Guidance counsellor
What does a guidance counsellor do?
A guidance counsellor provides valuable support and assistance to school students of all ages. They work closely with students who may be struggling with their mental health, experiencing bullying, encountering issues at home, or facing learning challenges. As a guidance counsellor, your role would involve helping students navigate and overcome these issues, equipping them with strategies and a clear way forward. This may include helping students to establish career goals, developing plans to achieve academic success, or referring students to other health professionals such as psychologists for further support. In this role, you will often work alongside teachers, admin staff and parents to provide support for the student. Typically, you would be based at a school and deliver counselling services one-on-one or in small groups.
A guidance counsellor can also be known as a guidance officer, educational counsellor, or student counsellor.
Is a career as a guidance counsellor right for me?
A career as a guidance officer may suit you if you are caring and empathic, and can work effectively with a range of people. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
The ability to build positive relationships and support others effectively.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
How to become a guidance counsellor
Becoming a guidance counsellor generally involves a combination of tertiary study, practical experience and professional development. The specific requirements can vary depending on your career pathway and location.
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career goals. Here is one common path to becoming a guidance counsellor:
- Complete a bachelor degree in education.
- Meet any teacher registration requirements in your state or territory.
- Gain teaching experience and build skills in supporting student learning and wellbeing.
- Complete postgraduate study in guidance and counselling or a related field.
- Apply for guidance counsellor roles in schools and education settings.
Accreditation and qualifications
Many guidance counsellor roles require qualifications in education, counselling, psychology or a related field. For guidance officer positions in Queensland state schools, teacher registration and postgraduate study are typically required. UniSQ's Guidance, Counselling and Careers specialisation is an appropriate qualification for entry-level membership of the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association (QGCA) and can help develop the skills needed to support student wellbeing and success.
How long does it take to become a guidance counsellor?
The career path for guidance counsellors varies depending on what you choose to study. Typically, a bachelor degree in education, psychology, counselling, or a related field can help you become a guidance counsellor. A bachelor degree usually takes three to four years to complete; however, if you choose to study part-time, this can increase the time it takes to gain a qualification. It should also be noted that registration with the relevant state or territory teaching board is required to teach in schools.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Prepare for a career in guidance counselling with UniSQ and develop the communication and student support skills needed to help students thrive.
Responsibilities and work settings
Conducting counselling interviews with students to address their concerns ranging from academic, social, emotional, to career planning issues.
Assisting students in understanding and adjusting their attitudes, expectations, and behaviours to develop more effective interpersonal relationships.
Contributing knowledge, understanding, and advice on the learning and behaviour of students, especially those with special educational needs, and supporting parents and teachers in managing these needs.
Responding to student emergencies and crises by providing immediate support and later ongoing care in collaboration with other professionals.
Designing and implementing developmental programs and workshops to enhance student wellbeing and success.
Primary and secondary schools
Universities and higher education providers
Government agencies, departments and councils
Community health organisations
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Private healthcare providers, clinics and practices
Disability services providers
Guidance counsellor FAQs
Related careers
Stay in touch
UniSQ is collecting the personal information on this form for support for students and prospective students and for marketing purposes. By submitting this form, you consent to the terms of UniSQ's marketing privacy statement. Further information concerning privacy is available.
Welcome aboard! We've got your details.
Something doesn't look right. Try that one again.