So, you're thinking about becoming a psychotherapist? Maybe you love deep chats. Maybe you're the friend who everyone spills their life story to. Or maybe you've had your own healing journey and want to guide others through theirs. Whatever brought you here, let's talk about what it really takes to walk this path.
This guide breaks it all down for you in a relaxed, real-world way. No stuffy jargon. Just what you need to know to decide if this career is right for you.
What exactly is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, often called "talk therapy," is a professional approach to helping people explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It's used to manage and treat a range of mental health concerns, including:
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Depression
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Anxiety disorders
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Bipolar disorder
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Trauma and PTSD
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Phobias
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Relationship issues
But it’s not all about diagnoses. Some people see psychotherapists simply because they feel stuck, lost or overwhelmed. Others might be processing a breakup or a career change.
In Australia, bodies like the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) define psychotherapy as a relational process. It’s all about fostering self-awareness, healing from within and building resilience.
Types of psychotherapy (and why they matter)
Different people respond to different methods, which is why psychotherapy comes in many flavours. Here are a few you'll likely encounter in your studies or practice:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps people identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts.
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Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and past experiences.
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Humanistic Therapy: Focuses on the individual's potential and self-growth.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps people accept tough emotions and act according to their values.
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Gestalt Therapy: Emphasises present-moment awareness and personal responsibility.
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Family Systems Therapy: Looks at how family dynamics influence an individual's wellbeing.
You'll likely specialise or lean into one or more of these depending on your training, personality and preferred client group.
Psychotherapist vs psychologist: what's the difference?
Both work in the mental health space, but there are a few key distinctions:
| Feature | Psychotherapist | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Healing through relational talk therapy | Studying behaviour and mental processes |
| Training | Can be through counselling, psychotherapy or related programs | Requires an honours degree plus postgraduate study in psychology |
| Registration | Not regulated by law, but registration with PACFA or ACA is common | Regulated by AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia |
| Prescribe medication? | No | No (except in some special overseas settings) |
So, if you're more into holding space and exploring emotional worlds than conducting psychological testing, psychotherapy might be your vibe.
How to actually become a psychotherapist
Alright, let’s break it down step-by-step.
1. Take a recognised course
You can start with a Diploma, but for most roles, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree or higher in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology or social work. A Master’s in Psychotherapy can give you a deeper edge and more credibility.
Look for institutions accredited by PACFA or ACA. Some great options in Australia include:
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The University of Adelaide: offers postgraduate studies in psychotherapy and counselling.
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Western Sydney University: provides a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling.
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The Cairnmillar Institute: known for practical, placement-focused training.
Also worth checking the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) list of registered institutions.
2. Clock up your clinical hours
Training isn’t just academic. You’ll need real-world experience with clients under supervision. Most courses include a placement component, and PACFA requires 200+ hours of client contact and 50 hours of supervision for registration.
3. Join a professional body
Not technically mandatory—but very, very wise. Being a member of PACFA or ACA gives you:
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Professional recognition
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Access to insurance and supervision
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Ethical guidelines
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Ongoing professional development (CPD)
Plus, many employers and clients specifically look for registered practitioners.
4. Commit to lifelong learning
Even after you’ve graduated and started working, the learning never really stops. You’ll need to complete annual CPD hours to stay current and improve your skills. Think of it as mental health gym—gotta keep the tools sharp.
What’s clinical supervision and why does it matter?
Let’s be honest: holding space for someone else's pain can be intense. Clinical supervision is your support system. It’s a professional relationship where you debrief, reflect, and get guidance from a more experienced therapist.
There’s also case consultation, where you can get peer support or brainstorm ideas when stuck. This stuff isn’t just about ticking boxes—it genuinely makes you a better, more grounded therapist.
You can do:
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Individual supervision (more in-depth, personal)
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Group supervision (great for hearing different perspectives)
Some workplaces provide it. Otherwise, you’ll need to source a supervisor yourself. PACFA has a helpful directory for this.
Does research really matter in psychotherapy?
Short answer? Absolutely.
Psychotherapy is a science as much as an art. Staying updated on the latest findings helps you:
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Choose techniques that are actually proven to work
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Understand what suits your specific clients
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Back up your decisions with evidence (useful when liaising with other health professionals)
Resources to keep you current:
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PACFA’s member portal
Want to contribute your own case study or get involved in research down the line? Even better.
Is it worth it?
That depends. It’s definitely not the kind of job you do just for the money (although you can earn a solid income). It’s emotionally demanding, slow-paced, and sometimes frustrating.
But when a client has a breakthrough... when someone tells you they feel seen for the first time... it hits you. That’s why you’re doing it.
If you’re deeply empathetic, a good listener, and drawn to human connection—this could be your calling.
And if you're still unsure? Talk to a practising therapist. Better yet, see one. The best therapists are often people who’ve done the work themselves.
Final thoughts
Becoming a psychotherapist in Australia is a commitment. It's not a shortcut to money or status—it’s a long game of learning, growing, and supporting others as they do the same.
If that sounds like your kind of meaningful work, we say go for it.
Need more guidance? Check out the Natural Therapy Pages course directory for more info about becoming a psychotherapist.
