Counselling Skills Training – CPCAB Levels 2 & 3
In-Person, Portfolio-Based Counselling Qualifications in Dorset – No Exams, Just Real Learning
At The Luminary Compass, our CPD workshops and short courses offer more than logged hours—they bring real transformation. Rooted in face-to-face learning, and designed to serve professionals beyond counselling, our programme equips teachers, social workers, healthcare staff, coaches, HR leaders, and carers with the relational, ethical, and safeguarding skills they need.
If your work involves listening, caring or guiding others, our interactive CPD is for you.
One of the most valued aspects of our training—consistently highlighted by our learners—is that both Level 2 and Level 3 are entirely portfolio-based. That means there are no written exams. Instead, assessment happens through practical application, reflective learning, tutor observation, and personal insight. This structure supports deep, authentic learning and opens the door for many people who may have felt excluded or overwhelmed by traditional, academic routes.
Why Portfolio-Based Learning Works
This portfolio-led structure offers a meaningful alternative to exam-based assessment. Throughout the course, you will build a structured and reflective portfolio that evidences your growth, integration of theory, and development of real-world counselling skills.
Our learners frequently tell us that the process feels natural, supportive, and deeply connected to the kind of practitioner they want to become. With space to reflect, time to grow, and feedback that meets you where you are, this approach allows you to learn without fear—just honest, supported development.
About the Courses
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2)
This entry-level qualification is for those new to counselling or in helping roles (such as education, support work, pastoral care, or healthcare). You’ll develop essential communication and listening skills, explore boundaries, increase emotional awareness, and gain a solid foundation in ethical practice.
You’ll leave with:
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A strong foundation in person-centred counselling skills
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Greater confidence in your ability to support others
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A reflective portfolio showing your applied learning
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Readiness to apply for CPCAB Level 3
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3)
Building on Level 2, this intermediate qualification deepens your understanding of counselling theory and introduces you to models such as the person-centred approach, psychodynamic theory, and CBT. You'll also explore the ethical framework in more depth and engage in structured skills practice to prepare for professional training at Level 4.
You’ll gain:
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Increased confidence in working with counselling theory
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A deeper understanding of professional boundaries and diversity
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A rich and reflective portfolio to support your progression
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Support and preparation for CPCAB Level 4 diploma study
Why We Teach Face-to-Face
Counselling is fundamentally relational. That’s why all our training is delivered in person at our calm, thoughtfully curated Dorset venues. We believe real human presence builds trust, enables deeper learning, and mirrors the authentic connections central to therapeutic work.
Face-to-face learning allows for:
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Real-time skills practice and observation
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Stronger peer relationships and support
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Nuanced exploration of emotional content
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Immediate, embodied feedback from tutors and group members
Our students often describe the atmosphere of warmth, presence and belonging as a powerful part of the experience.
Visit Us – Come and See the Space for Yourself
We warmly welcome prospective students to book a facilities tour before applying. This is your chance to explore our beautiful training environment, meet a member of the team, and experience the atmosphere that makes our spaces so special.
Whether you're still considering your options or are almost ready to apply, visiting in person can make all the difference. We’ll gladly take time to answer your questions, show you around, and let you get a feel for what it’s like to learn and grow with us.
Our CPCAB Accreditation
We are proud to be a CPCAB-approved training centre, delivering qualifications that are nationally recognised and Ofqual-regulated. CPCAB is the only awarding body in the UK run by counsellors for counsellors, and its qualifications are widely respected by professional membership organisations including BACP, NCPS, and UKCP.
Our tutors are experienced, compassionate practitioners who are active in the field—bringing insight, care, and current professional awareness to every session.
Added Value: More Than Just a Qualification
Training with The Luminary Compass means you gain more than a certificate. You’ll also benefit from:
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Supportive integration with guest practitioners and experienced counsellors
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Optional CPD workshops in ethics, safeguarding, neurodiversity and more
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Dedicated guidance for Level 4 progression, including personal readiness assessments
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A nurturing, non-judgemental environment where reflection and self-discovery are valued as highly as technical skill
The Luminary Compass is more than a training provider. We are a community. We are a guide. We are the beginning of your becoming.
Final Thought: This Is More Than a Course. This Is Who We Are.
At The Luminary Compass, we don’t just teach counselling—we live it, breathe it, and hold it at the centre of everything we do. We believe in the power of human connection, in the courage it takes to show up honestly, and in the quiet, transformational strength that comes when someone feels truly heard.
Our courses aren’t tick-box learning or exam-driven qualifications. They are immersive, relational, and deeply human experiences—designed to shape not just the practitioner you may become, but the person you already are. Whether you're stepping into counselling for the first time, returning to learning after years away, or simply searching for a place to grow with integrity, we are here to walk alongside you.
We care fiercely about the quality of what we offer. Our teaching is rooted in experience, guided by ethics, and delivered in beautiful, calm spaces where your development is nurtured, respected, and real. We believe that training to support others should itself be supportive—challenging, yes, but always with care and presence.
So come and visit. Let the space speak to you. Let us answer your questions. If it feels right, take the step. You won’t be just another student here. You’ll be part of something honest, grounded, and quietly life-changing.
