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Are you considering a career in counselling? Many people exploring this path come from diverse backgrounds like health, education, community services or social work. With the growing demand for mental health support in Australia – where workforce shortages are projected to hit 60% by 2030 – there’s a real need for trained professionals. A career in counselling is challenging, yet rewarding with vast employment opportunities, and the demand for qualified counsellors continues to grow. However, choosing a career in counselling isn’t just about the statistics. It requires personal reflection and a good understanding of what the role involves.
This guide will help you decide if counselling is the right fit for you. We’ll explore what counsellors do, how they differ from psychologists, what study pathways are available in Australia and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether counselling aligns with your goals and lifestyle. What does a counsellor actually do?
Counsellors are often the first port of call for people struggling with their mental health or navigating an emotionally difficult period. Counsellors support clients through emotional, behavioural and life challenges. Their daily responsibilities include active listening, building therapeutic relationships, applying counselling frameworks and maintaining ethical boundaries. Strong communication skills and practical counselling skills are essential for building rapport and supporting individuals as they navigate mental health challenges, grief, trauma and developmental issues.
Counsellors work in diverse settings, including community organisations, schools, workplaces, private practices and NGOs, because counselling is a broad field, with areas such as wellbeing in education settings, trauma-informed counselling and family counselling. The work is deeply relational, requiring empathy and professionalism. Problem-solving abilities and cultural awareness are vital for counsellors to provide culturally safe counselling and to understand the diverse backgrounds of their clients. Counsellors must listen to understand, picking up on non-verbal cues and practise 'hearing between the lines'. While it offers incredible emotional rewards, it also demands resilience and the ability to manage the weight of others’ challenges.
Counselling vs psychology: What’s the difference?
While both counsellors and psychologists support mental wellbeing, their training and approach differ significantly. Psychologists undergo extensive education, typically completing a psychology-specific undergraduate degree followed by postgraduate study and several years of supervised practice. This extensive training equips them to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
Counsellors, on the other hand, specialise in relational support, emotional wellbeing and life transitions. They are trained in therapeutic frameworks and typically hold postgraduate counselling qualifications. Entry requirements for counselling programs can vary, but may include prior study, relevant experience or meeting specific academic thresholds. A Master of Counselling is generally required for those seeking greater professional recognition or membership with national counselling associations. For example, a Master of Counselling from UNSW Online provides formal training tailored to the counselling profession in Australia, and grants graduates ACA accreditation.
Both roles are valuable, so your choice depends on your interests, career goals and the type of work you want to do.
Is a counsellor the same as a therapist?
The term "therapist" is broad and non-regulated, often used interchangeably with "counsellor". In Australia, counsellors and psychotherapists have distinct training and professional standards. Psychotherapists typically work on deeper psychological patterns and may require additional qualifications.
That said, accredited counsellors are highly trained to support a wide range of client needs and mental health issues.
Rest assured, whether you’re called a counsellor or therapist, your role will be impactful and significant.
Who is counselling suited for?
Counselling is suited for individuals with a genuine interest in supporting others. Key qualities include empathy, emotional intelligence, strong listening skills and self-awareness. Emotional resilience is crucial, as the role involves managing your own responses while holding space for others’ challenges. Health professionals, social workers, youth support workers and educators are just some of the people who might be well suited to changing careers to counselling.
Engaging in self-evaluation, critical thinking and reflective practice supports personal growth and ongoing professional development, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your role in the therapeutic counselling process.
It’s also important to reflect on your motivations. Are you drawn to counselling out of a genuine desire to help or because of a romanticised idea of the profession? Counselling requires comfort with ambiguity, strong professional boundaries and the ability to carry the emotional weight of clients’ stories. Depending on your specialty area, you may be called upon to support and guide clients, including young people, through matters relating to family violence, lifestyle issues or cognitive behavioural challenges.
Fortunately, these skills can be developed through university study and supervised placements in programs like UNSW Online’s Master of Counselling. As a Master of Counselling student, you'll develop skills and practical knowledge through training and supervision that will enhance your effectiveness as a counsellor and equip you with the skills to thrive in this diverse and impactful field. Through UNSW Online’s programs you will focus on developing a ‘self of the counsellor’ teaching you to support your own wellbeing while supporting others.
How do you start a career in counselling?
Most people enter counselling through postgraduate study, often after completing a bachelor’s degree and working in a people-focused field like health, education or social work. While there’s no single pathway, many start with foundational qualifications like a counselling graduate certificate or diploma before progressing to a master’s degree. In Australia, the minimum recommended qualification to gain entry into the profession is the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, which provides essential skills and knowledge for practice. To gain entry into counselling courses, you typically need to meet specific admission requirements, such as educational credentials, relevant experience and language proficiency.
Practical experience is a key part of counselling education, with supervised placements helping you develop real-world skills. Supervised clinical practice is especially important, as most accredited courses require between 100 and 200 hours of supervised practical experience. The counselling experience gained through these placements is essential for developing the practical skills needed to support clients effectively in real-world settings. Career transitions into counselling are common, and flexible study options, including the ability to study online, make it easier to balance learning with existing commitments.
Counselling courses and study pathways in Australia
There are various qualifications and pathways available for aspiring counsellors in Australia, including short courses, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master’s degrees.
The right option depends on your career goals, available study time and prior experience. The Graduate Certificate in Counselling from UNSW Online, for example, requires the completion of 4 units (courses) and is designed as a versatile, practical qualification that can serve as a stepping stone to further study or open doors to supportive, non-clinical and allied roles across sectors.
Your pathway into postgraduate counselling studies will vary depending on your unique professional and educational background. Selecting the right course or program is vital and should align with your career goals, target client base and future academic ambitions. At UNSW Online, our dedicated Student Advisors are here to support you every step of the way, offering guidance on program options, course structures, entry requirements and planning your journey toward a fulfilling counselling career.
Entry-level qualifications including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas
For students looking to change careers or transition from a related field, programs like UNSW Online's Graduate Certificate in Counselling or Graduate Diploma in Counselling introduce foundational skills and ethical frameworks for counselling practice, without the upfront commitment to a full master's degree. These programs can build on previous study, like a related bachelor's degree, and provide applied skills, professional ethics and foundational frameworks for people interested in the counselling profession.
They’re ideal for personal development or exploring the profession, but it is important to note that these programs do not always lead to professional accreditation. For example, a Graduate Certificate in Counselling is not accredited for Australian Counselling Association (ACA) membership, however a Graduate Diploma can lead to ACA Level 1 membership and entry into the profession.
Advanced qualifications including master’s degrees
Master’s programs, like the Master of Counselling from UNSW Online, provide in-depth clinical training, specialised study options and extensive placement hours. These programs are ideal for those pursuing private practice or advanced roles in the field, while also offering eligibility for ACA Level 2 membership.
Students learn advanced skills in therapeutic communication, mental health assessment, behavioural science and evidence-based counselling practices. The program emphasises ethical frameworks, cultural competence and working with diverse populations. Through practical placements, students develop real-world experience, preparing them for roles in community health, youth counselling, private practice and beyond. Graduates are equipped to support individuals and communities with confidence and professionalism.
Pursuing a postgraduate degree of this level also supports ongoing professional development and career advancement in the counselling field.
Do you need a Master of Counselling degree?
A master’s degree isn’t always necessary, but it’s valuable for advanced clinical skills, broader career opportunities and ACA Level 2 membership.
Master’s programs, like UNSW’s Master of Counselling, provide in-depth theoretical knowledge, extensive practice hours and the chance to build specialised knowledge and counselling expertise in areas such as trauma-informed care, relationship counselling and grief counselling, which can enhance your professional skills and career prospects.
Understanding personality and development theories, along with core theoretical concepts, is fundamental to effective counselling practice, as it underpins legal and ethical responsibilities and helps build strong client relationships. If you’re aiming for private practice or clinical counselling roles, a master’s degree is worth considering.
How career counselling can help you decide your next career move
If you’re unsure about pursuing counselling, career counselling can provide clarity. UNSW Online's Student Advisors can help you explore your motivations, identify strengths and map out study and career pathways within the UNSW Online counselling portfolio. Our dedicated team also offer comprehensive student support services, including mental health, social and crisis intervention resources, to help counselling students navigate both academic and personal challenges as they undertake their studies and plan their future.
Final thoughts: Deciding if counselling is the right career for you
Counselling is a deeply rewarding yet emotionally demanding profession that requires empathy, self-awareness and a firm commitment to continuous learning and supervision.
This field offers a wealth of flexible career paths, with opportunities in private practice, schools, hospitals, community services, allied health and corporate settings. Counsellors can also find allied health roles that complement other disciplines. The career outlook in Australia is promising; Labour Market Insights projects a need for 2,800 new trained counsellors every year, indicating strong future demand.
There is no single "right" way to become a counsellor. Entrants come from diverse backgrounds and life stages, and flexible study options make it possible to test the waters before committing fully. Beginning with a graduate certificate or speaking with an advisor can be an excellent first step.
If you are considering a career in counselling, now is an ideal time to explore your options. By researching programs and reflecting on your personal goals, you can take the first step toward a fulfilling and meaningful profession.
FAQs
How do I know if counselling is the right career for me?
Counselling is ideal for empathetic, self-aware individuals motivated to support others. It requires emotional resilience, strong listening skills and comfort with professional boundaries.
What’s the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
Psychologists can diagnose mental health conditions and complete psychology-specific training. Counsellors focus on relational support and hold postgraduate counselling qualifications.
Do I need a master’s degree to become a counsellor?
Not always. A graduate diploma can lead to entry-level roles, while a master’s degree offers advanced skills and broader career opportunities.
Can I study counselling online in Australia?
Yes, many universities offer flexible online programs, including graduate certificates, diplomas and master’s degrees. Online counselling courses allow you to study at your own pace, making it easier to balance other commitments. These courses focus on providing a strong theoretical foundation to prepare students for client interactions and future practice. Online counselling programs also offer a range of specialisations and practical components to support your career goals.
What qualifications do I need to become a counsellor?
Entry-level roles may require a graduate diploma, while advanced positions often need a master’s degree. The Graduate Certificate in Counselling typically requires the completion of four units of study.
How long does it take to complete a counselling program?
It depends on your pathway. A graduate certificate with UNSW Online takes 8 months part-time, a diploma 16 months and a master’s degree about 2 years.
Ready to start your journey as a professional counsellor?
UNSW Online offers a suite of postgraduate programs – from Graduate Certificates and Diplomas to Master's degrees – designed for professionals ready to deepen their expertise. Each program is structured to help you make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Discover how these programs can advance your professional goals. Speak with a Student Advisor today.
