Counsellor Resume Examples and How to Write
Breaking into the counselling profession or advancing your mental health career in Australia requires more than just academic qualifications – your resume must demonstrate your ability to build therapeutic relationships, support client wellbeing, and navigate complex emotional situations with professionalism and empathy. With mental health services experiencing unprecedented demand and competition for counselling positions intensifying, your resume needs to immediately showcase your clinical skills, relevant experience, and genuine commitment to helping others heal and grow.
This comprehensive guide provides you with proven counsellor resume examples, templates, and expert strategies tailored specifically for Australia’s mental health sector. Whether you’re a recent graduate seeking your first counselling role, an experienced practitioner looking to transition between settings, or returning to practice after a career break, you’ll learn how to craft a resume that demonstrates your therapeutic competence and aligns with Australian professional standards.
We’ll cover everything from highlighting your clinical training and supervision experience to showcasing your work with diverse populations, ensuring your resume meets Australian employer expectations and stands out on platforms like SEEK and health sector job boards.
This free sample resume for a counsellor has an accompanying counsellor sample cover letter and counsellor sample job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Counsellor Resume (Text Version)
EMMA CARTER
Registered Counsellor
Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: 0412 789 123
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmacarter
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Compassionate Registered Counsellor with 5+ years experience providing individual and group therapy across community mental health and private practice settings. Specialising in anxiety, depression, and trauma recovery with proven success in reducing client symptom severity by 40% on average. Experienced in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based interventions with strong commitment to evidence-based practice. Registered with ACA and PACFA with current professional indemnity insurance and ongoing clinical supervision.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Counsellor | Lifeline Adelaide | Adelaide, SA | March 2021 – Present
- Provide crisis counselling and ongoing support to 25+ clients weekly experiencing suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and severe mental health challenges
- Facilitate weekly group therapy sessions for anxiety and depression recovery, achieving 85% client completion rate and significant symptom improvement
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and develop safety plans, maintaining zero serious incidents during tenure through proactive intervention
- Mentor 3 graduate counsellors through provisional registration period, providing clinical supervision and professional development guidance
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, and GPs to deliver integrated mental health care for complex cases involving comorbid conditions
Counsellor | Relationships Australia SA | Adelaide, SA | January 2020 – February 2021
- Delivered relationship and family counselling services to 40+ couples and families, achieving 70% positive outcome rate in relationship satisfaction measures
- Specialised in domestic violence counselling and perpetrator programs, supporting 20+ women through safety planning and trauma recovery
- Developed and implemented psychoeducation workshops on communication skills and conflict resolution for community groups of 15-30 participants
- Maintained detailed case notes and treatment plans using electronic health record systems, ensuring compliance with privacy legislation and professional standards
Graduate Counsellor | Headspace Adelaide | Adelaide, SA | February 2019 – December 2019
- Provided counselling services to young people aged 12-25 experiencing mental health challenges, substance use issues, and family conflict
- Implemented evidence-based interventions including CBT and solution-focused therapy, documenting measurable progress for 95% of ongoing clients
- Participated in multidisciplinary case conferences and treatment planning meetings, contributing to holistic care approaches
- Completed 150+ hours of clinical supervision and professional development training during provisional registration period
Mental Health Support Worker | Anglicare SA | Adelaide, SA | June 2017 – January 2019
- Supported individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in community residential settings, providing daily living skills training and emotional support
- Implemented behaviour support plans and crisis intervention strategies, reducing client distress incidents by 30% through proactive engagement
- Liaised with case managers, psychiatrists, and family members to coordinate comprehensive care plans and support client recovery goals
- Maintained accurate documentation and incident reports in compliance with NDIS requirements and organisational policies
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Counselling | University of South Australia | 2018
Specialisation: Clinical Mental Health Counselling
GPA: 6.2/7.0, Dean’s List recipient
Clinical Placement: 120 hours supervised practice at Adelaide Community Mental Health Centre
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | Flinders University | 2016
First Class Honours, Thesis: “Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety Disorders”
Relevant coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Therapeutic Interventions, Research Methods, Developmental Psychology
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
- Full Member – Australian Counselling Association (ACA) #12345
- Clinical Registrant – Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) #67890
- Professional Indemnity Insurance – Current (Marsh Advantage)
- Working with Children Check (SA) – Current
- National Police Certificate – Current
CLINICAL SKILLS & THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES
Evidence-Based Interventions: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Specialisation Areas: Anxiety and Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship Counselling, Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, Youth Mental Health
Assessment Tools: PHQ-9, GAD-7, K10, DASS-21, Beck Inventories, Risk Assessment Protocols
ADDITIONAL TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
- Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care – Blue Knot Foundation (2023)
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) – LivingWorks (2022)
- Mental Health First Aid Instructor – Mental Health First Aid Australia (2021)
- Cultural Competency Training – Aboriginal Health Council of SA (2020)
- Domestic Violence Risk Assessment Training – Women’s Safety Services SA (2020)
ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
- Excellence in Clinical Practice Award – Lifeline Adelaide (2023)
- Published Research: “Community-Based Interventions for Anxiety” – Australian Journal of Counselling Psychology (2022)
- Volunteer Crisis Counsellor – Beyond Blue (2019-Present)
- Conference Presenter: “Trauma-Informed Practice in Community Settings” – ACA National Conference (2022)
What is The Best Format for a Counsellor Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for counsellor resumes as it clearly demonstrates your clinical experience progression and professional development in the mental health field. This format allows employers to quickly assess your experience with different client populations, therapeutic modalities, and clinical settings – all critical factors in counselling recruitment decisions.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
- Heading Font: 14-16pt for your name, 12-14pt for section headings
- Body Font: 10-12pt for content (11pt provides optimal readability)
- Font Style: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Margins: 2.5cm on all sides for clean, professional appearance
- File Type: Submit as PDF to maintain formatting consistency
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include full name, professional title (e.g., “Registered Counsellor” or “Provisional Psychologist”), location, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure your professional title accurately reflects your current registration status.
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of experience, clinical specialisations, therapeutic modalities, and registration status. Emphasise your commitment to evidence-based practice and client outcomes.
Professional Experience: Focus on clinical roles, highlighting client populations served, therapeutic approaches used, and measurable outcomes achieved. Include supervision, training, and multidisciplinary collaboration experience.
Education & Qualifications: Critical for counsellors – include your counselling/psychology qualifications, clinical placements, relevant coursework, and academic achievements. Highlight any specialisations or research experience.
Other Essential Sections: Professional registrations and memberships, clinical skills and therapeutic modalities, additional training and certifications, and achievements or recognition that demonstrate clinical excellence.
What Experience Should Be on Your Counsellor Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your clinical competence, ability to work with diverse client populations, and progression in the mental health field. Australian employers value experience across different settings (community mental health, private practice, NGOs) and with various presenting issues. Focus on client outcomes, evidence-based practice implementation, and collaborative care approaches.
Include quantifiable achievements such as client caseload sizes, outcome improvements, program completion rates, or risk reduction metrics. Highlight your experience with specific populations (youth, families, trauma survivors) and therapeutic modalities that align with the role you’re targeting.
Correct Example:
Senior Mental Health Counsellor | beyondblue | Melbourne, VIC | January 2020 – Present
- Provide telephone and online counselling to 30+ clients weekly experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, achieving 90% client satisfaction rating
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and safety planning for high-risk clients, maintaining zero completed suicides through evidence-based intervention protocols
- Deliver group therapy programs for anxiety management using CBT techniques, with 80% of participants showing clinically significant improvement on GAD-7 scores
- Supervise 2 graduate counsellors in provisional registration, providing weekly clinical supervision and professional development support
- Collaborate with external mental health services and GPs to facilitate seamless care transitions and integrated treatment approaches
Incorrect Example:
Senior Mental Health Counsellor | beyondblue | Melbourne, VIC | January 2020 – Present
- Provided counselling services to people with mental health problems
- Answered phone calls from distressed clients
- Ran some group therapy sessions
- Helped train new counsellors
- Worked with other health professionals
Entry-Level Counsellor Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level counsellors, emphasise your clinical placements, volunteer work, internships, and any relevant experience in mental health, social services, or helping professions. Highlight your training in specific therapeutic modalities and commitment to professional development.
Correct Example:
Graduate Counsellor | Anglicare Victoria | Melbourne, VIC | February 2024 – Present
- Completing provisional registration requirements while providing counselling services to 15+ clients weekly under clinical supervision
- Implement evidence-based interventions including CBT and solution-focused therapy for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders
- Conduct intake assessments and develop comprehensive treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary team members
- Participate in weekly clinical supervision, case consultation, and professional development activities to enhance therapeutic skills
- Maintain detailed case notes and progress documentation using electronic health records system in compliance with privacy requirements
Incorrect Example:
Graduate Counsellor | Anglicare Victoria | Melbourne, VIC | February 2024 – Present
- New counsellor learning how to help clients
- Meeting with people who have problems
- Getting supervision from experienced counsellors
- Writing notes about client sessions
- Attending training sessions and meetings
How to Write the Education Section for Your Counsellor Resume
Education is fundamental for counsellors as it establishes your clinical foundation and demonstrates your commitment to evidence-based practice. Australian employers require specific qualifications for registration with professional bodies, and many positions specify minimum education requirements such as Master’s level training in counselling or psychology.
Include your counselling or psychology qualifications, clinical placement hours, relevant coursework, research experience, and academic achievements. Highlight any specialisations or additional training that enhances your clinical competence. For recent graduates, include details about your thesis or major projects that demonstrate research skills and theoretical understanding.
Counsellor Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Professional Psychology (Clinical) | Queensland University of Technology | 2022
Specialisation: Adult Mental Health and Trauma
GPA: 6.5/7.0, Dean’s List recipient
Clinical Placement: 200+ hours supervised practice across Brisbane Community Mental Health Centre and private practice settings
Major Project: “Effectiveness of EMDR in Treating Complex TRAUMA – A Meta-Analysis”
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) | Griffith University | 2020
First Class Honours, Psychology Prize recipient
Honours Thesis: “Cultural Factors in Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviour Among CALD Communities”
Relevant coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Counselling Theory and Practice, Research Methods, Developmental Psychology
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy | University of Adelaide | 2023
- Advanced CBT Training | Australian Association for CBT | 2023
- Trauma-Informed Care Certificate | Australian Childhood Foundation | 2022
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Counsellor Resume
The skills section is crucial for counsellors as it immediately communicates your therapeutic competencies and clinical expertise to potential employers. Include 8-12 highly relevant skills that demonstrate both your clinical abilities and interpersonal strengths. Balance therapeutic modalities and assessment tools with soft skills like empathy and cultural competence that are essential for effective counselling practice.
Counsellor Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Trauma-Focused Therapy (TF-CBT, EMDR)
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions
- Family and Couples Therapy
- Group Therapy Facilitation
- Crisis Intervention and Risk Assessment
- Mental Health Assessment (PHQ-9, GAD-7, DASS-21)
- Case Management and Care Coordination
- Clinical Documentation and Progress Monitoring
Counsellor Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Active Listening and Empathy
- Cultural Competence and Sensitivity
- Therapeutic Relationship Building
- Emotional Regulation and Self-Care
- Professional Boundaries and Ethics
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Stress Management and Resilience
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Adaptability and Flexibility
How to Pick the Best Counsellor Skills:
- Match therapeutic requirements: Review the job description for specific therapeutic modalities or client populations mentioned and ensure your skills align with these requirements.
- Emphasise evidence-based practice: Prioritise therapeutic approaches with strong research support and those commonly used in Australian mental health services.
- Include assessment capabilities: Highlight your competence with standardised assessment tools and risk evaluation procedures commonly used in clinical practice.
- Show specialisation areas: Focus on skills related to your areas of clinical expertise or the populations you’re most experienced working with.
- Demonstrate cultural competence: Include skills that show your ability to work effectively with diverse populations, particularly important in multicultural Australia.
Counsellor Resume Examples [Skills]
CLINICAL COMPETENCIES
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Delivered CBT interventions to 100+ clients with anxiety and depression, achieving 75% clinically significant improvement on standardised outcome measures
- Crisis Intervention: Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and safety planning for 200+ high-risk clients, maintaining zero completed suicides through evidence-based protocols
- Group Therapy Facilitation: Led 15+ therapeutic groups for trauma recovery and anxiety management with average completion rates of 85% and high participant satisfaction
- Cultural Competence: Provided culturally responsive counselling to diverse populations including Aboriginal and CALD communities through specialised training and community partnerships
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Counsellor Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your counsellor resume by demonstrating your professional standing, ongoing development, and commitment to the mental health field. These sections are particularly valuable in counselling where continuous learning, ethical practice, and professional involvement are highly regarded.
Valuable Additional Sections Include:
Professional Registrations & Memberships: Essential for counsellors – list your registration status with professional bodies like ACA, PACFA, or state psychology boards, along with membership numbers and currency dates.
Publications & Research: Any published articles, research studies, or conference presentations that demonstrate your contribution to the counselling profession and evidence-based practice.
Volunteer Work: Community mental health involvement, crisis helpline work, or pro bono counselling that shows your commitment to accessible mental health care.
Languages: Particularly valuable for working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in multicultural Australia.
Professional Development: Recent training, workshops, or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to staying current with best practices and emerging therapeutic approaches.
Awards & Recognition: Clinical excellence awards, research grants, or professional acknowledgments that demonstrate outstanding practice.
Counsellor Resume Examples [Other Sections]
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
- Full Member – Australian Counselling Association (ACA) #M12345 (Current)
- Clinical Registrant – Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) #C67890
- Professional Indemnity Insurance – Marsh Professional (Current)
- Working with Children Check (NSW) – Current until 2026
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- “Integrating Mindfulness in CBT Practice” – Australian Counselling Research Journal (2023)
- “Cultural Considerations in Trauma Therapy” – ACA National Conference Presenter (2022)
- Co-author: “Community Mental Health Outcomes Study” – Journal of Community Psychology (2021)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
- Crisis Counsellor – Lifeline Australia (2020-Present)
- Pro Bono Counsellor – Community Legal Centre (2019-2022)
- Mental Health First Aid Trainer – Local Community Groups (2021-Present)
PERSONAL INTERESTS
- Enjoys reading self-help books
- Likes going for walks and yoga
- Interested in personal development
- Spends time with family and friends
Tip: Focus on professional activities and qualifications that demonstrate your expertise, ethical practice, and commitment to the counselling profession. Avoid personal hobbies unless they directly relate to therapeutic skills or demonstrate relevant competencies like mindfulness practice or community involvement.
How to Write a Counsellor Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary immediately communicates your clinical competence, therapeutic approach, and professional values to potential employers. This 3-4 line summary should highlight your qualifications, years of experience, clinical specialisations, and commitment to client outcomes. Emphasise your registration status, evidence-based practice approach, and any specialisations that align with the role you’re targeting.
Include specific metrics where possible, such as client outcomes, caseload experience, or program success rates. Your summary should convey both your clinical expertise and your genuine commitment to supporting client wellbeing and recovery.
Counsellor Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Registered Clinical Counsellor with 7+ years experience delivering evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, and trauma across community and private practice settings. Specialise in CBT and EMDR with proven track record of achieving 80% positive client outcomes and high satisfaction ratings. ACA and PACFA registered with extensive experience in crisis intervention, group therapy facilitation, and multicultural counselling. Committed to trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice that empowers clients to achieve sustainable recovery and wellbeing.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced counsellor who enjoys helping people with their problems. Good listener with strong communication skills and caring personality. Looking for a counselling position where I can make a difference in people’s lives. Have counselling qualifications and some experience in the field.
For entry-level counsellors, focus on your education, clinical training, provisional registration status, and enthusiasm for beginning your counselling career with strong clinical supervision and professional development.
Entry-Level Counsellor Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Recent Master of Counselling graduate with strong foundation in CBT, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed practice. Completed 120+ hours clinical placement with positive supervisor feedback and demonstrated competence in individual and group counselling. Currently completing ACA provisional registration with commitment to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development. Eager to begin career supporting clients’ mental health and wellbeing in collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Incorrect Example:
New graduate looking for first counselling job. Completed counselling degree and ready to start helping clients. Good interpersonal skills and want to learn more about counselling. Available for entry-level position with training opportunities.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Counsellor Resume
Aligning your LinkedIn profile with your counsellor resume is essential for professional networking and career advancement in Australia’s mental health sector. LinkedIn provides valuable opportunities to connect with other mental health professionals, stay updated on sector developments, and discover career opportunities across different counselling settings and organisations.
Your LinkedIn profile should maintain appropriate professional boundaries while showcasing your commitment to mental health, evidence-based practice, and ongoing professional development. Consider the sensitive nature of counselling work and maintain client confidentiality while highlighting your professional expertise and therapeutic approach.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Counsellors
Your LinkedIn headline should clearly communicate your registration status, clinical expertise, and specialisation areas while remaining professional and accessible to both colleagues and potential clients.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Registered Clinical Counsellor | CBT & Trauma Specialist | ACA Member | Supporting Mental Health Recovery”
- “Senior Mental Health Counsellor | Family Therapy Specialist | 8+ Years Experience | PACFA Registered”
- “Graduate Counsellor | Provisional ACA Member | Anxiety & Depression Focus | Evidence-Based Practice”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Therapist helping people with problems”
- “Counsellor seeking new opportunities”
- “Mental health worker with experience”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and conversational than your resume summary, allowing you to share your journey into counselling and your therapeutic philosophy. Use first person and explain what drives your commitment to mental health work and how you approach supporting client wellbeing.
Focus on your values, therapeutic approach, and professional mission while maintaining appropriate boundaries about client work. Include your commitment to evidence-based practice, ongoing learning, and professional development that resonates with both colleagues and potential clients who may view your profile.
Showcasing Counsellor Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to provide more context about your counselling experience while maintaining strict client confidentiality. Focus on your professional development, therapeutic approaches, program involvement, and contributions to service delivery rather than specific client details.
Highlight your involvement in training programs, research projects, community mental health initiatives, or professional development activities. Use LinkedIn’s project feature to showcase relevant training completions, research publications, or professional presentations that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Counsellors
Focus on therapeutic skills and professional competencies that are recognised across the mental health sector such as “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,” “Mental Health Counseling,” “Crisis Intervention,” and “Group Therapy.” Seek endorsements from supervisors, colleagues, or training instructors who can vouch for your clinical competence.
Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas such as “Customer Service” or “Training” that might apply to counselling work. Regularly update your skills to reflect your current therapeutic competencies and areas of specialisation.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Counsellors
Connect with other mental health professionals, clinical supervisors, and counselling colleagues to build a professional network that supports career development and knowledge sharing. Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as Australian counselling associations or mental health professional communities.
Share appropriate professional content such as mental health awareness articles, research findings, or professional development insights. Engage thoughtfully with posts related to mental health advocacy, evidence-based practice, or professional development to increase your visibility among mental health professionals.
Follow mental health organisations, counselling training bodies, and professional associations to stay current with sector developments and demonstrate your ongoing professional engagement. Consider sharing insights about mental health awareness or professional practice (while maintaining confidentiality) to establish thought leadership in your area of expertise.
Creating an effective counsellor resume requires demonstrating both your clinical competence and genuine commitment to supporting client wellbeing and recovery. By following this guide’s proven examples and strategies, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with mental health services, community organisations, and private practices across Australia.
Remember that counselling positions often require specific registration status and ongoing professional supervision, so ensure your qualifications and professional standing are clearly presented and current. For counselling opportunities across Australia, explore positions on SEEK, health sector job boards, and connect with mental health professionals through LinkedIn. Consider joining professional associations like the Australian Counselling Association or PACFA to stay informed about professional developments, access ongoing training opportunities, and expand your network within Australia’s mental health community.
