x day workshops (weekend)
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies
5.00 pm to 9 pm, 16 weeks x 4 hours (day tbc)
9.00 am to 4.30 pm, 4 x day workshops (weekend)
Our courses take place in the purpose-built Dr Richard Miller Education Centre at St Michael’s Hospice, Bartestree, Hereford (HR1 4HA). This dedicated learning space offers a calm, professional environment ideal for developing your counselling skills.
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills – £600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 3 certificate in counselling studies – £1200.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
Level 2 & 3 combined – £1600.00 including the registration fee with CPCAB
- Register your interest in attending the course
- Contact will be made within 7 working days
- We are currently pending approval from the CPCAB so you will be updated when approval is gained and be invited to an induction day.
Counselling training involves personal reflection and experiential activities, so it may not be suitable if you are currently experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress.
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills requires no prior experience or qualifications, making it ideal for beginners.
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CSTL3) requires successful completion of Level 2 counselling skills (CPCAB or equivalent).
Both Level 2 and Level 3 courses include written assignments, so a reasonable level of English is needed to complete the work. We don’t require specific grades or formal qualifications—assignments vary in style and some are completed during lessons to support your success.
“I knew when I started my counselling training I wanted to work with bereavement. Being taught by Karen at college and seeing her enthusiasm and willingness to share her experiences with grief and loss helped me to become more open and honest with mine. I feel honoured to be able to be a small part of what the hospice offers and to be able to share with my clients their feelings and to be able to offer them a safe space is something I treasure. It is hard to put into words how it feels to be able to witness someone’s grief and pain and sadness, but I know I have the full support of all the counselling team at the hospice, I feel truly honoured to be a small part of that group”
Emma (former student, trainee placement with the hospice & now a volunteer)
“I recently completed my Level 2 Counselling Course and I am now really looking forward to starting my Level 3 as soon as possible. I already know how valuable counselling is for people and I am really passionate about continuing my qualifications in the hope that I can help others too in due course.
Tom
“I have been taught by both Clare Edwards and Karen Evans and their teaching style is so engaging, encouraging and really enjoyable. Their experience is clear to see and hear and I have learnt so much already from both of them, as has everyone else on our course.”
Gemma
“To hear that I am now able to undertake my Level 3 at St Michael’s Hospice is just fantastic news and knowing that Karen and Clare will continue to be the tutors means that I will definitely be signing up for the course at St Michael’s as soon as possible. It is an incredible place and it will provide an inspiring and perfect setting for the Level 3 learning.“
Tony
CPCAB Counselling Training: Expression of interest
If you are interested in finding out more about a course, please pop your details in here and one of our course tutors will be in touch to answer any questions you have.
Get in touch today today to find out more
Have a chat with our friendly tutors and find out how we can support you to take your first step in Counselling.
These courses have been invaluable for both my personal and professional growth. Karen and Clare’s supportive, insightful teaching has made all the difference.
Gemma
Learner
