Grief Counsellor Courses
Grief Counsellors support clients through bereavement using effective therapies and may refer those with prolonged grief for medical treatment.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
View all courses
How do I become a Grief Counsellor
Get qualified to work as a Grief Counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CHC51015
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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.
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Find a provider
Estimated fee
From $14,476
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
The Graduate Diploma in Counselling equips students with vital knowledge and skills in counselling, enabling them to offer effective and compassionate support to individuals with mild or moderate mental health problems and standard developmental issues. This course is designed to prepare students for professional counselling roles, focusing on practical techniques and empathetic communication essential in the field of mental health support.
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $14,476
Duration
12 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
10900NAT
Estimated fee
From $14,880
The 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian) equips you with counselling skills while supporting personal, spiritual, and professional growth. This course prepares you to assist others through healing and change, integrating faith with practice. Graduates may work as counsellors, case managers, or support workers. You will learn to provide counselling, referrals, and education, using recognised approaches to support people with low to moderate needs in community or primary care settings. Enqui...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $14,880
Find a provider
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling is a postgraduate qualification designed to enhance counselling and interpersonal communication skills. This course offers an in-depth understanding of the human psyche, various counselling theories, and the challenges to be addressed to support individual wellbeing. It is particularly beneficial for professionals in fields like nursing, social work, and teaching who are looking to develop relevant skills to augment their existing roles.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
Find a provider
View all
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Grief Counsellor.
Common questions
How much do Grief Counsellors earn?
The average salary for qualified Grief Counsellors in Australia is currently $1,350 per week ($70,200 annually). Increase your earning capacity by undertaking post-graduate qualifications and registering with a professional organisation like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
What are the job opportunities for Grief Counsellors?
There are 35,000 counsellors working in Australia right now, some of these are Grief Counsellors. They work in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health clinics, and correctional service facilities. Many Grief Counsellors work in private practice.
How do I become a Grief Counsellor?
The minimum requirement for Grief Counsellors in Australia is a VET Diploma of Counselling that is recognised by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), however you will have more employment opportunities with a Bachelor of Counselling or Master of Counselling.
To work as a Grief 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
Choose a field of study
If you're passionate about creating real change then a community services course is your next big step forward. Browse accredited courses and check your funding eligibility online.
All courses
Nurture your caring side with a career in Aged Care. Career pathways include Personal Carers, Aged Care Workers and Diversional Therapists. Check your eligibility for government funding. Start your career in Aged Care today.
Career opportunities
View all
Make an impact in the community and change lives through the Alcohol and Other Drugs career pathway. Possible job roles include Rehabilitation Counsellor, Substance Abuse Counsellor and Social Worker. Check your eligibility for...
Career opportunities
View all
Case Management courses are ideal for those wanting to give back to the community and facilitate change in a professional setting. Career pathways include Youth Case Worker and Case Manager. Check your eligibility for governmen...
Career opportunities
View all
All courses
More information
Grief Counsellors are registered mental health professionals who counsel and support clients through bereavement, grief, and loss. They use industry-accepted psychotherapy and healing modalities to help their clients manage grief and may refer clients with prolonged grief disorders for medical treatment.
As a Grief Counsellor you could be having an initial contact meeting with a new client who has recently lost their son, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with a client whose partner died in a car accident, referring a client with complicated grief 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 a working knowledge of the most effective psychotherapies for grief and loss recovery.
Courses by location