AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Counsellors

ANZSCO 2721

Employed

40,100

Part-time share

51%

Female share

79%

Median weekly earnings

$2,154

Median age

44 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Counsellors provide information on vocational, relationship, social and educational difficulties and issues, and work with people to help them to identify and define their emotional issues through therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy and other talking therapies.

What they typically do

  • Working with clients on career, study and employment options by obtaining and examining information relevant to their abilities and needs
  • Providing information and resources to assist clients with job-seeking skills
  • Assessing client needs in relation to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse
  • Conducting counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups
  • Assisting the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour to develop more effective interpersonal and marital relationships
  • Presenting alternative approaches and discussing potential for attitude and behaviour change
  • Consulting with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational and social needs
  • Contributing information, understanding and advice on the learning and behaviour of students, especially those with special needs, and assisting parents and teachers in dealing with these needs
  • May work in a call centre

States and territories

Share of workers by location

QLD
29.9%
VIC
26.5%
NSW
25%
SA
8.2%
WA
5.7%
NT
1.9%
ACT
1.4%
TAS
1.3%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Counsellors.

  • Course in Mentoring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Mentors

    11055NAT · 2 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Indigenous Mental Health (Social and Emotional Well Being)

    11280NAT · AQF 4 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Graduate Certificate in Integrated Violence, Abuse and Neglect Interventions

    11326NAT · AQF 8 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Life Coaching

    11349NAT · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Transformational Coaching

    11416NAT · AQF 4 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Diploma of Life Coaching

    11417NAT · AQF 5 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

    CHC53215 · AQF 5 · 30 providers

    View qualification
  • Course in Family Group Conferencing

    10922NAT · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Diploma of Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    11459NAT · AQF 5 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice

    CHC81315 · AQF 8 · 6 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Employment Services

    CHC41115 · AQF 4 · 32 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Career Development

    CHC41215 · AQF 4 · 20 providers

    View qualification