We now live in a world where mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves.
This means the need for qualified, compassionate counsellors has never been greater.
Deciding to become a counsellor is a big step that requires careful thought.
You need the right education, experience, and support to succeed on your journey.
One of the best ways to prepare is by choosing an ACA-Accredited Counselling Course.
These courses meet the standards set by the Australian Counselling Association for quality and professionalism. Let’s take a closer look at why this course is a great option for future counsellors.

Assurance of Academic and Professional Standards

When you’re investing your time and money into study, you want to know it’s worth it. An ACA-Accredited Counselling Course has been thoroughly reviewed to make sure it covers all the essentials, from counselling theories and ethics to practical, hands-on skills. Put simply, it’s designed to prepare you for real-world counselling work, not just give you a certificate at the end.

The Master of Counselling at the University of Canberra is a well-rounded program. It blends theory with practice, so you walk away feeling confident and job-ready. Also, because it’s recognised by the ACA, you know you’re learning what the industry actually expects you to know.

It’s Your Pathway to Better Jobs, Professional Accreditation and Membership

Graduating from an ACA-accredited program gives you a major advantage when you start looking for counselling jobs. Employers want proof that you’re qualified and trained to meet national standards. The ACA stamp of approval shows you’ve developed the skills they expect.
In counselling, where trust is essential, respected qualifications build credibility with both employers and clients. An ACA-accredited course shows you take your professional development seriously and meet high standards.

Another great benefit of this course is the ability to join the Australian Counselling Association right after graduation. Membership boosts your professional credibility and links you with a national community of counsellors. You also gain access to industry news, learning opportunities, peer support, and networking events. All of this adds up to a way of helping you continue growing and improving throughout your career.

You Get Practical Training Through Supervised Placements

Counselling really isn’t something you can learn from a textbook alone. You need to get out there and actually work with people. An ACA-Accredited Course makes sure you do exactly that by providing you with practical placements. These placements give you real-world experience under the guidance of qualified supervisors.

This means that by the time you graduate, you’ve already spent time working in a professional setting, so you can apply what you’ve learned straight away and start building the confidence to support your clients effectively.

You’ll Be Trained in Ethics

Counselling can involve some pretty heavy stuff, and it’s important that you feel equipped to handle it responsibly. With an ACA-accredited program, there’s a big emphasis on ethical practice, so you’ll feel able to navigate tricky situations and make sound decisions that always prioritise the well-being of your clients. Ethical training is weaved into every part of the Master of Counselling Course, so you can graduate not just knowing what to do, but why it matters, helping you become a safe, trustworthy practitioner who people feel they can genuinely rely on.

You’ll Have Flexible and Accessible Learning Options

You might not be able to drop everything and go back to uni full-time, and that’s totally fine! The good news is that ACA-accredited pathways like the University of Canberra’s Master of Counselling are designed with flexibility in mind.

This course is delivered 100% online, which means you can study from wherever you are on a schedule that works for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re balancing work, family, or both, you won’t have to put your life on hold to pursue your dream of becoming a counsellor. Also, with multiple start dates throughout the year, you won’t need to wait for months on end to get started.

You’re Always Learning

Counselling is a field that never stops evolving, and new methods, new research, and new understandings of mental health are always coming to the surface. Once you graduate and you’re a part of the ACA, there’s a strong focus on ongoing learning, so you can keep up with the latest developments and keep refining your skills. Essentially, you’ll have access to long-term career support, and you’re never left to figure things out on your own. Instead, you’ll be part of a professional community with shared passions and interests.

Also, let’s not forget that studying counselling is just as much about self-discovery as it is about helping others. ACA-accredited programs encourage deep reflection and self-awareness, helping you learn more about your own values, beliefs, and emotional patterns. That kind of insight doesn’t just make you a better counsellor, it can make you a more grounded, compassionate human being.

You’ll Be Making a Real Impact

Whichever angle you look at it from, counselling is all about people. Choosing an ACA-accredited pathway means you’re taking the steps to become someone who can truly help others navigate life’s challenges, which isn’t just rewarding – it’s powerful. Let’s not forget the ripple effect, either. When you help someone improve their mental health, you’re also strengthening families, communities, and the broader social fabric. It’s meaningful work, and studying for an ACA-accredited Master of Counselling makes it possible for you to make a real impact on so many people.

You’ll Have Access to Financial Support

Many ACA-accredited courses, including the Master of Counselling at the University of Canberra, are eligible for FEE-HELP. This basically means you’re able to study now and pay later, making the course more accessible to people from all walks of life. Also, the support services you’re given mean that you don’t need to worry about going it alone, and whether you need academic help or someone to chat with about your goals, a dedicated Student Success Adviser is always available.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking seriously about a career in counselling, an ACA-accredited course is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It gives you the skills, confidence, and professional recognition you need to thrive in the field. Not sure where to start? The ACA-accredited Master of Counselling Course at the University of Canberra is worth checking out. It’s flexible, supportive, and designed to give you everything you need to succeed, not just on paper but in the real world.