The Ultimate Guide to Counselling in Australia

Counselling is one of the most rewarding and impactful career paths in Australia, allowing professionals to support people through life’s challenges and promote mental well-being.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Counselling in Australia, including career pathways, qualifications, specialisations, and the future of counselling.

Plus, we highlight insights from psychologist Cecilia Daly, founder of Daily Psychology, to provide expert advice on what it takes to succeed in this field of work.

Counselling is a form of talk therapy that involves a collaborative process between a trained counsellor and an individual, couple, or family to address various issues and concerns.

It provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and to work towards achieving their goals and improving their mental health and wellbeing.

Counselling can be used to address a wide range of issues, including relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management.

A professional counsellor is a trained individual who provides supportive talk therapy, offering a safe space for their clients to open up about their problems. They provide counselling services and practical strategies to help people manage personal, emotional, and psychological challenges.

Common counselling roles include:

• Helping families navigate family violence, relationship breakdowns, and conflict resolution.
• Supporting young people and students with self-esteem, stress, and general personal struggles.
• Assisting carers dealing with stress and burnout.
• Providing psychotherapy for individuals coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Counsellors work with clients to address and resolve identified concerns.

Counsellors work in diverse settings, from schools and hospitals to private practice and community services. Many professionals also offer counselling services through telehealth platforms, making support more accessible.

1. Confidential and non-judgmental

Professional counselling provides a private, safe space where you can openly share your concerns without fear of judgment.

2. Session length

Counselling sessions typically last around 50 minutes, giving you time to explore your thoughts and emotions in depth. Counselling appointments are available in various formats, including in-person, telephone, and video sessions, and clients are matched with suitable counsellors based on individual needs.

3. Income-based fees

Many counselling services offer fees based on your income, making support more accessible to a wider range of people.

4. Goal setting

You’ll work collaboratively with your counsellor to set personal goals and track progress over time, helping you move forward with clarity and purpose.

Counselling offers more than just someone to talk to — it can be a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional resilience, and improved wellbeing. Here are just some of the key benefits professional counselling can offer.

There are various types of counselling services available, each tailored to meet specific needs:

These diverse counselling services ensure that individuals, couples, and families can find the support they need in a format that works best for them.

Counselling requires more than just listening—it demands empathy, strong communication, and problem-solving skills to guide clients through life’s challenges. Here are the key skills every counsellor needs:

Many of these skills can be refined through training, but you may already have some of the counselling skills needed for this industry.

Becoming a counsellor involves more than obtaining a qualification—it’s a journey of personal growth and professional development. As a provider of a counselling service, you will support individuals and couples facing emotional and relational challenges.

Choosing the right counselling qualification is a key step in starting or advancing your counselling career. Whether you’re just entering the field or looking to deepen your expertise, there are flexible study options to suit your goals.

Vocational Education (Certificate & Diploma Level)

Vocational courses such as the Diploma of Counselling is ideal for those seeking entry-level roles in areas like mental health support, community services, or aged care.

These qualifications are offered through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and focus on practical, hands-on training that prepares you for real-world counselling settings. They are also a more affordable option, making them accessible to those wanting to begin their journey in the counselling profession.

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

University-level counselling degrees provide a more in-depth academic foundation and are essential for those who want to work in specialised fields like psychotherapy, social work, or allied health.

These qualifications are typically required for positions in clinical settings, private practice, and advanced mental health roles. A Bachelor’s degree can lead directly to employment, while a Master’s degree allows you to specialise further and qualify for leadership or supervisory roles.

No matter where you live—Sydney, Brisbane, or regional Queensland—many education providers offer flexible options, including full-time, part-time, and online counselling courses. These programs are designed to support different lifestyles and learning needs, making it easier for you to balance study with other commitments.

Counselling is a diverse field with many specialisations, allowing you to align your career with your passions and the type of impact you want to make. Here are some of the most common counselling career paths in Australia:

To understand what it takes to succeed as a counsellor or psychologist, I sat down with Cecilia Daly, a registered psychologist and founder of Daily Psychology.

What inspired you to become a psychologist?

“My journey into psychology wasn’t one I initially anticipated, but looking back, it makes sense. Why does one person respond to stress with anxiety while another stays calm? These questions led me to pursue psychology.

The most rewarding part of my work is helping people discover answers to their own questions. Seeing clients achieve personal growth and knowing I’ve played a role in that transformation is incredibly fulfilling.”

What are some common misconceptions people have about the industry?

“That it’s all about ‘fixing’ people. Many people assume we have all the answers, but the truth is, that therapy is a collaborative process. It’s not about giving clients a set of instructions on how to live their lives, but rather helping them gain insight, explore their options, and empower them to make informed decisions.”

What skills and qualities are essential for this career?

“Empathy and active listening are essential. Psychology is about truly understanding and connecting with clients, fostering trust so that real change can occur. But it’s not just about listening—you also need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tailor interventions to each person’s unique needs.

Resilience and emotional intelligence are also crucial. Working in this industry can be emotionally demanding, so it’s important to have the tools to navigate challenges while staying grounded.”

Learn more about Daily Psychology → Visit Daily Psychology

Thinking about a career in counselling? You might be wondering—is it a good career choice right now? Will it still be in demand in 5 or 10 years? And how is the industry changing?

The short answer is that counselling is more important than ever, and the profession is evolving rapidly. With new technologies, increasing mental health awareness, and a growing need for qualified professionals, there has never been a better time to enter the field.

If you’re considering a career in this field, you might be wondering: Should I become a counsellor or a psychologist? While both professions focus on supporting mental well-being, they differ in education requirements, job scope, and areas of practice.

Psychologists require postgraduate study and clinical training, allowing them to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based techniques like CBT and psychological assessments.

While counselling accreditation is voluntary, psychology is a regulated profession requiring PsyBA registration.

Career pathways also differ, with counsellors working in schools, community services, and private practice, while psychologists are usually found in clinical settings, hospitals, and research roles.

Counselling is a deeply rewarding career for those who are passionate about helping others, fostering resilience, and creating meaningful change. If these qualities resonate with you, you might just have what it takes to be a great counsellor.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you genuinely enjoy helping others?
• Are you comfortable with emotionally challenging conversations?
• Do you have strong communication and active listening skills?
• Are you patient, resilient, and adaptable?
• Are you prepared for ongoing professional development?

Still unsure if counselling is the right fit?

If you’re on the fence, consider these next steps:

• Try volunteering – Many community organisations offer volunteer opportunities where you can support vulnerable individuals and gain hands-on experience.
• Hear from a professional – Learn from those already in the field. Read insights from counsellor Jo Woods to gain insight into the profession.
• Take a career quiz – See if your strengths and interests align with a counselling career.
• Enrol in a short course – Many training providers offer introductory counselling courses, allowing you to test the waters before committing to a full qualification.

Now that you understand the pathways, qualifications, and career opportunities in counselling, it’s time to take the first step. Whether you’re ready to enrol or still exploring your options, starting now can bring you closer to a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.

Browse accredited counselling courses, compare providers, and find the right study path to begin your journey in Australia’s growing mental health and wellbeing sector.