Changing Careers into Counselling: What You Need to Know

Ready For A Career Change

For many people, the decision to change careers comes after years of working in a role that no longer feels meaningful. If you’re considering a shift into counselling, you’re not alone. Increasing numbers of Australians are retraining in psychology and counselling to build careers that directly support people’s wellbeing.

At Cairnmillar Institute, we’ve designed pathways to help career changers step into this rewarding profession with confidence.

Why Choose Counselling as a Career?

Counselling offers the opportunity to work closely with people and help them navigate challenges such as grief, trauma, mental health concerns, or major life transitions. It’s a profession suited to people who:

  • Want meaningful, people-focused work
  • Value listening, empathy, and problem-solving
  • Are looking for a stable and growing industry (mental health support roles in Australia continue to grow each year)

Real Stories: Why Career Changers Choose Counselling

Many students at Cairnmillar come from different professional backgrounds—teachers, nurses, HR professionals, managers, and even IT specialists. What they share is a desire to do work that feels purposeful.

For example, some choose counselling after experiencing the value of support during their own life challenges. Others see it as a way to build on existing “people skills” from industries like education, customer service, or healthcare.

The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling Pathway

The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling at Cairnmillar is an ideal starting point for career changers.

This program includes:

  • A strong foundation in psychology and counselling theory
  • 40 hours of direct counselling experience in placements with real clients
  • Flexible study options (full-time or part-time)
  • Online and face-to-face study modes available
  • Pathways into Honours and postgraduate study in psychology or counselling

Graduates can enter the workforce in counselling and community roles within just three years of full-time study, or continue on to advanced psychology qualifications.

Skills You’ll Develop as a Counsellor

  • Active listening and empathy – building trust with clients
  • Practical counselling methods – learning how to support people through evidence-based approaches
  • Cultural awareness and ethics – working respectfully with diverse communities
  • Professional communication – applying counselling skills in real-world workplaces

These transferable skills are highly valued not only in counselling but also in education, health, human resources, and community services.

What About Job Prospects?

Counselling is a field with strong employment demand. Current data shows:

  • More than 10,000 counselling-related jobs available in Australia right now
  • A 14% projected growth in counselling and psychology roles over the next five years
  • Typical salaries around $100k per year, depending on specialisation

Steps to Change Careers into Counselling

  1. Explore your motivation – Reflect on why you want to move into counselling and what kind of impact you’d like to make.
  2. Choose the right qualification – A program like Cairnmillar’s Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling provides the academic foundation and real-world practice you’ll need.
  3. Plan your study mode – Many career changers balance study with work or family. Cairnmillar offers flexible pathways with part-time and online options.
  4. Think about the future – Consider whether you’d like to work as a counsellor after your undergraduate degree, or continue on to postgraduate psychology training.
  5. Take the first step – Explore application options through VTAC or direct entry. Support is available every step of the way.

FAQs: Becoming a Counsellor in Australia

Q: Do I need a psychology background to study counselling?

No. Many career changers start with little or no psychology experience. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is designed to give you both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Q: How long does it take to become a counsellor?

You can complete Cairnmillar’s Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling in three years full-time (or part-time if you prefer a slower pace).

Q: What jobs can I get with a counselling degree?

Graduates can work in roles such as:

  • Counsellor in community organisations or schools
  • Mental health support worker
  • Case manager or youth worker
  • Human resources or employee wellbeing specialist

Q: What jobs can I get with a counselling degree?

Salaries vary depending on the setting, but counsellors typically earn between $80,000 and $100,000 per year

Q: Is counselling a stable career in Australia?

Yes. Demand is strong and growing. Counselling, psychology, and mental health roles are among the fastest growing job areas in Australia.

Q: Can I work while studying to become a counsellor?

Yes. Many Cairnmillar students are career changers balancing work, family, and study. Flexible part-time and online options make this possible.

Q: What’s the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?

Counsellors focus on supporting people through personal and emotional challenges, while psychologists are trained in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling gives you a foundation for both pathways.

Ready to Begin Your Career Change?

Switching careers is a big decision, but with the right support, you can move into a role that is both meaningful and in demand. Cairnmillar’s Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is designed to help people like you make that transition smoothly.

👉 Find out more about the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling here.