How to start a new career in counselling

Are you searching for a profession where you can support individuals in their most challenging moments? If so, counselling ticks so many boxes. Many counsellors are drawn to the profession with a strong drive to support people, and becoming a counsellor means joining a network of colleagues who are passionate about their work.

Torrens University Australia's senior lecturer in counselling, Dr Werner Sattmann-Frese, explains the opportunities on offer and how to set yourself up for a successful career.

Future growth demands for counsellors in Australia

“Counselling and community services are experiencing a period of tremendous growth,” said Dr Sattmann-Frese. “You can see this clearly when you look at listings on platforms like Seek and Ethical Jobs.”

There is a growing need for mental health support across Australia, with one in five people predicted to experience mental ill-health in their lifetime, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a spike in individuals accessing support services, and 17.4 per cent of Australians had a consultation with a professional for their mental health between 2020 and 2022, according to the ABS.

Demand for counsellors is only expected to grow, with government job outlook figures predicting the counselling profession will grow by 14.2 per cent in the five years to 2026.

New counselling graduates can help meet this demand as one key part of the nation’s mental health support infrastructure.

“Counselling can provide an amazing career path ahead. You can start out as a practitioner, and then later you’re also able to become a supervisor or group learning facilitator at a college if you choose,” said Sattmann-Frese.

The role of a counsellor

Counsellors support individuals and communities with their challenges through sessions either one-on-one, in groups or with families or couples. Every day on the job is different and professionals are challenged to quickly become familiar with the different backgrounds and needs of their clients to assist them.

“The main focus of what our people learn at Torrens University is verbal counselling work,” Sattmann-Frese said. “However, these days counselling may also include other exercises to help clients, including mind-body exercises, mindfulness and body scans.”

Counselling graduates also have an opportunity to work in a range of settings, including not-for-profits, educational environments, corporate organisations and private practice. Qualified counsellors often specialise in supporting a particular group of clients in need. Graduates can choose to go into fields like drug and alcohol counselling, family counselling, career counselling or youth work.

Things to know about counselling before joining

How much does a counsellor earn in Australia?

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, counsellors receive median weekly earnings of $1,477, or $76,804 per year. Forty per cent of counsellors in Australia work part-time hours. The average annual salary for a counsellor is $96,000 a year, according to Talent.com analysis. Entry-level or graduate counsellor positions start slightly below this on average, at around $85,000 per year.

Am I suited to being a counsellor?

Counselling is a profession that requires focus, empathy and diligence when it comes to your studies.

“It is not the easiest work, because we often hear difficult stories and you need to check on your own emotional responses. But at the same time, the job comes with a lot of growth that you can experience too,” Sattmann-Frese said. It’s worth considering whether you enjoy working directly with clients, often in one-on-one settings, before you begin studying. 

“When you are sitting with a client for 60 minutes, it means being fully present with that client,” Sattmann-Frese said. 

How do I become a counsellor? What are the counselling qualifications in Australia?

To become a counsellor and gain registration with professional organisations like the Australian Counselling Association, you need to complete a counselling qualification. Torrens University Australia offers a range of study pathways to achieve this, depending on your prior background and needs.

The Bachelor of Counselling is a three-year degree that gives students a strong foundation in the principles of the profession and is highly regarded by employers.

If you are moving into counselling from another area of the workforce, you can also complete a Graduate Diploma, a Graduate Certificate in Counselling, or a Master of Counselling.

Step-by-step: How to become a counsellor in Australia

Here are six steps to starting a career in counselling.

1. Choose your course and prepare to focus: Decide if an undergraduate, graduate diploma or master’s degree best suits your background and needs and then enrol.
2. Join professional associations: Become a student member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) in preparation for gaining membership as a Registered Counsellor once you have completed your studies.
3. Get work experience or volunteer work: “Make sure you consider volunteer or work placement opportunities while you are studying. Going to conferences and networking is important once you have graduated from your studies,” Sattmann-Frese says.
4. Apply for roles or get started building your practice: Once you have graduated with your degree, it’s time to apply for positions. Ensure you are ready to complete practical exercises during interviews so you can display your skills.
5. Organise supervision: All counsellors require ongoing supervision with another qualified practitioner so they can be supported to develop their skills and protect their own wellbeing. It’s important to find out what supervision hours are required to keep a membership with the Australian Counselling Association.