6 reasons why a career in counselling can be rewarding

If you have a natural ability to listen, empathise, and communicate, counselling might be the perfect career choice. It’s a profession built on human connection and trust, where your work has a direct impact on people’s wellbeing.

Beyond that, counselling offers a career path filled with purpose, flexibility, and opportunities for growth.

Whether you’re considering a career change or exploring your options after finishing school, here are six reasons why becoming a counsellor could be one of the most rewarding decisions you make.

The growing demand for counsellors in Australia

Mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves, and that’s changing the employment landscape for counsellors.

In recent years, demand for qualified counsellors in Australia has surged as more people seek support for issues like stress, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges. The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) reports that the counselling workforce has a projected growth of 15.1% between 2023 and 2028.

This growth is driven by several factors:

• Increased focus on mental health care, meaning more people are likely to seek support
• Government funding for mental health services is creating more job opportunities
• The ageing population means there is a growing need for counsellors specialising in geriatric mental health, grief counselling, and aged care support
• Increasingly diverse career pathways
• Integration of employee assistance programs creates more opportunities for counsellors.

These trends mean that counselling is a secure career, as well as a meaningful one.

Opportunities are available in schools, private practice, community organisations, health services, and online platforms. The flexibility of these roles allows counsellors to work in metropolitan, regional, or remote areas, making this a highly adaptable career.

Why choose a career in counselling?

Counselling can offer so much more than just a job.

Here are 6 reasons why you might want to consider becoming a counsellor, studying Counselling or starting a career in counselling:

1. You make a real difference in people’s lives

Few careers give you the chance to have such a direct, positive impact on individuals and communities. As a counsellor, you provide support through some of life’s most challenging moments. You’ll help people manage their mental health, support families in crisis, or guide young people with career counseling.

Knowing that your work improves mental health and emotional wellbeing is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about helping clients build resilience and take steps towards a better quality of life. That sense of purpose is something many people search for in their careers, and counselling delivers it every day.

2. There are diverse career opportunities

When you think of the role of a counsellor, you might picture one-on-one therapy sessions. But the reality is much broader. With the right qualifications, you could work in schools, community health centres, hospitals, aged care, or even corporate wellbeing programs.

Some counsellors specialise in areas such as grief, trauma, family therapy, or addiction. Others focus on career counselling, helping clients decide on education and employment pathways. If you enjoy variety and the chance to explore different specialties, counselling offers plenty of options.

Wondering what type of counsellor gets paid the most? Salaries vary based on setting, experience, and specialisation, but counsellors working in corporate environments or private practice often earn higher incomes than those in community roles.

3. It’s a profession in high demand

With mental health now a priority for governments, schools, workplaces, and individuals, counsellors are needed more than ever. According to industry data, demand is expected to keep rising well into the next decade.

This demand translates into strong job security and opportunities for advancement. Whether you’re interested in working for an organisation or starting your own practice, the pathway is open. Online counselling has also grown significantly, allowing professionals to work with clients across Australia and even internationally.

4. Flexible study and career pathways

One of the best things about a career in counselling is the flexibility in how you learn and work. For example, the Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills, delivered online by Think Education and accredited by Torrens University Australia, allows you to study from anywhere. This is ideal for those balancing work, family, or other commitments.

The course is designed to prepare you for real-world counselling scenarios while giving you the option to progress into further study, such as a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences or Community Services. It’s a practical way to enter the field without committing to a lengthy degree upfront.

And the flexibility doesn’t end with your studies. The 2024 ACA Census shows that of counsellors in Australia:

• 36% are self-employed in private practice
• 25% hold salaried positions
• 19% work in hybrid roles (both employed and self-employed)

5. Strong earning potential and career growth

How much do counsellors earn in Australia? Well, salaries vary widely depending on your location, experience, and the type of counselling you provide.

The average salary for a counsellor in Australia ranges from $90,000 to $105,000 per year, with opportunities for higher earnings in private practice or corporate roles.

While counselling isn’t always about chasing the highest salary, you may find it reassuring to know that financial stability and progression are possible in this profession.

And the role of a counsellor can change. Some counsellors go on to become clinical supervisors, run private practices, or move into related fields like mental health policy and education.

6. Personal growth and emotional intelligence

One of the most overlooked benefits of a counselling career is the personal development that comes with it. As you learn to support others, you also gain insights into your own behaviour, emotions, and coping strategies.

Training in counselling enhances your communication, empathy, and resilience, skills that are valuable in every aspect of life. Many counsellors say their work not only changes their clients’ lives but also enriches their own, helping them become more self-aware and emotionally intelligent.

Is counselling a good career path?

If you value empathy, enjoy helping others, and want a profession that combines flexibility with job security, the answer is yes.

Counselling is a career for those who want to make a real impact. It offers diverse opportunities, strong demand, and the satisfaction of knowing your work matters.

Starting your journey as a counsellor can feel exciting and a little daunting, but the right course can set you up for success. The Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills is designed to give you practical skills and knowledge to get started in your career. You’ll cover areas like mental health, professional communication, and case management, preparing you for entry-level roles or further study in psychology or community services.