Counsellor
What does a counsellor do?
Counsellors support individuals, couples, families, and groups to manage personal, emotional, and psychological challenges. They provide a safe and confidential environment where clients can explore concerns such as stress, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and mental wellbeing. Using evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, counsellors help clients develop coping strategies, improve communication, and work towards positive outcomes.
Counsellors work in a range of settings including community health services, schools, universities, private practice, not-for-profit organisations, employee assistance programs, and government services. The scope of practice can vary depending on qualifications, experience, and professional membership.
Is a career as a counsellor right for me?
Someone well suited to a career in counselling is usually interested in helping others, enjoys meaningful conversations, and is able to build trust with a wide range of people. Strong listening skills, empathy, patience, and emotional resilience are essential, as counsellors often support people experiencing difficult personal, family, mental health, or life challenges. If you are compassionate, curious about human behaviour, and find satisfaction in supporting others to overcome challenges and achieve positive change, counselling could be a rewarding career choice.
Other skills and attributes that are important for this role include:
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
The ability to build positive relationships and support others effectively.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
How to become a counsellor
If you are exploring how to become a counsellor, the pathway typically involves completing a recognised counselling or psychology related degree, followed by supervised practice and professional membership.
As part of counselling qualifications, graduates often seek membership with organisations such as the Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. These bodies set education, supervision, and ethical requirements for professional practice.
Every journey to study is individual, and there are several pathways into counselling depending on your career goals and the setting you wish to work in. Here's a common path to becoming a counsellor:
- Complete a bachelor degree in counselling, psychology, human services or a related field.
- Develop counselling, communication and interpersonal skills through study and practical learning.
- Gain experience through placements, internships or community support roles.
- Build expertise in areas such as mental health, wellbeing, relationships or addiction support.
- Apply for counselling roles and continue developing your professional skills through ongoing training and experience.
Accreditation and memberships
Depending on the nature of their role, counsellors may choose to join a professional association such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). UniSQ's Master of Counselling (Qualifying) is accredited by both ACA and PACFA and enables graduates to apply for professional registration.
How long does it take to become a counsellor?
A bachelor's degree typically takes around three years of full-time study. Additional time may be required to complete supervised practice, postgraduate study, or professional membership requirements depending on your chosen career pathway.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Prepare for a counselling career with a UniSQ counselling, psychology or human services degree and develop the communication, interpersonal and support skills needed to help others thrive.
Responsibilities and work settings
Providing counselling and emotional support to clients.
Conducting assessments and developing support plans.
Helping clients navigate personal, family, relationship or mental health challenges.
Supporting clients to develop coping strategies and achieve goals.
Maintaining confidential records and case notes.
Referring clients to specialist services and support programs.
Collaborating with families, carers and other professionals.
Delivering wellbeing, education and support programs.
Community health organisations
Private healthcare providers, clinics and practices
Public hospitals and health services
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Disability services providers
Primary and secondary schools
Universities and higher education providers
Counsellor FAQs
Related careers
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