Are you considering switching careers and want to know what is needed to be a counsellor in Australia? Well, you aren’t alone! We are frequently asked this question and are here with the answers that you need. A career as a counsellor in Australia can be incredibly rewarding as you support patients through challenging times and help them achieve their goals, so here is what you need to know about your journey to becoming a counsellor.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become A Counsellor In Australia?
Currently, no formal training or qualifications are needed in Australia to become a counsellor. This means that anyone can call themselves a counsellor and start practising as one. However, it isn’t that simple. When you apply for counselling roles, you will be asked for previous experience and qualifications, making it challenging for anyone without experience or formal training to work as a counsellor, especially for healthcare providers.
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) are working to ensure that all counsellors are trained to maintain high levels of care and professionalism across the industry. Now, it is more common to see counselling roles advertised as requiring at least a graduate diploma, with many roles requiring a master’s degree in counselling. The ACA must also accredit these courses, as this tells employers that you meet the industry standards and will provide patients with the care and support they need.
In some cases, you might find a role without any previous qualifications, but it is becoming more common for employers to ask their staff to gain counselling qualifications. Luckily, many counselling courses are offered online, allowing you to study alongside your role or other commitments that you have. While those working independently don’t need qualifications to start offering counselling sessions, your patients might ask to see your credentials, and a professional qualification would reassure them they will get the care they need.
Like any other healthcare profession, rules and regulations can change, so don’t be surprised if your employer asks you to gain a qualification or upgrade yours, ensuring you are up to date with the best practices. Doing so can also open doors for you to higher-paid roles!
Counselling Qualifications in Australia
There are a few counselling qualifications in Australia that you can choose to study. Many course providers offer these qualifications online, providing a flexible way to study and achieve your goals.
We have outlined the qualifications available to you below to see which best aligns with your goals. It’s worth noting that while there aren’t set qualifications needed to become a counsellor, you must meet the entry requirements of any counselling course you would like to study.
Graduate Certificate In Counselling
A graduate certificate in counselling is an excellent introduction to counselling. The course usually involves four units, taking eight months to complete. On the course, you can expect to gain the foundations in counselling, and it is considered a good introduction to the field, especially if you have never done anything similar or are returning to education after an extended break. The unit titles can vary depending on the course provider, but you can expect them to look like:
● Core counselling skills
● Counselling theory and approaches
● Diversity, inclusion, respect,
● Principles of ethical conduct in counselling
To apply for a graduate certificate in counselling, you will typically need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline, an AQF diploma or advanced diploma in counselling, or a counselling-related subject. You must also provide four years of work experience in a counselling or related role. The entry requirements can vary depending on the course provider, so be sure that you speak to them before applying. Often, after completing a graduate certificate in counselling, you can use the qualification to apply for further education, like a graduate diploma or master of counselling.
Graduate Diploma In Counselling
A graduate diploma in counselling allows you to expand on your current knowledge while learning more about working as a counsellor. The course covers eight units and a placement where you can practice your knowledge with an approved counselling agency. The course typically takes sixteen months to complete, covering units like:
● Core counselling skills
● Counselling theory and approaches
● Counselling skills in practice
● Diversity, inclusion, respect
● Introduction to placement and supervision
● Loss, grief, and trauma in counselling
● Placement unit
● Principles of ethical conduct in counselling
Typically, you will need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline to pass non-standard English language requirements if English is not your first language.
The entry requirements can vary depending on the course provider, so make sure that you check these before applying.
Master of Counselling
A Master of counselling course is the highest level you can study online, taking you two years. A master of counselling in Australia is usually accredited by the ACA, helping you to gain employment as a counsellor. The course features 12 units and two placements where you can try working as a counsellor. The unit titles can vary depending on the course provider, but you can expect to study:
● Creative practices in counselling
● Core counselling skills
● Counselling theory and approaches
● Counselling skills in practice
● Diversity, inclusion, respect
● Introduction to placement and supervision
● Loss, grief, and trauma in counselling
● Next level counselling skills
● Placement 1 and 2
● Understanding mental health
You will need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline to study a master of counselling. You must also meet non-standard English requirements if English is not your first language. The entry requirements can vary depending on your course provider, so check with them before applying.
Is It Worth Studying A Counselling Course In Australia?
While it is not essential, more and more employers are requiring qualifications for their counselling positions. A counselling course will give you the skills and experience you need to flourish as a counsellor, offering people the support they need – making it a worthwhile qualification.