You’ve undoubtedly heard the term ‘counsellor’ and ‘psychologist’ many times, but are you using them correctly? Both terms get mixed up often, and while they do have some overlapping parts, they have very different meanings. When deciding on a career path in either field, it’s important to distinguish the two.

Counsellor

In Australia, the counselling profession is self-regulated, meaning that you are not required to have a qualification to work as a counsellor. However, it’s important to note that without any qualifications, you cannot be registered by a professional body. As a result, if you encounter any legal issues, you may be at risk. Therefore, while it is not mandatory to possess qualifications to practice as a counsellor, it is strongly advisable to acquire relevant qualifications.

Counsellors are trained to assist individuals with a wide range of personal issues, including relationship problems, school-related difficulties, financial counselling, career aspirations, domestic violence, addiction problems, grief and loss, anger management, and stress. Counselling typically involves short-term treatment aimed at helping patients navigate challenging periods in their lives.

It is worth mentioning that seeing a GP is not always necessary to obtain a referral to see a counsellor.

Psychologist

To pursue a career as a psychologist, it is crucial to complete a university degree followed by further education to become a registered clinical psychologist. Typically, this involves obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree with a focus on clinical practice. To practice as a psychologist in Australia, it is necessary to have completed at least six years of full-time study or its equivalent and be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Psychologists are trained professionals who work with clients dealing with more severe mental health conditions. Their role involves diagnosing disorders and providing appropriate treatments. Some of the disorders they may address include bipolar disorder, panic disorders, schizophrenia, chronic anxiety, severe depression, and PTSD, among others. Psychologists conduct comprehensive assessments, including thorough examinations and extensive tests, to inform their treatment approach. Psychotherapy, a long-term treatment method, can vary in duration depending on the individual needs of each patient.

If you wish to see a psychologist, it is necessary to consult your GP to obtain a referral.

Conclusion

Counsellors and psychologists both play vital roles in promoting individuals’ mental well-being and help to promote a better chance at life. The unique skills and expertise offered by each profession can greatly benefit individuals depending on the nature and severity of their challenges. It is worth noting that both career options are currently in high demand in Australia. Ultimately, the choice between counselling and psychology should be based on your skill set and interests, as both paths offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.

Meet the Experts on Allied Health Jobs Australia 

Imagine a service that helps you take care of the whole process of taking the plunge to live and work overseas. From deciding where to live, securing employment, and helping you to navigate the relevant migration approvals, at Allied Health Jobs Australia, these are the core of what we do best. 

Unlike agents who only help with the migration process, or recruiters who only take care of job placement, AHJA has consciously niched down into allied health as our area of expertise. Fundamentally, becoming an AHJA client doesn’t mean that the services stop once your visas are approved. For people who have made it to the migration application process, our 100% success rate means that we’re just as invested in your journey as you are.

As a qualified allied health care professional, you’re in demand - and Australia wants you. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what a future in the Land Down Under could look like for you, get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation chat to explore your options.