Coaching and counselling are rewarding career options for psychology graduates. These roles involve supporting people to overcome challenges, major or minor, in their lives. Counselling psychologists often focus on current situations, helping individuals manage current challenges. Coaches are generally more future-focused, helping people set and reach personal and professional goals.
Explore career opportunities in coaching and counselling, including types of roles and potential employers, and the responsibilities, skills and qualifications for each role.
Career counsellors help students choose career paths that align with their interests and strengths. They advise on study options and help build the skills required for a successful working life.
As a career counsellor, you will work with students in one-to-one and group settings. You will help them develop career goal and advise on how, through education and experience, they can obtain those goals. Career counsellors develop networks of employers and educators. They keep up to date with accreditations and job entry requirements and are knowledgeable of the education providers who offer the required credentials.
Career counsellors are effective communicators who work with a variety of clients and stakeholders and must be comfortable working with youth. They also need to be able to design and facilitate effective workshops.
The educational requirements for career counselling are set out in the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners. Formal training in psychology can be beneficial.
Career counsellors typically work in educational settings, including high schools, TAFE and universities. They may also work within government departments, such as Jobs Victoria, large organisations (generally in the private sector) and recruitment agencies.
Rehabilitation counsellors work with clients who have severe injuries, helping them recover and return to optimal health.
Rehabilitation counsellors work as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve optimal client outcomes. Their role is to identifying barriers for clients to return to health and/or return to work and implementing strategies to overcome these. They develop holistic individualised plans for the clients, helping them set and meet goals.
Rehabilitation counsellors excel at written and verbal communication. They require a solid understanding of relevant legislation.
Rehabilitation counsellors are often registered psychologists. Students considering this career path should ensure they include a counselling unit in their degree.
There's a range of possible employers in this field, both in the public and private sectors. One of the largest in Victoria is the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Providing services via telephone or digital platforms allows counsellors to support a range of people who might not choose to, or be able to, access in-person services. This also offers flexibility for the counsellor.
Telephone and online counsellors cover a broad range of topics. They work with clients on issues such as grief and depression. Clients may have alcohol and substance abuse issues or needing counselling for gambling related topics. They provide crisis support, including suicide intervention and supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Assessing clients and helping them access local services is a key component of this role.
These roles require excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build relationships and gain trust.
You will have the ability to follow the policies, procedures and programs of the organisation you work for. Skills in referral and knowledge of available services and knowledge of how clients access them is critical.
Ideally for this role, you'll have an undergraduate qualification in psychology, social work or a related field. Undergraduate units in counselling, such as Applied Counselling Skills (Introductory) and Applied Counselling Skills (Intermediate) are highly recommended.
Many counselling services offer telephone and online counselling support. Examples include 1800 RESPECT, Lifeline, Rainbow Door and Yarning Safe and Strong. Specialist providers offer support related to specific issues such as gambling and substance abuse.
Psychology professionals in coaching and counselling roles are crucial to enhancing people's lives by providing critical support.
These invaluable positions not only address individual mental health needs but also contribute to the development of supportive environments and resources that promote mental wellness and resilience within communities.
Find out more about studying psychology and mental health at Deakin.
