2611 Counsellors and Psychotherapists
2611 Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Provide counselling services to assist individuals to identify, define and overcome their relationship, addiction, mental health, social and health issues through a range of therapeutic interventions.
Psychologists are excluded from this unit group. Psychologists are included in Occupation 261231 Psychologist.
OSCA skill level
The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.
- Skill Level 1: Bachelor Degree, higher qualification, or at least five years of relevant experience
261131 Counsellor (General)
Provides counselling services to individuals, families and groups to assist in overcoming difficulties and improving overall quality of life through a range of therapeutic interventions.
Family and Relationship Counsellors are excluded from this occupation. Family and Relationship Counsellors are included in Occupation 261133 Family and Relationship Counsellor.
Specialisations
- Bereavement or Grief Counsellor
- Child or Youth Counsellor
- Gambling Counsellor
- Sexual Assault Counsellor
- Trauma or Crisis Counsellor
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Provides individual and group counselling sessions to clients to address emotional and psychological challenges
- Assesses clients' counselling needs and requirements including conducting risk assessments and screening
- Assists with the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviours
- Facilitates referrals to Health Professionals or community resources
261132 Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor
Provides support and treatment for people struggling with substance abuse and addiction, identifies underlying causes of addiction, develops coping strategies to manage change, and provides community education.
Alternative titles
- Alcohol and Other Drugs Clinician
- Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Assesses substance abuse and alcohol consumption history
- Provides individual and group counselling sessions to help the individual understand the underlying causes of addiction and overcome the addiction
- Provides education and resources to individuals about the risks and consequences of substance abuse
- Facilitates referrals to Health Professionals or community resources, such as detoxification programs and support groups
- Monitors progress and supports individuals to stay on track with their treatment plans
261133 Family and Relationship Counsellor
Assists individuals, couples and families with overcoming difficulties in personal relationships and improving their overall quality of life.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Conducts counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups
- Undertakes intakes and assessments, including risk assessments and screening
- Assists with the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour to develop more effective interpersonal and marital relationships
- Provides a range of interventions to families post-separation who are experiencing various levels of conflict and are unable to reach agreements regarding parenting arrangements for their children and the distribution of property
- Supports the referral process while engaging with community agencies and service providers
- Facilitates relationship education courses
261134 Psychotherapist
Provides diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders using psychotherapeutic methods, such as behavioural therapy, biofeedback, relaxation therapy and other techniques.
Arts Therapists are excluded from this occupation. Arts Therapists are included in Occupation 261931 Arts Therapist.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Conducts assessments and diagnoses mental and emotional disorders
- Works with clients to explore and understand conscious and unconscious aspects of their lived experience
- Develops and implements individualised treatment plans for clients
- Delivers psychotherapy sessions to clients using various therapeutic techniques to help change thinking patterns and improve coping skills
- Provides support and guidance to clients in managing their mental and emotional wellbeing
- Provides education and resources to clients and their families on mental health issues
261135 Rehabilitation Counsellor
Assists people experiencing injuries, disabilities, health conditions and social disadvantage to achieve their personal, educational and vocational goals. Provides specialist counselling, rehabilitation and resource coordination services to maximise people's independence and inclusion in employment and other community settings.
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Conducts assessments and evaluations to determine clients' psychosocial and cognitive ability, vocational interests and psychological wellbeing
- Ascertains clients' functional capacity to develop appropriate rehabilitation plans
- Works with clients in relation to their career, study or employment options by providing information and resources in these areas
- Provides individual counselling to clients to address emotional and psychological challenges related to their injuries, disabilities, health conditions or social disadvantage
- Assists clients, their family members, and other Professionals to develop rehabilitation plans
- Assists people with disability and neurodivergent individuals to find suitable employment by collaborating with employers and clients to ensure reasonable adjustments and provision of ongoing support
261136 School Counsellor
Provides information and assistance to students, parents and teachers about a wide range of matters, such as students' personal problems, learning difficulties and special requirements.
Student Services Advisers are excluded from this occupation. Student Services Advisers are included in Occupation 259933 Student Services Adviser.
Alternative title
- Student Wellbeing Officer
Skill level: 1
Main tasks
- Conducts individual and group counselling sessions with students to address academic, emotional and social concerns to enhance student wellbeing, and create a supportive and nurturing learning environment
- Develops and implements counselling and educational programs to promote students' mental health, resilience and wellbeing
- Collaborates with teachers and parents to identify and address issues that may impact students' wellbeing
- Analyses student behaviour, especially those with learning difficulties, and assists parents and teachers in managing their needs