CAREERS NEXT GEN JOB KIT COUNSELLOR
Make real impact by supporting individuals to resolve issues and meet goals
Change lives for the better
Want to study something that plays to your listening skills and compassionate nature, and will also lead to an in-demand career? Counselling could be your ideal pathway!
I’ve always been drawn to helping people. I find what they do and why they do it fascinating. Considering becoming a counsellor? You’ll need to be passionate about helping people too. As a counsellor, it’s also important to be open minded and recognise that everyone has different views. You need to accept people for who they are and where they are at with no judgement.
If you find that you’re the person in your friendship group who always plays the role of the listener, counselling could be the perfect job for you. You’ll have a very rewarding career. There are lots of job opportunities in counselling too, making it a great study and career path to pursue. For example, we really need more school counsellors in Australia as mental health problems are skyrocketing amongst young people. They need someone who can listen, understand (and demonstrate that they understand) to work through their issues.
Torrens University is a fantastic place to start your journey to becoming a counsellor. The Bachelor of Counselling, which is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, is very practical. The degree involves work integrated learning, which students undertake in the first and final years. They do this in places like schools, Lifeline, the Salvation Army and domestic violence crisis centres.
If you’re
the person who always plays the role of listener, counselling could be perfect for you”
Our graduates often go on to work in these settings too. Throughout their studies, our students are also taught to reflect on their own practice and how to research, which are critical skills to have on the job.
The university itself is supportive, with flexible modes of study and people there to help you whether you’re in first year or coming back to tertiary study as a mature aged student.
Over the following pages, you’ll learn more about what’s involved in being a counsellor and what they do every day, as well as read stories from people studying and working in this area to give you all the insights into this in-demand and meaningful career.
Lyn Campbell, Course Coordinator, Counselling Undergraduate Torrens University
Check out more insights, information, inspiration and advice about counsellor careers!
lyn campbell COUNSELLING Course coordinator, torrens university
Potential employers
As a counsellor, you could end up working for:
• Government agencies
• Schools, universities and TAFEs
• Hospitals
• Community health centres
• Non-profit organisations
• Private practices
• Yourself!
Choose this career if you...
• Have always loved helping others
• Are looking for a profession where you can work in all kinds of settings
• Would like to start your own business someday
• Are up for the self-reflection and personal growth that will come through your studies
A Bachelor of Counselling from Torrens University will equip you with everything you need to kickstart your counselling career. You’ll experience two industry placements and develop skills in conflict management, case management, social justice and report writing. You’ll also learn how to work in an allied health professional environment and with a range of client groups. This degree is three years full-time with part-time options available. And the cherry on top? The Bachelor of Counselling is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association, so you’ll be job ready as soon as you finish your studies.
Torrens University has other counselling qualification options too, depending on where you’re at in your study journey. At the undergraduate level, they offer a Diploma of Counselling. Already have a degree? Then you could do the Graduate Certificate or the Graduate Diploma of Counselling There’s also the Master of Counselling that’ll enhance your skills and career. Find out more by scanning the QR code or visiting: bit.ly/TorrensCounselling
See your study options at Torrens University
Spotlight on school counsellors
If working with and helping children sounds like the dream to you, consider school counselling. According to the Australian Counselling Association, there are nowhere near enough mental health practitioners in Australia’s schools and by introducing a registered counsellor to every school, learning spaces that nurture each child’s potential will be created. As a school counsellor you could give students the support and tools they need to tackle challenges in the classroom, playground and beyond.
Pick your path
There are so many interesting roles to explore once you have a Bachelor of Counselling under your belt. You could become a: Counsellor
School counsellor
Case manager
Youth worker
Community worker
Mental health support worker
From passion to practice
Hayley Campbell-Schmidt wants to
Hayley has always wanted to help others, and through her studies she’s found a way to make it her future career! At Torrens University, she completed a Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills (now replaced by the VET CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling), then wanted to dive even deeper. She started a Bachelor of Counselling and is currently in her second year, building on her knowledge of therapeutic techniques and psychological theories. Her goal? Support people on their journey to healing and growth.
Hayley’s studies focus on building practical skills in communication, assessment and intervention. These skills are essential for her future career, especially in helping families and children.
my goal is to use my knowledge and training in play therapy to make a meaningful impact”
Hayley
says a highlight of her degree so far has been a course called Complex Care and Diversity and Inclusion, about approaching counselling with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
Hayley also loves Torrens University’s practical, hands-on approach to learning, with its expert facilitators who bring real-world counselling experience to the table.
Throughout her time at Torrens, Hayley has discovered a strong interest in play therapy and filial therapy – a form of psychotherapy using play that helps children express complex feelings and process emotions. She says this is the area she wants to specialise in and plans to pursue a career in play therapy.
Get the job!
Ready to become a counsellor? Start here
Electives checklist
Selecting these subjects in Year 11 and 12 could give you a head start in your counselling studies and career: ✔ Biology ✔ English ✔ Community and Family Studies ✔ Health and Movement Science ✔ Society and Culture
watch
Changing Minds: The Inside Story (Apple TV)
Go behind the scenes of the mental health unit at Campbelltown Hospital in Sydney in this three-part doco. You’ll meet patients as they work with staff to get help and regain their health.
Space 22 (ABC iview)
This series follows seven strangers with lived experience of mental ill health. Watch them as they take part in an experiment to see if participating in art can heal invisible wounds.
The Mind, Explained (Netflix)
Find out what’s happening inside your head! This series covers everything from dreaming to anxiety disorders, highlighting how the brain works.
Research
Listen
All in the Mind Podcast
Explore all things mind, brain and behaviour, with topics on everything from addiction and artificial intelligence to toxic masculinity and grief.
The Australia Counselling Podcast
This one will give you insights into the everyday life of a counsellor. It shares tips on how to develop clinical and practice-building skills and features interviews with counsellors working across Australia.
Keen on studying the Bachelor of Counselling at Torrens University? Get across their scholarships to see which ones you might be able to apply for. These include Indigenous student scholarships, industry scholarships and travel scholarships. Find out more: bit.ly/TorrensScholarships Or scan here
Follow
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)
Find educational videos all about counselling, psychology, mental health and life effectiveness skills.
The Counselling Channel
Get up to speed on talking therapies used in counselling and psychotherapy. @thepracticewellbeing
This account is for the student-led, Torrens University clinics in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. See what services counselling students are offering and discover what you might get to do as part of your future studies!