Being the person others turn to can spark an interest in counselling. However, becoming a counsellor involves developing professional skills that go beyond being a good listener. Ethical judgement, self-awareness, clear boundaries and an understanding of therapeutic approaches all have a place in the work.

Counselling supports people as they make sense of difficulties, navigate change and consider their choices. The experience can vary across clients, communities and professional settings, which makes learning about the day-to-day responsibilities an important part of career research.

Here, UNSW Online considers counselling as both a profession and a contribution to community wellbeing. Read about counselling careers in Australia, reflect on what draws you to the field and learn more about the preparation involved in supporting others professionally.