Why pursue a career in counselling?
If you’re searching for a profession that makes a profound difference in the lives of others, counselling might be the perfect path for you. And the number of roles this career can lead to may surprise you.
In Australia, mental health issues are rising, with almost half (42.9 per cent) of people aged 16 to 85 experiencing a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
Mounting pressures driven by the rising cost of living, increased dependence on technology, uncertainties about climate change and ongoing international conflicts are increasing anxiety, stress and feelings of helplessness among individuals and communities.
The demand for qualified and compassionate professionals who can provide guidance, support and relief has never been more urgent.
But why become a counsellor? The rewarding profession not only provides personal fulfilment but also a variety of opportunities in a fast-growing field. It’s a career where you can directly impact people’s lives by helping them overcome personal challenges, navigate difficult emotions and improve overall wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll outline the role of a counsellor, including the professional and personal benefits of becoming one.
Understanding the role of a counsellor
Counsellors are highly trained professionals who provide vital support to individuals, couples and families facing emotional, psychological or social challenges.
They can be found in several settings, including private practice, schools, community organisations, healthcare facilities and government agencies. Counsellors can also choose to specialise in particular fields such as relationships, family, youth, addiction, or even finances.
The role of a counsellor is diverse and depends on the setting in which they work and whether they pursue a specialisation. They can use a range of therapeutic approaches, including talk-based therapies, active listening techniques and expressive forms of therapy.
Counsellors can help clients navigate areas such as:
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis and trauma
- Stress management
- Grief and loss
- Relationships
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Domestic violence
These approaches can be tailored to specific client needs, whether in one-on-one sessions, group therapy or workshops, ensuring the clients receive the care they need to move forward in their lives.
Regardless of the setting or specialisation, counsellors all share a commitment to active listening, empathy and creating a safe, non-judgemental space for clients. The goal remains the same: to help people develop coping strategies, improve their mental health and lead more fulfilling lives.
Personal benefits of being a counsellor
Few careers offer as much opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact as counselling. These professionals directly contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, families and entire communities.
Here are some common personal reasons to become a counsellor.
Personal growth and emotional fulfilment
One of the most compelling reasons to become a counsellor is the personal satisfaction that comes from applying your skills and genuinely helping others. Counselling is a deeply rewarding career that allows you to witness and help facilitate the growth and resilience of your clients as they navigate challenges.
Variety of potential roles
A counselling career opens the door to a number of roles and specialisations to suit many areas of interest. You could work across government, healthcare settings, educational institutions, community services, or even start your own private practice.
As mentioned above, some counsellors also choose to specialise in areas such as family therapy, addiction counselling, grief counselling, or youth work. This variety not only provides career flexibility but also the opportunity to tailor your career path according to your personal passions and strengths.
Positive impact on society
Counsellors are the backbone of mental health support, playing a vital role in individual lives and across entire communities. By helping individuals and families navigate personal challenges and improve their wellbeing, counsellors actively contribute to building healthier, more resilient communities.
Often at the forefront of community outreach and education, counsellors play a critical role in advocating for mental health awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding it. This wide-reaching societal impact is a powerful draw for those seeking a career that drives real, lasting change.
Flexible work arrangements
One of the unique appeals of counselling is its flexibility. It allows you to design a work-life balance that suits your personal and professional needs.
Whether you’re seeking part-time work, setting your own hours in a private practice, or opting for remote counselling sessions from the convenience of your own home, this profession offers a level of autonomy rarely found in other fields.
This freedom is especially valuable for those transitioning into a new career or returning to the workforce. Ultimately, counselling is a versatile and accommodating choice for those who want to shape their career around their lifestyle – and not the other way around.
Continuous learning and development
As Australia’s mental health needs become more urgent and complex, the field of counselling is evolving to meet demand with new research, theories and techniques.
Whether through formal education, workshops, or peer supervision, there are countless opportunities for ongoing professional development.
Working with clients who have evolving needs is also a highly effective way to foster your own personal growth and development. In some cases, counselling is the second or even third career path for professionals who are seeking more fulfilling work – providing growth and development for people at all life stages.
Professional benefits of being a counsellor
While many counsellors enter the profession purely for the personal desire to help others, there are a number of professional motivations, too. From tough-to-beat job security to strong salary prospects, here are some of the professional benefits of being a counsellor.
Rising demand for counsellors
Between the ‘rapidly declining’ mental health of young Australians and increased pressure on our public health system, there’s certainly no shortage of jobs on the horizon for qualified counselling professionals.
According to a report commissioned by the Australian Counsellors Association, demand for mental health support in Australia is set to continue to grow.
A postgraduate qualification like a Master of Counselling can give professionals a competitive edge in securing the most coveted positions in this fast-expanding field.
Diverse career paths and specialisations
A counselling qualification can open doors to a range of career options and specialisations. Whether you’re passionate about working with couples, children, families or individuals in crisis, there are numerous options available.
Specialisations such as marriage and family therapy, trauma counselling, and school counselling are a few examples.
Specific career outcomes include private practice counsellor, financial counsellor, rehab counsellor and many more. Notably, not all job titles will include the word ‘counsellor’; roles may be titled therapeutic case worker, family therapist or social worker – to name a few.
If you're looking to pivot from a related profession or hone in on a specialisation from a more generalist counsellor position, a postgraduate qualification like UC Online’s Master of Counselling can be a great way to bridge this transition without sacrificing your trajectory.
Attractive salary prospects
While the first answer to the question ‘Why become a counsellor?’ is often to help others, it’s also important to consider the profession’s financial viability.
Recent data suggests the salary for counsellors is competitive in Australia, ranging from $80,000 per year to almost $100,000 per year – depending on the setting you work in and where in the country you’re located.
As the demand for counsellors increases, highly qualified professionals in this sector will be even more valued – making them more empowered to drive salary increases in order to meet demand. It’s also worth noting that counsellors in private practice can set their own rates, which can significantly increase earning potential.
In many cases, organisations offer benefits that extend well beyond salary, including generous superannuation, salary packaging and salary-sacrificing opportunities.
Take the first step towards a rewarding career with the University of Canberra
If you’re ready to become a counsellor and make a lasting difference in the lives of others across a range of roles, University of Canberra’s online Master of Counselling could be the perfect gateway.
The course not only equips you with the practical skills and theoretical foundations needed for effective counselling but also fosters a deep understanding of diversity, inclusion and respect – core to culturally competent practice.
Through University of Canberra’s comprehensive blend of expert-informed academic content and experiential learning, including supervised practice, you'll gain the confidence and expertise to guide others toward improved wellbeing.
With accelerated online learning and dedicated support from clinical supervisors, you can immediately apply your skills on-the-job while completing the degree.
Whether you’re aiming to work in schools, healthcare settings, in government or private practice, this course opens doors to various meaningful roles across industries, positioning you to take full advantage of the expanding opportunities in this fast-growing field.
Guide the way with the University of Canberra's online Master of Counselling. Reach out to our Student Enrolment Advisers at 1300 471 770 or visit our website to download a brochure.
