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How to Become A Counsellor

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What is a Counsellor

A counsellor helps people work through life’s toughest moments. They support clients dealing with mental struggles, relationship issues, career stress, and more. Counsellors use talk therapy and other tools to help people feel heard and find a way forward.

It is a career with real impact. Australia has 40,100 counsellors at work right now, with 2,800 new positions opening every year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Mental health awareness keeps growing, so demand for skilled counsellors is only going up.

Counsellors work in all kinds of places, including schools, hospitals, community centres, private practice, and employee support programs. Some focus on youth, grief, trauma, or addiction. There is a lot of variety, so you can shape the career around what you love most.

The median full-time salary sits at about $112,000 per year (ABS, 2025). Entry-level roles typically start around $65,000, with senior and specialist positions reaching $140,000 or more. Explore counselling pathways on CareerFAQs and see what fits you.

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Career Outlook for Counsellor

Counselling is one of the fastest-growing careers in Australia right now. There are 40,100 counsellors at work, with 2,800 new roles each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The typical counsellor is 44 years old and about 79% of the workforce is female (ABS, 2025). About half work part-time, and full-time workers average 41 hours per week.

The median full-time salary is about $112,000 per year (ABS, May 2025). Entry-level roles start around $65,000. Senior and specialist counsellors can earn $140,000 or more. The main industries hiring counsellors are health care, education, and public admin.

The outlook is positive. Demand is rising because Australians are more open about mental health than ever before. Schools, hospitals, workplaces, and community services all need skilled counsellors. The National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists now set clear rules for the field (Department of Health, 2024). This gives the field stronger standing and opens clearer career paths.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Counsellor

Step 1: Complete a Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015)

Enrol in the Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 12 to 18 months full-time or up to two years part-time. It covers counselling theory, client communication, case management, and hands-on client work with a supervisor. It is the base qualification most employers need for entry-level roles. Check the current code on training.gov.au before you enrol.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or a Related Field

Complete a Bachelor of Counselling or Bachelor of Psychology at an Australian university. Most courses run for three years full-time. A degree gives you a deeper base in therapy methods, research, and ethics. It is also needed for higher-level ACA or PACFA membership.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Clinical Practice Hours

Log the supervised hours your chosen body requires. ACA needs at least 200 hours of supervised practice for Level 2 membership. PACFA needs at least 200 hours of client contact and 50 hours of supervision for Certified Practising Counsellor status. Seek placements during your study or apply for graduate roles that include supervision.

Step 4: Register with ACA or PACFA

Apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Both bodies check your study, supervised hours, and ethics training. No government licence is needed to counsel in Australia, but most employers and clients expect ACA or PACFA membership. Membership also gives you access to insurance and learning resources.

Step 5: Commit to Ongoing Professional Development (CPD)

Log your CPD hours each year to keep your membership current. ACA and PACFA both require annual CPD to stay a member. You can take workshops, webinars, online courses, or peer supervision sessions. CPD builds expertise in areas like trauma, grief, and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

What does a Counsellor do?

A counsellor’s day is built around real talks with real people. They start with client sessions, listening closely and helping each person work through their situation. They run group sessions, write up session notes, and update treatment plans as they go. They also liaise with GPs, social workers, and other health staff to give clients full-circle support. At the heart of it all is helping people find their own strengths and build a better path forward.

Tasks

Counsellors play a vital role in helping people through some of life’s hardest moments. They work in schools, community centres, private practice, and more. Each client brings a different challenge, and counsellors adapt their approach every single day.

  • Running individual sessions in a safe and private setting
  • Creating personal treatment plans that match each client’s needs and goals
  • Giving crisis support to clients in acute distress or facing emergencies
  • Running group therapy sessions that promote healing and shared connection
  • Writing accurate session notes and keeping private client records
  • Keeping skills sharp through ongoing training and learning
  • Working with psychologists, social workers, and medical staff for joined-up care
  • Teaching clients practical tools to manage emotions and daily stress
  • Helping clients find and access the services and support they need

Skills for Success

The most important skill for a counsellor is the ability to truly listen. Clients need to feel heard before they can begin to open up. That means giving full focus, asking the right questions, and replying with empathy.

Emotional know-how helps counsellors grasp what clients are going through. It also helps them manage their own feelings when working with hard topics. This balance is what keeps sessions safe and useful for everyone.

Problem-solving, cultural awareness, and clear talking round out the core skill set. Counsellors work with people from all walks of life, so respect for different backgrounds is key. Keeping up with new methods through ongoing training keeps their work fresh and effective.

Skills & Attributes

  • Empathy
  • Active listening
  • Clear communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Cultural competence
  • Patience and resilience
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Building rapport
  • Critical thinking
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Knowledge of mental health issues
  • Record-keeping and documentation
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Commitment to professional development

Average Salaries

The average counsellor salary in Australia is about $112,000 per year (ABS, May 2025). Pay grows with experience and skills. New counsellors often start at about $65,000. Senior and specialist roles can reach $140,000 or more.

min $65 K

max $140 K

av $112 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.