What do counsellors do?

If you're feeling stressed out, struggling at home or at school, dealing with heavy emotions or just feeling overwhelmed, talking to a counsellor can really help. 

Counsellors are health professionals who talk with you about issues in your life and help you explore ways to solve them. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing a counsellor.

This article covers:

• What is a counsellor?

• Why would I see a counsellor?

• What’s it like to see a counsellor?

• How do I make an appointment?

• How much does it cost to see a counsellor?

• How do I choose the right counsellor for me?

What is a counsellor?

A counsellor is a mental health professional trained to help you talk through the challenges in your life and work out ways to feel better. 

Counsellors often work in schools, universities, technical institutes, community health centres, family planning clinics and in private practice. Some counsellors specialise in certain areas where their knowledge and methods are required (e.g. grief counselling, financial counselling or addiction counselling). 

In Australia, the term ‘counsellor’ can be used to cover different mental health professional roles , so it's a good idea to check that they’re registered with a professional body like the Australian Registry of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

Why would I see a counsellor?

You don’t need to be in crisis to talk with someone. Counsellors can help if you’re:

• feeling stressed or anxious

• having family or relationship problems

• being bullied

• grieving a loss

• struggling at school or work

• worrying about the future

• going through a breakup

• dealing with mental health issues like depression, PTSD or anxiety.

What’s it like to see a counsellor?

It’s totally understandable to feel nervous before meeting with a counsellor for the first time. It might take more than one session before you feel comfortable enough to open up, and it might take a few sessions before you start to see the benefits, so try to stick with it. 

It’s completely fine to mention to your counsellor if you’re unsure that counselling is for you– it’s helpful for them to know how you’re feeling, and you can make a plan together to deal with the discomfort. It’s also common not to connect with the first counsellor you meet, and that’s okay. You can try someone else until you find one you feel safe and comfortable with.

What you talk about with a counsellor stays between you and them, except if they’re concerned about your safety or someone else’s. Before you start your first session, they’ll explain their confidentiality policy to you and answer any questions you may have. We’ve also put together a guide to confidentiality , with answers to the most frequently asked questions.

How do I make an appointment?

Making an appointment usually involves contacting the counselling service directly by phone or email or through their website. If you’re at school, uni or TAFE, there might be a free service available on campus. You don’t need to go into detail when booking an appointment – just saying ‘I’m not doing great’ is enough. 

You can find a counsellor in your local area via the Australian Counselling Association .

How much does it cost to see a counsellor?

The cost to see a counsellor can vary. Medicare doesn’t cover counselling unless it’s carried out by an allied health practitioner like a psychologist under a mental health-care plan. However, some counsellors offer free or low-cost sessions through community centres, youth services, charities and religious organisations.

You can also check with your private health insurance (if you have any) to see if they cover part of the cost. Always ask about fees upfront so you know what to expect.

How do I choose the right counsellor for me?

Even though you won’t really be able to tell if a counsellor is right for you until you’ve met them, there are a couple of things you can do before then. 

Many counsellors offer a short free consultation (usually over the phone) to get an idea of what is worrying you and what you want to get out of counselling. Use this to ask them any questions you have about their qualifications, what approach they use and whether they think they’d be a good fit for your needs.

Remember: if it doesn’t feel right with the first person, it’s okay to switch to someone else. You deserve someone who understands you and makes you feel supported.