How to Choose the Right Counselling Course for Your Career

January 10th, 2026 Career AdviceHeath & Fitness Careers

Counselling is experiencing continued growth as a profession, both in Australia and globally. According to the Australian government’s Job Outlook, the sector is forecast to expand by 18% over five years, generating approximately 22,000 new job opportunities. This high demand largely stems from greater public awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Mental health statistics highlight why demand for counsellors continues to rise: about 45% of Australian adults will face a mental health condition during their lives, with the national recurrent cost of mental ill-health funding is $11 billion each year, or $431 per person (Parliament of Australia). Although there is a significant need for qualified counsellors, understanding how to begin or advance a career in this field can still be confusing. Entry into the profession is flexible, with several pathways depending on your unique circumstances—whether you are just finishing school, changing careers, or looking to expand on existing professional skills.

This guide provides the key practical factors to consider as you research your educational investment. A typical counselling qualification will take anywhere from one to four years to complete, so it’s prudent to plan your journey with reliable information in hand.

Factors That Make a Counselling Course Valuable

When choosing a programme, focus on components that enhance your ability to meet professional, practical, and ethical standards. Prospective employers and clients value qualifications that combine theory with hands-on experience and real-world relevance. Consider whether a programme covers:

• Professional Indemnity and Ethics: The curriculum should help you understand key professional risks and responsibilities, offering instruction on ethics and client confidentiality.
• Supervision and Practical Experience: Check if the course provides work placement or supervised practice. This component is often valued by employers.
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Good programmes equip you with the tools to stay current with new research and legislative changes in the sector.

Many roles in organisations such as schools, hospitals, social services, and private practices now require evidence of applied skills and up-to-date training in client safety and wellbeing.

How To Evaluate Qualification Levels

Counselling courses range from short vocational certificates to comprehensive bachelor’s or master’s degrees. There’s no mandated qualification level for all counselling jobs, but certain roles—especially those in clinical, educational, or specialised fields—will expect advanced study.

• Certificates and Diplomas: These programmes introduce you to foundational counselling concepts and basic client interactions. They are useful for entry-level roles, support worker positions, and broadening your skill set if you work in adjacent fields.
• Undergraduate Degrees: Study at this level typically includes in-depth theoretical frameworks, research skills, and structured placements. These are often required for more advanced professional counselling roles, including those in educational, healthcare, or community contexts.
• Postgraduate Training: If you already hold an undergraduate degree in a different discipline, a master’s in counselling or related field may enable you to transition into counselling, add depth to previous training, or specialise in focus areas such as youth work, trauma, or family support.

It’s helpful to review current job postings in your preferred field to understand employers’ expectations about qualification levels and practical skills.

Choosing a Study Method That Suits You

Most new entrants to the counselling field are either returning to study or are changing careers. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, adult students often juggle work, parenting, and caring responsibilities alongside their studies.

Choose a study mode that fits your lifestyle:

• Campus-Based: Face-to-face tuition may help with accountability and provides instant feedback and networking opportunities.
• Online and Flexible Learning: Many providers now offer part-time or wholly online courses supported by interactive resources, online simulations, and remote peer engagement. These can be particularly valuable if you require flexible scheduling.

When selecting a course, ask about the extent of student support, access to tutors, group activities, or any in-person practical sessions required.

The Value of Specialist and Transferable Skills

Counselling training does not lock you into a single professional pathway. In fact, these skills have wide application, and can be valuable in roles such as teaching, human resources, nursing, correctional services, public health, and social policy work. According to Burning Glass Technologies, employers often seek employees who combine domain expertise with empathy, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.

Some areas where specialist counselling training is especially useful include:

• Education: School counsellors provide vital support to students, help address behavioural issues, and facilitate communication between teachers, students, and parents.
• Human Resources: Employee assistance, dispute resolution, and well-being programmes are enhanced by staff trained in counselling principles.
• Healthcare: Nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals with counselling skills can better support patients facing trauma, grief, or chronic illness.
• Community Services: Counsellors work with families, older adults, or those affected by domestic violence, addiction, or homelessness.

Investigating potential pathways and talking to professionals in your intended area can help clarify the combination of general and specialist skills that will serve you best. The ICI Counselling course provides further information on training and practical uses of counselling skills across industries.

Assessing Course Providers

When evaluating institutions, consider their track record, graduate feedback, and breadth of support services. Seek out:

1. Course Content: Does the programme equip you for your chosen area and offer current, evidence-based content?
2. Placement Opportunities: Practical placements or internships are valuable for gaining real-world experience and making industry contacts.
3. Student Support: Effective guidance, mental health resources, and peer communities can make your study experience smoother.
4. Career and Alumni Support: Does the provider offer workshops on CV writing, interview skills, networking, or how to set up a private practice?

What Happens After Graduation?

Many students overlook the transition from study to employment. Consider the resources available to you at the end of your course. Some institutions offer job boards, practice management advice, networking events, or special workshops aimed at those starting in private practice or moving into a new job.

Furthermore, ongoing development is a career-long process. Make sure you are equipped to engage in further education, seminars, or specialist certificate courses so your skills stay relevant as the sector evolves.

Conclusion

Selecting a counselling course is an important step that requires thorough research and honest self-assessment. Focus on programmes offering robust content, practical training, and flexible learning. Recognise that the skills you develop as a counsellor are broadly applicable and well-regarded in many fields beyond traditional practice.

by Elizabeth Hartwell

Elizabeth Hartwell is a content developer at the International Career Institute. Her interests include comparative education systems, lifelong learning, and the role of technology in expanding access to skills and credentials worldwide. She is particularly drawn to the relationship between education, policy, and workforce mobility. Outside of writing, Elizabeth enjoys contemporary non-fiction, cultural history, and travel, with a particular interest in museums and architecture.