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Explore all careersHow do I become a Trauma Counsellor?
Get qualified to work as a Trauma Counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
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Common questions
The average salary for a counsellors in Australia is currently $1,800 per week ($93,600 annually). Trauma Counsellors are likely to earn slightly more than this.PLEASE NOTE: These are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.
Courses.com.au Team
There are approximately 35,000 counsellors working in Australia right now, some of these are Trauma Counsellors. This is a growth occupation, especially in regional cities and rural areas.
Courses.com.au Team
Trauma Counsellors are qualified mental health professionals who have undertaken specialist training in trauma-informed psychotherapy as well as individual trauma modalities (eg, Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR therapy, Somatic therapy). The minimum requirement for Trauma Counsellors in Australia is a VET Diploma of Counselling that is recognised by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) but you may have trouble finding employment without a full Bachelor of Counselling or Master of Counselling. To work as a Trauma Counsellor in Australia you should join one of the peak industry bodies: the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling?
11th September 2019
How to start a career in Mental Health
5th August 2021All trauma counsellor courses
Trauma Counsellor careers
Trauma Counsellors are mental health therapists who counsel and support clients who have experienced different types of trauma. They use trauma-informed psychotherapy and healing modalities to help their clients manage (and ultimately recover from) the devastating impacts of trauma and PTSD.
As a trauma counsellor you could be carrying out a mental health assessment on a new client, listening to a client tell their story, referring a client to a psychiatrist, writing up session notes after a client appointment, meeting with your supervisor to discuss some concerns about client responses to psychotherapy, attending professional development training, or just managing your busy calendar.
To be successful in this role you will need a well-developed sense of empathy, outstanding listening skills, and the ability to hold your clients in unconditional positive regard.
