5 signs you should become a Counsellor (and what to do next)

There's no single path into counselling, but many people are drawn to the profession because they want to better understand and support others.

As awareness of mental health continues to grow, so does the need for qualified professionals. In any year in Australia, an estimated one in 5 people aged 16–85 will experience a mental disorder. Additionally, an estimated 944,900 Australians aged 16–85 accessed at least one mental health service via digital technologies, such as crisis support, treatment programs or information, between late 2020 and late 2022.

But demand alone doesn't determine whether counselling is right for you. If you're considering a career in counselling, there are certain qualities that can make it a natural fit, and you may already have some of them.

“Working as a caseworker with children and families, it became evident there was a gap in what I was doing, one that didn't allow for deep therapeutic discussions that would support positive change. I could connect with clients but couldn't delve deep enough to really understand their challenges through their eyes. Moving into a therapeutic space was where I was meant to be, where I could connect while ensuring safety, nurturing change, and empowering clients to see their own strengths.” — Sherrie Mace (Master of Counselling alumna)

Here are 5 signs counselling could be right for you

1. You're passionate about making a positive change in other people's lives

A genuine desire to support others is one of the most important qualities a counsellor can bring to their work. Counselling programs such as the Bachelor of Counselling and Master of Counselling include supervised clinical placement hours where students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings and develop professional counselling skills.

2. You love learning about human behaviour

Counselling requires both curiosity and compassion. It continues to evolve, with new research constantly emerging around trauma, attachment and therapeutic practice. Counsellors who stay curious and continue learning are better equipped to adapt their approach and support clients using current best practice.

3. You have strong emotional intelligence

Empathy shapes the foundation of effective counselling. It allows clients to feel heard and understood, which is often the first step towards healing. Counsellors with strong emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate complex situations and support clients through difficult moments.

4. You understand the impact of mental health challenges

Counsellors often work with people experiencing some of life's most difficult moments. While lived experience isn't required, personal insight, self-awareness and appropriate professional boundaries can help you better understand and support others.

5. You want to give back to your community

Counsellors play a meaningful role in the broader health and wellbeing of their communities. By supporting individuals through personal challenges, they can have a positive impact on families, workplaces and communities. For those motivated by a sense of purpose beyond the individual session, counselling offers the opportunity to support lasting change at both an individual and community level.

What qualifications do you need to become a counsellor in Australia?

To practise as a counsellor in Australia, you'll typically need a recognised qualification in counselling or a related field such as psychology. Most pathways begin with an undergraduate degree, which covers the foundational theories, ethical frameworks and practical skills needed to work with clients. From there, many counsellors choose to deepen their expertise with a postgraduate qualification, particularly if they want to work in specialised areas or pursue professional registration.

Professional membership with a body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Membership signals to employers and clients that you meet an established standard of training and conduct. Most membership pathways also require a minimum number of supervised clinical hours alongside your academic study.

Find out how to become a registered Counsellor in Australia >