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Being the person others turn to can spark an interest in counselling. However, becoming a counsellor involves developing professional skills that go beyond being a good listener. Ethical judgement, self-awareness, clear boundaries and an understanding of therapeutic approaches all have a place in the work.
Counselling supports people as they make sense of difficulties, navigate change and consider their choices. The experience can vary across clients, communities and professional settings, which makes learning about the day-to-day responsibilities an important part of career research.
Here, UNSW Online considers counselling as both a profession and a contribution to community wellbeing. Read about counselling careers in Australia, reflect on what draws you to the field and learn more about the preparation involved in supporting others professionally.
Are you thinking about a career change and curious about counselling? While many counsellors begin their journey in health, education or community services, counselling is increasingly attracting people from non-related backgrounds – including corporate roles, business, law, the arts, hospitality and other people-facing professions.
Quick answer: A Master of Counselling is worth it for those seeking advanced clinical skills, professional accreditation and access to a wider range of counselling roles. Compared to shorter qualifications, a master's degree provides deeper theoretical training, supervised placement hours and eligibility for higher-level membership with professional bodies like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).*
Australia is facing a growing need for skilled mental health support. Across the country, people live with stress, trauma, grief, family conflict, social isolation or mental health issues, yet struggle to access help due to cost, stigma, distance or long wait times.
This raises an important question: what is the role of counselling in building stronger communities in Australia?
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.
Lead impactful projects and navigate challenges across industries with advanced project management skills. Learn to apply strategic decision-making, risk management and change management techniques to drive success and adapt to evolving demands.
