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Family Counsellors help families in crises and challenging situations, ensuring the individual wellbeing of each family member as well as the whole family unit. You’ll need specialised skills in listening and communication, as well as a working knowledge of recognised therapies and interventions.
As a Family Counsellor you might specialise in community service, domestic violence, grief and loss, drugs and alcohol, or child protection. You could work independently (with your own counselling practice), or for a community service organisation.
There are 6 courses available for people who want to become a Family Counsellor. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for students seeking careers as counsellors working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. Students graduate ready to work in supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice. Students will learn about communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and how to draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients..
Average duration: 24 months.
Do you work in community service, justice, or education and need the skills and knowledge to recognise and respond to domestic violence? Try the 22660VIC - Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk. This nationally recognised short course delivers a mix of observation, communication and interpersonal skills. During your studies you will learn to recognise children and families at risk of violence then use problem solving and initiative to make referrals to relevant authorities. You’ll also gain the listening and observation skills to avoid stereotyping and colluding with perpetrators. Enquire now for the full list of learning outcomes and active course dates..
Average duration: 10 weeks.
Complete the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution to register with the Australian Attorney General as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. This nationally recognised qualification teaches you how to help families in conflict with parenting arrangements. The course covers the essential aspects of family law, ethical standards, child protection, domestic and family violence. Enquire now for the the list of eligibility requirements and the latest opportunities for enrolment..
Average duration: 12 months.
The Master of Counselling (Advanced) is tailored to prepare students for roles that utilise counselling and coaching skills in specialised work environments, including community and business settings, to foster positive human change. This course enhances capabilities in offering counselling and support across various life stages, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. It equips students with a broad skill set for lifelong learning, resilience, and professional boundaries, essential for effective interpersonal communication in business, community, education, and wellbeing settings. .
The Master of Counselling offers extensive understanding and practical abilities for a career in professional counselling. It suits individuals with a recognised degree in social work, psychology, human services, nursing, or similar, aiming to obtain professional counselling qualifications. Emphasising integrative methods in counselling and applied psychotherapy, this course aims to improve outcomes for people facing various challenges. It enriches student's knowledge and counselling skills, covering research in counselling, key principles of best practice, and techniques for working with diverse clients. .
In Australia, a full time Family Counsellor generally earns $1,584 per week ($82,368 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
In Australia right now there are about 1400 Family Counsellors in full-time employment. Family Counsellors are mainly employed by healthcare, government departments, and community service organisations, but they can also work directly with individual family clients.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
To get started as a Family Counsellor you will need a Diploma of Counselling and demonstrated field experience. Complimentary studies in Mental Health, Youth Work Drug and Alcohol, and Family Wellbeing will also help. The Diploma of Counselling will take 12 months to complete and requires a work placement. Family Counsellors also need a national police check and working with children clearance.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within child welfare, youth and family intervention and counselling. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Child Welfare, Youth and Family Intervention
Community Worker
$962 weekly pay
Residential Care Worker
$960 weekly pay
Youth Case Worker
Youth Support Worker
Child Safety Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Community Outreach Coordinator
$1,616 weekly pay
Community Outreach Officer
$1,250 weekly pay
Family Counsellor
Family Support Worker
$1,340 weekly pay
Human Rights Activist
Human Rights Advocate
Human Rights Officer
Humanitarian Aid Worker
International Aid Worker
Outreach Worker
Social Justice Advocate
Welfare Worker
Youth Counsellor
Youth Justice Officer
Social Welfare Officer
$1,940 weekly pay
Counselling
Support Worker
Art Therapist
Counsellor
$1,450 weekly pay
Crisis Support Worker
Grief Counsellor
$1,652 weekly pay
Life Coach
Marriage Counsellor
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Counsellor
$1,635 weekly pay
Mental Health Practitioner
$1,500 weekly pay
Mental Health Social Worker
$1,736 weekly pay
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
$1,440 weekly pay
Music Therapist
Psychotherapist
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Relationship Counsellor
Social Worker
Student Counsellor
Substance Abuse Counsellor
Career Counsellor
$2,115 weekly pay
Crisis Counsellor
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
$1,920 weekly pay
Guidance Counsellor
$2,307 weekly pay
Learn more about Family Counsellor courses in your area.