If you landed on this page, you're most likely looking for a course that will provide you with the qualifications you need to practise counselling. Counsellors are trained professionals who offer support and guidance to help their clients overcome the obstacles in their lives.
They work with people of all ages—from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly.
As a counsellor, you can set up your own private practice, which is the preference of many practitioners, or work in a health facility, school or rehabilitation clinic. Counsellors have their respective areas of expertise. Depending on your skills and education level, you may specialise in one or more of the following:
- Grief and loss
- Relationship problems
- Stress
- Trauma
- Addictions and substance abuse
- Mental illness
- Financial problems
- Sexual, mental and physical abuse
What are the Key Traits of a Counsellor?
Anyone can be a counsellor as long as they have a genuine interest in helping others. Another standout quality of a counsellor is their selflessness. They also bear these other traits:
- Empathy
- Genuine
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Creative
- Integrity
- Sincerity
- Resilience
- Respectful
- Humility
- Competence
- Fairness
- Open-minded
How Does One Become a Counsellor?
Completing a nationally accredited course will pave the way for a counselling career. You may take a certification program, a diploma course or a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on your career goals.
A certificate in counselling gives you an idea of what it's like to be a counsellor. On the other hand, a diploma qualification provides the basic skills and knowledge that will allow you to work in a healthcare facility or community health centre.
To be recognised as a fully registered counsellor in Australia, you have to complete the three-year Bachelor of Counselling. Not only will it provide you with the qualification to work in hospitals, schools or set up your own private practice, but it will also equip you with the theoretical and practical aspects of counselling, psychotherapy, psychology and social work which will benefit your clients.
Which Counselling Course is Best for You?
The extent of your study depends on what type of counselling service you want to offer. However, if you're looking to register with a professional body for counsellors, such as the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) or Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia (PACFA), see to it that the course you're taking meets their training standards.
Course Fees and Delivery Platform
Besides the curriculum and accreditation, other things to consider before enrolling in a course are your budget and lifestyle. Ask the course provider if they offer VET Student Loans to help you pay your tuition fee. Also, find out if the college or university delivers its courses online.
Australia's best counselling schools offer their students the flexibility to study at their convenience through an online learning management system. To name some, there's the Australian School of Holistic Counselling, Ikon Institute of Australia and Embrace Empowerment Courses.
Visit our counselling courses page to get a comprehensive list of schools and start comparing their offerings. Once you have decided which course to take, you can begin your exciting journey towards a fulfilling career.
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