Which Counselling Course is Right for You?

When you’re considering a career in counselling, it can be hard to know which course is right for you. Many degrees, diplomas, and certificates in counselling exist, each with its pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know about your options!

1. Low barrier to entry

Counselling isn’t a registered profession in Australia, meaning higher education and accreditation aren’t legally required. However, depending on your state, you may need to adhere to a code of practice. Qualifications aren’t compulsory but are highly regarded by employers and can open up more job opportunities.

Getting a qualification can help you:

• Understand the role of a counsellor.
• Hone essential counselling skills and methodologies.
• Learn legal, ethical, and professional standards.
• Gain hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment.
• Access valuable professional development opportunities.

2. Rapidly growing field

The demand for qualified counsellors is increasing across various sectors. Mental health awareness, work-life balance concerns, and the growing need for support services mean that skilled professionals are in demand. These professionals are trained to assist clients through various challenges, using effective communication and micro-counselling techniques.

Counselling qualifications can lead to careers in:

• Alcohol and substance abuse counselling
• Trauma and crisis counselling
• Family and relationship counselling
• School counselling
• Rehabilitation counselling

3. Makes a difference

Counselling is a meaningful career where you support individuals through personal challenges, mental health struggles, and life transitions. Working with individuals, families, or groups directly impacts people’s well-being and quality of life.

Higher education

• Bachelor of Counselling
• Master of Counselling
• Graduate Certificate in Counselling
• Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Vocational education (VET)

• Diploma of Counselling

Unaccredited short courses

• Certificates in Counselling

Bachelor of Counselling

A Bachelor of Counselling provides foundational knowledge and practical skills in counselling theories, mental health, ethics, and professional standards. It often includes practical placements and can lead to accreditation as a professional counsellor.

You can pursue further study with a Master of Counselling for advanced specialisation. Or, you can also apply for a Bachelor of Psychology with credit transfers if you’re looking to transition into a career in psychology. Postgraduate certificates in mental health, trauma counselling, or family therapy are also common next steps.

You’ll study:

• Counselling therapies, theories, and methodologies.
• Building practical skills that are important to counselling.
• Human psychology, mental health, and development.
• Counselling ethics, building counselling relationships, legal requirements, and professional standards.
• Self-reflection.
• Academic skills such as researching and writing.
• Human behaviour.

Cost and duration of study

Graduate Certificate in Counselling

A Graduate Certificate in Counselling is a short postgraduate course for professionals, building on their counselling skills or upskilling in related fields like psychology or social work.

This qualification serves as a stepping stone to a full Master of Counselling or other postgraduate programs. It can also complement existing qualifications for professionals in healthcare, social work, or education.

You take units on:

• Fundamental counselling techniques and communication strategies.
• Ethics and legal frameworks in counselling practice.
• Psychological theories relevant to counselling.
• Psychological science as a specialisation within counselling disciplines.
• Practical applications in a range of professional settings.

Cost and duration of study

Master of Counselling

A Master of Counselling is a postgraduate degree for advanced theoretical knowledge and specialised training in trauma, mental health, and family therapy. Includes supervised placements and enhances career progression.

You take units on:

• Advanced counselling theories and evidence-based practices.
• Ethical and legal considerations in counselling.
• Trauma-informed counselling approaches.
• Specialisations in areas such as family therapy, addiction counselling, or mental health.
• Supervised placements to enhance practical experience.

Cost and duration of study

2. Vocational education

Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)

This online counselling diploma is an accredited counselling course in Australia. It provides practical, workplace-focused qualifications covering counselling techniques, ethics, and methodologies. This course provides entry-level job opportunities and a pathway to further study.

Graduates may use this as a direct pathway into a Bachelor of Counselling, with credit transfers available at many universities. Some also continue professional development through short courses in specialised counselling fields such as grief counselling or youth mental health.

You take units on:

• Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
• Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
• Research and apply personality and development theories
• Apply learning theories in counselling
• Select and use counselling therapies

Cost and duration of study

3. Short courses

Certificate in Counselling

A certificate in counselling offers an introduction to counselling theories and skills and is suitable for professionals in adjacent fields (e.g., social work, teaching, nursing). Counselling certificates are offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) or unaccredited private providers.

If you complete a counselling certificate with an RTO, this can lead to further study in a Diploma of Counselling. Many students use it as a trial step before committing to a higher-level qualification.

Cost and duration of study

Selecting the right counselling course is crucial for your professional development and career success. Here are some key factors to consider:

Factors to consider when selecting a course:

Counselling graduates have a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Whether you’re passionate about mental health, education, or community services, a counselling career can be both fulfilling and diverse.

What career paths are available for counselling graduates?

Potential work environments for counselling graduates include:

• Hospitals and healthcare organisations
• Schools and universities
• Community organisations and non-profits
• Private practice
• Government agencies
• Research institutions

Responsibilities that counselling graduates can expect to take on include:

• Providing individual and group counselling services
• Developing and implementing treatment plans
• Conducting assessments and evaluations
• Providing crisis intervention and support
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
• Developing and leading workshops and support groups

A career in counselling offers diverse opportunities and allows you to make a significant impact on the well-being of others. Now that you understand the counselling courses available to you, are you ready to get started?