Counsellor
Support clients by helping them to develop strategies to cope with emotional, mental or lifestyle challenges.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Counsellor?
- How to become a Counsellor
- Latest Counsellor jobs
- Top skills and experience for Counsellors
- Is Counsellor the right role for you?
- Counsellor role reviews
What's it like to be a Counsellor?
Counsellors provide support to people experiencing emotional difficulties by helping them to identify and work through their issues. Most Counsellors work with clients over a short period of time for a specific problem. They may use techniques such as talking therapy to assist clients reach their own resolutions or develop strategies to address their concerns. Counsellors may choose to specialise in relationship counselling, crisis and trauma counselling, drug and alcohol counselling, conflict resolution, stress management, grief and loss counselling or counselling of children and young people.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Meeting with clients to discuss their emotional, mental or lifestyle issues and helping them set goals and adopt strategies to address their issues.
- Facilitating group counselling sessions or mediating in conflict resolution settings.
- Referring clients to other healthcare professionals when appropriate and liaising with healthcare professionals as part of a health management team.
How to become a Counsellor
To become a Counsellor, you typically need to complete a relevant tertiary qualification. Registration with an external body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is preferred by many employers.
- Consider completing a Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) which will introduce you to the field of counselling and prepare you for entry-level roles within the industry. This qualification can also be used as a pathway into further study.
- Complete an approved undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Counselling. A bachelor degree will give you important practical experience in a work environment.
- Register with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
- If you have already completed an undergraduate degree, or if you would like to further your skills, consider completing a postgraduate degree such as a Graduate Diploma of Counselling or Master of Counselling.
- To gain experience in the industry and boost your resume, you can volunteer with a helpline or other more direct support roles.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Counsellors.Latest Counsellor jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Counsellor jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Counsellor employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Counselling
Social Work
Psychology
Mental Health
Counselling Services
Family Violence Support
Domestic Violence Support
Case Management
Therapy
Trauma Informed Practice
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Counsellor reviews
Dec 2024
My experience as a counsellor is a deeply rewarding yet emotionally demanding journey of profound connection and personal growth, interwoven with administrative challenges and the inherent limitations of helping others heal.
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationHealthcare & Medical
The good thingsWorking as a counsellor is a deeply rewarding yet challenging experience. It's a constant dance between empathy and professional boundaries, a delicate balance of listening and guiding. There are days...
The challengesWhat I dislike most about my role as a counsellor isn't a single, easily definable thing, but rather a collection of smaller frustrations that accumulate over time. Sometimes the administrative burden...
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May 2021
Counelling: A Challenging and Rewarding Role
Reviewer's QualificationBachelor of Counselling
Experience5 – 9 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationChronic/complex trauma
The good thingsCounselling is challenging and carries with it a significant level of responsibility. I enjoy the relationships I have with my clients and feel happy that they love coming to me for counselling. The...
The challengesWhen a client who has experienced chronic and complex trauma presents for counselling, there are always a myriad of challenges to be negotiated. Firstly, trust is critically important. In order for ...
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Help people decide if your job is right for them - it only takes a few minutes.Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
