Securing a Therapist position in Australia’s evolving mental health landscape requires more than just clinical knowledge—you need a resume that demonstrates your ability to provide effective therapeutic interventions, build strong client relationships, and contribute to positive mental health outcomes. Whether you’re struggling to transition from training roles or finding it challenging to showcase your clinical impact while maintaining client confidentiality, crafting the perfect Therapist resume can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything necessary to create an outstanding Therapist resume that resonates with Australian employers. From understanding the critical responsibilities that support client wellbeing to presenting your qualifications and achievements in compelling, outcome-focused language, we’ll help you transform your therapeutic expertise into a powerful career advancement tool.
Therapists are essential facilitators of mental health and wellbeing, responsible for providing evidence-based interventions, supporting clients through challenging life circumstances, and contributing to the overall improvement of community mental health. With major Australian healthcare providers like Beyond Blue, Lifeline Australia, and public health services such as Australian Department of Health consistently seeking qualified therapists, your resume must highlight your clinical skills, therapeutic approach, and proven ability to support client recovery and growth.
Therapist Resume (Text Version)
Registered Psychologist & Therapist
Mobile: 0479 123 456
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmapatterson
Location: Brisbane, QLDPROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Compassionate and experienced Therapist with 8+ years providing evidence-based mental health interventions across diverse populations. Proven track record of supporting 300+ clients through trauma recovery, anxiety management, and relationship challenges with 85% treatment completion rates. Expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, and family systems approaches with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Strong background in crisis intervention, group therapy facilitation, and community mental health programme development.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Individual & Group Therapy • Trauma-Informed Care & PTSD Treatment • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) • Family & Couples Therapy • Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
• Mental Health Assessment & Diagnosis • Treatment Planning & Case Management • Psychological Report Writing
• Multicultural & LGBTI+ Affirmative Practice • Supervision & Training • Community Programme Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Clinical Therapist | Community Mental Health Services | February 2020 – Present
Providing comprehensive therapeutic services within multidisciplinary team environment serving diverse community population with complex mental health needs.
• Maintained caseload of 35-40 clients weekly, achieving 88% treatment completion rate and 92% client satisfaction scores
• Specialised in trauma therapy using EMDR and somatic approaches, supporting 150+ clients through PTSD recovery with 78% symptom improvement
• Facilitated weekly group therapy programmes for anxiety and depression, serving 25+ participants per programme with measurable outcome improvements
• Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments and risk evaluations, contributing to multidisciplinary treatment planning for high-risk clients
• Mentored 6 provisional psychologists and student placements, with 100% successful registration outcomes and positive supervisor evaluations
• Developed and implemented community workshops on mental health awareness reaching 500+ community members annually
Clinical Therapist | Private Practice Consortium | June 2017 – January 2020
Delivered individual and couples therapy services within collaborative private practice environment focusing on relationship issues and life transitions.
• Provided therapy for 200+ individuals and couples using evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, and Gottman Method
• Achieved 90% client retention through first six sessions and 83% successful treatment completion rates
• Conducted psychological assessments for court proceedings, workplace fitness, and disability support evaluations
• Collaborated with psychiatrists, GPs, and allied health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for complex presentations
• Maintained detailed clinical documentation and progress notes ensuring compliance with professional standards and insurance requirements
• Participated in peer supervision and continuing professional development maintaining registration and best practice standards
Mental Health Therapist | Regional Hospital Network | March 2015 – May 2017
Provided crisis intervention and therapeutic support within acute mental health inpatient and outpatient services.
• Conducted crisis assessments and safety planning for 400+ presentations annually, contributing to 95% successful crisis resolution outcomes
• Delivered individual therapy for inpatients and day programme participants with severe mental illness including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
• Facilitated psychoeducation groups covering medication compliance, symptom management, and recovery planning
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and discharge planning ensuring continuity of care and community follow-up
• Supported family members and carers through education sessions and support groups improving family engagement by 40%
• Contributed to quality improvement initiatives and clinical audits maintaining accreditation standards
EDUCATION
Master of Psychology (Clinical) | University of Queensland | 2014
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | Griffith University | 2012
Graduate Certificate in Trauma Therapy | Australian College of Applied Psychology | 2018
REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATIONS
• Registered Psychologist | Psychology Board of Australia | Current
• Medicare Provider Number | Current
• EMDR Level 2 Certified Therapist | EMDR Association of Australia | Current
• Trauma-Informed Care Certificate | Blue Knot Foundation | 2023
• Mental Health First Aid Instructor | Mental Health First Aid Australia | Current
• Working with Children Check | Current
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills
• Trauma-Focused CBT
• Family Systems Therapy
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Member, Australian Psychological Society | 2014 – Present
• Member, EMDR Association of Australia | 2018 – Present
• Member, Australian Association for Cognitive & Behaviour Therapy | 2015 – Present
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Advanced EMDR Training – Complex Trauma | 2023
• LGBTI+ Affirmative Practice Workshop | 2022
• Supervision Skills for Mental Health Professionals | 2021
• Cultural Competency in Indigenous Mental Health | 2020
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Excellence in Clinical Practice Award | Community Mental Health Services | 2023
• Outstanding Student Supervision | Australian Psychological Society QLD | 2022
• Community Mental Health Innovation Award | Regional Hospital Network | 2017
What is The Best Format for a Therapist Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the optimal choice for Therapist resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your progression through increasingly responsible clinical roles and specialisation development. This format allows employers to quickly assess your career advancement and understand how you’ve built expertise across different therapeutic modalities and client populations. Start with your most recent position and work backwards, emphasising growth in clinical responsibility, specialisation areas, and professional development.
For fonts, choose professional options like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use 14-16 point font for your name and contact information, and 10-12 point font for body text. This ensures excellent readability while maximising space for your clinical achievements and professional qualifications. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins on all sides and include adequate white space between sections to create a clean, professional appearance.
Always submit your resume as a PDF unless the job advertisement specifically requests another format. PDF files preserve your formatting across different devices and systems, ensuring your carefully structured presentation remains intact when reviewed by hiring managers and clinical teams.
Your resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional credentials, mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile URL, and city/state. Include your registration status (e.g., “Registered Psychologist”) as this is crucial information for Australian employers.
Summary: Write a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of therapeutic experience, clinical specialisations, key achievements, and core competencies relevant to mental health practice.
Experience: Detail your work history with emphasis on clinical roles, therapeutic outcomes, and responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to provide effective mental health interventions.
Education: List your formal qualifications, focusing on psychology, counselling, social work, or related mental health studies that support your therapeutic practice.
Other sections: Include registration details, certifications, therapeutic approaches, and relevant achievements that strengthen your credibility as a mental health professional.
What Experience Should Be on Your Therapist Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate clear progression from supervised training roles to independent clinical practice, showcasing your development of therapeutic skills and clinical expertise. Focus on positions that highlight your ability to provide effective interventions, work with diverse populations, manage complex cases, and contribute to positive client outcomes. Include specific details wherever possible while maintaining client confidentiality—therapeutic work is outcome-focused, and appropriate metrics provide compelling evidence of your clinical effectiveness and professional competence.
Highlight experience in individual therapy, group facilitation, crisis intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration. If you’ve worked with specific populations (trauma survivors, children, couples), managed complex cases, or specialised in particular therapeutic approaches, these experiences demonstrate the breadth and depth of clinical expertise valued in senior therapeutic roles. Include any experience with supervision, training, community programme development, and quality improvement initiatives.
Clinical Therapist | Integrated Mental Health Centre | March 2019 – Present
• Provided individual therapy for 250+ clients across lifespan using evidence-based approaches, achieving 87% treatment completion rates
• Specialised in trauma therapy using EMDR and CBT, supporting clients with PTSD and achieving measurable symptom reduction in 80% of cases
• Facilitated weekly mindfulness and anxiety management groups serving 20+ participants per programme with positive outcome measures
• Conducted comprehensive psychological assessments contributing to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning
• Collaborated with psychiatrists, social workers, and GPs ensuring coordinated care for clients with complex presentations
• Supervised 4 provisionally registered psychologists, contributing to successful registration and professional development outcomes
Clinical Therapist | Integrated Mental Health Centre | March 2019 – Present
• Provided counselling and therapy to various clients
• Helped people with mental health problems and issues
• Ran groups and attended team meetings
• Wrote reports and kept client records
• Worked with other health professionals
• Supervised students and junior staff
Entry-Level Therapist Resume Samples [Experience]
If you’re entering your first independent therapist role, focus on supervised clinical experiences that demonstrate your therapeutic skills, professional development, and readiness for autonomous practice. Emphasise clinical placements, internships, or provisional practice that shows your ability to work effectively with clients and contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.
Provisional Psychologist | Community Counselling Service | January 2023 – Present
• Provided individual therapy for 80+ clients under clinical supervision using CBT and ACT approaches
• Achieved 85% session attendance rate and 90% client satisfaction scores through effective therapeutic relationship building
• Completed comprehensive intake assessments and risk evaluations contributing to safe and effective treatment planning
• Participated in weekly case consultation and peer supervision maintaining high clinical standards and best practice
• Facilitated psychoeducation groups for depression and anxiety management serving 15+ participants per programme
• Maintained detailed clinical documentation ensuring compliance with professional standards and ethical requirements
Provisional Psychologist | Community Counselling Service | January 2023 – Present
• Worked with clients on various mental health concerns
• Attended supervision meetings and training sessions
• Helped facilitate group therapy programmes
• Did paperwork and client assessments
• Followed professional guidelines and procedures
• Learned different therapy techniques and approaches
How to Write the Education Section for your Therapist Resume
Education provides the theoretical foundation and clinical training essential for effective therapeutic practice. Your formal qualifications demonstrate your understanding of psychological principles, human development, and evidence-based interventions that underpin safe and competent mental health practice. Include degrees in psychology, counselling, social work, or related mental health disciplines that support your therapeutic expertise.
For Therapist positions, employers particularly value qualifications that include supervised clinical training, research components, and specialised areas of study relevant to mental health practice. If you’ve completed additional training in specific therapeutic modalities, trauma therapy, or specialised populations, these demonstrate your commitment to developing advanced clinical skills and evidence-based practice.
Therapist Resume Example [Education]
Master of Psychology (Clinical) | Curtin University | 2018
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | University of Western Australia | 2016
Graduate Certificate in Trauma Therapy | Australian College of Applied Psychology | 2021
How to Write the Skills Section for your Therapist Resume
The skills section for Therapists should balance clinical competencies with interpersonal abilities and professional capabilities. Include 8-12 skills that directly relate to therapeutic success, focusing on areas like evidence-based interventions, assessment techniques, crisis management, and ethical practice. Avoid generic counselling skills that every candidate will include—instead, highlight specific therapeutic modalities, specialised populations, or clinical capabilities that demonstrate your professional expertise and clinical effectiveness.
Tailor your skills to match the job advertisement, using identical terminology where possible. Many Australian employers use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords, so alignment with the job description can significantly improve your chances of progressing to clinical interview stage.
Therapist Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions
• Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis
• Crisis Intervention and Risk Assessment
• Treatment Planning and Case Management
• Group Therapy Facilitation
• Trauma-Informed Care and PTSD Treatment
• Family and Couples Therapy
• Clinical Documentation and Report Writing
• Multicultural and Inclusive Practice
• Professional Supervision and Training
Therapist Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Empathy and Compassion
• Active Listening and Communication
• Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
• Professional Boundaries and Ethics
• Resilience and Self-Care
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning
• Patience and Emotional Regulation
• Advocacy and Client Empowerment
How to pick the best Therapist skills:
1. Review the job advertisement carefully and identify specific therapeutic approaches, client populations, and clinical requirements mentioned
2. Match your experience to required competencies, emphasising measurable clinical outcomes and client satisfaction where appropriate
3. Include a balance of clinical skills (assessment, intervention) and interpersonal abilities (empathy, communication)
4. Prioritise skills that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with the specific populations or presentations mentioned in the role
5. Consider setting-specific requirements like crisis intervention, group work, or multidisciplinary collaboration
6. Ensure your skills reflect current best practice including trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and evidence-based interventions
Therapist Resume Examples [Skills]
• Trauma-Informed Care: Provided EMDR therapy for 100+ trauma survivors achieving significant symptom reduction in 85% of completed treatments
• Crisis Intervention: Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and safety planning contributing to 98% successful crisis resolution outcomes
• Group Facilitation: Led therapeutic groups for anxiety and depression with 90% completion rates and measurable symptom improvement
• Cultural Competency: Successfully provided therapy for diverse populations including Indigenous, CALD, and LGBTI+ clients with high satisfaction rates
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Therapist Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your Therapist resume by demonstrating professional commitment, specialised knowledge, and ongoing development. These sections are particularly valuable in the Australian mental health sector, where continuous learning, professional registration maintenance, and specialised training are essential for career advancement and clinical competence.
Registration & Certifications: Include your current registration with AHPRA, Medicare provider numbers, and any specialised certifications. These are essential credentials in Australian mental health practice and demonstrate your compliance with professional standards.
Therapeutic Approaches: List specific evidence-based interventions you’re trained in (CBT, EMDR, DBT, etc.). This helps employers understand your clinical toolkit and match you with appropriate client presentations.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the Australian Psychological Society, AASW, or PACFA shows professional engagement and commitment to ethical practice and continuing education.
Continuing Professional Development: Include recent training, workshops, or courses that demonstrate your commitment to staying current with best practices and expanding your clinical skills.
Languages on a Resume: Australia’s multicultural society highly values multilingual therapeutic services. List languages with proficiency levels, especially if you can provide therapy in languages other than English.
Supervision & Training: Include any experience supervising students or provisional practitioners, as this demonstrates advanced clinical skills and professional leadership.
Therapist Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Specialised Training
• EMDR Level 2 Certified Therapist | EMDR Association of Australia | Current
• Trauma-Focused CBT for Children & Adolescents | Australian Childhood Foundation | 2023
• DBT Skills Training | Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Centre | 2022
• LGBTI+ Affirmative Practice Certificate | Australian Psychological Society | 2021
Professional Registration
• Registered Psychologist | Psychology Board of Australia | PSY0023456789
• Medicare Provider | Department of Human Services | 2345678A
• Working with Children Check | Queensland Government | Current
Community Involvement
• Volunteer Crisis Support Counsellor | Lifeline Australia | 2019 – Present
• Mental Health First Aid Trainer | Community Workshops | 2020 – Present
Extra Qualifications
• Have various therapy training certificates
• Registered to practice psychology in Australia
• Member of professional psychology groups
• Do volunteer work with mental health organisations
Tip: You can also include relevant interests that demonstrate commitment to wellbeing (mindfulness practice, yoga), continuous learning (research interests, academic involvement), or community engagement (mental health advocacy). Keep personal interests brief and only include them if they add professional value or demonstrate relevant therapeutic qualities.
How to write a Therapist Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is critical real estate that determines whether hiring managers continue reading your resume. For Therapist positions, focus on your years of clinical experience, therapeutic specialisations, and your approach to supporting client wellbeing and recovery. This section should immediately communicate your therapeutic expertise and demonstrate your understanding of evidence-based practice and ethical mental health care.
Key elements to include:
• Years of therapeutic experience and clinical specialisations
• Types of clients, settings, or therapeutic approaches you specialise in
• Your commitment to evidence-based practice and positive client outcomes
• Core competencies that align with mental health practice requirements
• Professional registration and credentials that validate your expertise
Therapist Resume Summary Examples
Registered Psychologist with 7+ years of clinical experience providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions for trauma, anxiety, and depression across community and private practice settings. Proven track record of supporting 400+ clients through recovery with 88% treatment completion rates and consistently high satisfaction scores. Expert in EMDR, CBT, and trauma-informed care with demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations including Indigenous, CALD, and LGBTI+ communities.
Experienced therapist with knowledge of various counselling approaches. Good at helping people with mental health problems and building therapeutic relationships. Looking for therapy role where I can use my skills and continue supporting clients. Compassionate and dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.
For entry-level therapist candidates or those completing provisional registration, focus on your clinical training, supervised experience, and readiness for independent practice while acknowledging your current registration status.
Entry-Level Therapist Resume Summary Examples
Provisionally Registered Psychologist with comprehensive clinical training and 1,200+ supervised practice hours across diverse mental health settings. Strong foundation in CBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care with demonstrated ability to build effective therapeutic relationships and support positive client outcomes. Committed to evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and continuing professional development in preparation for full registration.
Recent psychology graduate with some counselling experience during university training. Want to start career as therapist and help people with mental health issues. Good listener with interest in different therapy approaches. Eager to learn and develop professional skills.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Therapist Resume
LinkedIn alignment with your resume is important in Australia’s mental health sector, where professional networking and referral relationships are fundamental to career development and client care coordination. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s features to showcase your professional approach and commitment to mental health advocacy. Unlike your resume’s detailed clinical focus, LinkedIn allows for broader discussion of your therapeutic philosophy and professional interests while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
When updating your resume, simultaneously refresh your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency in employment dates, qualifications, and professional accomplishments. LinkedIn offers opportunities to engage with mental health content, share appropriate insights about wellbeing, and connect with other mental health professionals while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Therapists
• “Registered Psychologist | Trauma Specialist | EMDR Certified | Supporting Recovery & Wellbeing”
• “Clinical Therapist | CBT & DBT | Anxiety & Depression Treatment | Mental Health Advocate”
• “Psychologist | Couples & Family Therapy | Evidence-Based Practice | Community Mental Health”
• “Therapist at Mental Health Centre”
• “Counselling and Psychology Professional”
• “Mental Health Worker and Therapist”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more philosophical and value-driven than your resume summary, incorporating your passion for mental health and approach to therapeutic practice. Include your commitment to reducing stigma, supporting recovery, or advocating for mental health services while maintaining professional boundaries. In the Australian market, LinkedIn summaries can showcase your dedication to mental health without compromising client confidentiality or professional ethics.
Use first-person language and include your vision for mental health care and community wellbeing. LinkedIn’s professional focus allows you to discuss your therapeutic approach, professional interests, and commitment to evidence-based practice in ways that complement your clinical resume.
Showcasing Therapist Experience on LinkedIn
Expand your resume achievements into LinkedIn’s format while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional boundaries. Share general insights about therapeutic approaches, mental health awareness, or professional development without any client-specific information. Engage with mental health content, research findings, or professional development opportunities that demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Use LinkedIn’s volunteer experience section to highlight community involvement, mental health advocacy, or professional development activities that reinforce your commitment to mental health and wellbeing while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Therapists
Prioritise LinkedIn skills that align with therapeutic practice: mental health counselling, psychological assessment, trauma therapy, and evidence-based practice. Seek endorsements from professional colleagues, supervisors, and multidisciplinary team members while avoiding any endorsements that might compromise client confidentiality.
Be selective about skills endorsements and ensure they reflect genuine professional capabilities observed by colleagues in appropriate professional contexts.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Therapists
Connect with mental health professionals, healthcare colleagues, and professional associations while maintaining clear boundaries between professional networking and personal relationships. Join LinkedIn groups focused on Australian mental health practice, such as professional association groups or mental health advocacy organisations.
Optimise your profile for Australian mental health employers by including relevant keywords and mentioning familiarity with Australian mental health systems, Medicare requirements, and professional registration standards. Reference professional associations, continuing education, or advocacy work to demonstrate professional engagement while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Creating a compelling Therapist resume requires clinical expertise, professional integrity, and a clear understanding of how therapeutic practice supports individual and community wellbeing. By following this guide’s framework and examples, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a resume that showcases your clinical capabilities and commitment to evidence-based, ethical mental health practice.
Remember to customise your resume for each application, highlighting the specific experiences and qualifications that align with the employer’s client population, therapeutic approaches, and service model. Your resume should tell a compelling story of clinical development, professional competence, and dedication to supporting positive mental health outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice.
To complete your application package, develop a targeted cover letter that complements your resume and demonstrates your understanding of the specific therapeutic challenges and opportunities relevant to the role. For additional guidance on mental health career development and professional networking, visit the Australian Psychological Society for industry insights and continuing education opportunities.
