How to Become a Counsellor in Australia

A career in counselling is suited to those who want to support the mental health and well-being of others and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Counsellors help clients work through personal challenges, relationship difficulties, career struggles, and mental health concerns, empowering them to build resilience and emotional well-being. Many effective counsellors have their own lived experiences that inform their practice, allowing them to connect with clients on a deeper level.

If you’ve been wondering:

• “How do I become a counsellor?”
• “What qualifications do I need?”
• “What career options are available?”

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about becoming a counsellor in Australia, including entry requirements, qualifications, accreditation, and practical experience.

Counsellors work with clients for short or long periods to help them navigate life’s challenges, including stress, career changes, and divorce. Counsellors can also choose to specialise in areas such as grief and trauma, family violence, or youth counselling.

Common topics counsellors help their clients with:

• Grief and trauma
• Family or relationship issues
• Career struggles and work-life balance
• Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression
• Self-esteem and personal development

Using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, counsellors encourage clients to reflect, build self-awareness, and develop solutions to improve their mental well-being.

Counsellors also often possess strong listening skills and empathy, which are essential for effective practice. Additionally, counsellors must be patient problem solvers and empower clients to find solutions. Practical skills in applying therapeutic techniques are also crucial for effective counselling.

Becoming a counsellor can be a rewarding and challenging career, offering many benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a counsellor, you have the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, helping them navigate their challenges and improve their mental health and well-being.

Growing demand for counsellors in community services

The demand for counsellors in community services is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing need for mental health support and the recognition of the importance of counselling in promoting well-being and preventing mental health issues.

There are over 30,000 counsellors currently working in Australia, with the profession projected to grow by 14.2%. Almost half of the Australian population (45.5%) will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime.

Counsellors working in community services play a critical role in providing accessible and affordable counselling services to individuals, families, and communities and are essential in addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable populations.

As a counsellor, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives, work in a variety of settings, and develop a range of skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the mental health sector. With the growing demand for counsellors, there are many job opportunities available, and the field is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Becoming a counsellor requires the right qualifications, accreditation, and practical experience.

In Australia, counselling is not a regulated profession, meaning that there are no particular qualifications or accreditations required to become a counsellor. Some states (including NSW, VIC, QLD and SA) do require that counsellors abide by a code of practice, which is provided by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

That said, studying a counselling course in Australia is an important step towards becoming a professional in the field. Follow these four essential steps to start your journey.

1. Choose your study pathway
2. Study a course
3. Get your professional accreditation
4. Get practical experience

1. Choose your study pathway

The first step to becoming a counsellor is selecting the right study pathway based on your career goals and entry requirements.

Vocational training (Certificate IV & Diplomas)

• Ideal for entry-level positions in community services, mental health support, and crisis response. Vocational training can lead to roles such as a mental health support worker
• Focuses on practical, hands-on training
• Available at TAFE and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
• Provides pathways into higher education or direct employment

Higher education (Bachelor’s & Master’s Degrees)

• Designed for those wanting to work in private practice, clinical counselling, or advanced roles
• Covers theoretical knowledge, research, and specialised counselling techniques
• Required for registration as a registered counsellor with professional bodies
• University-level courses in Counselling, Psychology, or Social Work

If you’re unsure which study path is right for you, it’s important to research different qualifications and career outcomes before enrolling.

2. Study a counselling course

Once you’ve chosen your pathway, the next step is completing an accredited counselling course that aligns with your career aspirations.

Common counselling qualifications in Australia:

Many counselling courses include practical placements, research projects, and supervised training to ensure students gain real-world experience before entering the profession.

3. Get your professional accreditation

While counselling is not a government-regulated profession in Australia, joining a professional association enhances credibility and employment opportunities.

Ongoing professional development is needed to maintain registration with professional bodies in counselling. It’s also common for counsellors in Australia to have a supervisor for guidance and professional development.

There are two main counselling and psychology counselling bodies in Australia:

Benefits of accreditation:

• Meets industry standards and ethical guidelines
• Increases job prospects and access to professional insurance
• Provides ongoing professional development and career development opportunities

4. Gain practical experience

Counselling is a hands-on profession, and experience is crucial for building confidence, communication skills, and therapeutic techniques.

Ways to gain experience:

• Internships & supervised placements – Many courses include real-world training in counselling services
• Volunteering – Work with community programs, crisis helplines, and mental health organisations
• Part-time roles in mental health services – Allow students to work while studying

Practical experience helps future counsellors develop self-awareness, professional boundaries, and client rapport, which are essential for success in the field.

Once you’re an accredited and qualified counsellor, you can seek counselling careers in a diverse array of organisations and industries, such as:

• Schools and universities
• Workplaces
• Community healthcare centres
• In-patient settings
• Welfare agencies
• Aged care settings
• Palliative care settings
• Settlement services for refugees
• Crisis phone lines

Many counsellors also work in private practice, either on their own or as part of a practice team. Counsellors working in private practice are self-employed and offer services to members of the general public.

Becoming a counsellor is a deeply rewarding career that allows you to support individuals, families, and communities in navigating life’s challenges. With the growing demand for mental health professionals, now is the perfect time to take the first step.

By choosing the right study pathway, gaining practical experience, and obtaining professional accreditation, you’ll be well on your way to building a meaningful and impactful career in counselling.

If you’re ready to start your journey, explore accredited counselling courses and enrol today.