Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, minister or allied health professional, studying counselling will equip you with the skills to help you support students, patients and the community. It will also help open doors for you to reach new and diverse opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll explore why studying counselling could be for you. Whether you’re eager to broaden your skill set or simply intrigued by the practice of counselling, we’ll guide you through how to make a considered and well-informed decision to study counselling online.
Reasons to study counselling
With the demand for counsellors in Australia projected to soar by 14.2 per cent in the next five years — equivalent to 3,500 new jobs — now is the perfect time to explore why studying counselling could be the right next career path for you.
- Karen Phillip is a counselling psychotherapist with a private practice in New South Wales. She emphasises the following benefits of studying counselling:
- it makes a real difference in people’s lives
- it helps you gain a deep understanding of diverse human experiences
- it allows you to develop empathy and tolerance
- it improves your ability to relate to others
“Counselling allows you to understand that everyone goes through things, and everyone reacts differently to what they go through,” says Phillip. “You learn how those reactions and responses manifest differently in each person. You learn what to listen for, what to look for and what question to ask.”
Counselling can be hard work, but Phillip says it can also be an incredibly fulfilling experience.
“Whilst counselling can be a heavy career depending on the type of clients you’re working with, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Seeing people change in front of your eyes, having their light bulb moments or releasing some of the trauma they’ve carried for so many years can be an amazing thing to see.”
Counselling courses online: finding the right one for you
Counselling professionals aren’t just employed in health settings and private practices; they also work in schools, universities, charity organisations and other workplaces. A range of courses are available to cater to different levels of experience and career aspirations.
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is the largest industry association for counsellors in Australia. It recognises various qualifications for membership, including diplomas, graduate certificates and master’s degrees.
If you’re seeking to enter the counselling profession, postgraduate study options such as the University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Counselling provide a comprehensive understanding of the theories and practices involved. This online course delves into various counselling approaches, ethical considerations and client-centred care. Those wanting to further their counselling practice and go into specific lines of work — say, family or trauma counselling — will find the University of Canberra’s Graduate Diploma in Counselling allows them to pursue their areas of interest.
At a higher postgraduate level, master qualifications such as the University of Canberra’s Master of Counselling and Edith Cowan University’s Master of Counselling will help you advance your knowledge and skill set to a deeper level. These courses will diversify your counselling skills so that they can be applied across a variety of areas, including youth work, couples therapy, rehab and even financial organisations. Both of these master’s courses include professional work placements, providing students with the opportunity to apply theory into practice.
Phillip says that with the credential gained from her postgraduate counselling study, she was able to open her own private practice. She has since used her skill set to work in focused areas of interest, such as victim services and couples and family therapy.
“Postgraduate study can really open doors for you in terms of career advancement. For me, advancing my knowledge has supported me to manage my own private practice and has allowed me greater flexibility over the hours I work as well as greater earning potential.”
Why you should consider studying counselling online
One of the significant advantages of studying counselling through an online course is the flexibility and the promise of work-life balance. When you study counselling online, you can integrate your studies into your existing commitments without sacrificing your lifestyle. This learning mode allows you to access course materials, lectures and resources at your own pace, allowing you to study whenever and wherever works best for you.
Online learning also gives you access to top-class teachers and courses in counselling, no matter where you are. With GlobalHealth Education’s online counselling courses, students from across the country can access the same quality education, eliminating the need for relocation or travel expenses.
To succeed in studying counselling online, developing effective study habits and time management skills will help you go the distance. Phillip, who completed her studies online, suggests creating a dedicated study space, setting realistic goals and actively participating in online discussions to enhance engagement and learning.
Studying counselling offers a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career
So you’ve decided to study counselling online. What’s next?
Explore the range of online counselling courses available below so you can embark on your journey towards becoming a counsellor. Regardless of your background, the transformative impact of this qualification will resonate across any given field.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
