Is a short counselling course worth it?
By Sarah VercoePublished on
Find out what a counselling short course can offer, who it's best suited to, and whether it's the right starting point for you.
Is a short counselling course worth it?
Counselling short courses can be worth it if your goals match what a short course can deliver.
Short courses in counselling are often well suited to people who want to build skills they can use in an existing role, such as teaching, management, nursing or social work. They’re also a good option if you're curious about counselling and want to explore the field before committing to a degree.
But career goals aren't the only reason to study short counselling courses. If you're interested in understanding human behaviour or developing your communication skills, you'll gain valuable insight into both by taking a short course.
If your goal is to work as a qualified, registered counsellor, though, a short course on its own won't be enough. Becoming a counsellor requires further study through an accredited qualification.
What are the benefits of studying a counselling short course?
Lower commitment but real skills
Counselling short courses are designed to be accessible. Those offered by universities through us can be completed over just 10 to 13 weeks rather than years. An online format is common, making fitting learning in around work, family and other commitments much easier.
It can offer a way into the field
A short course can be a great way to dip your toe in and test your interest in counselling before taking on a full degree.
If you enjoy the content and find yourself wanting to learn more, it can give you the confidence to continue with further study.
Practical skills you can use no matter your career path
You don't need to want to be a counsellor to benefit from counselling skills. Active listening, empathy, motivational interviewing techniques and basic mental health first aid all have applications across a wide range of roles, and in everyday life.
From team leadership and education to healthcare and community work, a short course can help improve how you communicate and support people around you.
Affordability
Short counselling courses generally cost less than a full degree, making them a low-risk way to explore the field.
One-off, one-day courses delivered by professional associations or private training providers can cost as little as $80, while university short courses typically range between $2,000 and $3,000.
If you don’t want to pay right now, you can defer the cost of a university-delivered short course with FEE-HELP by enrolling through Open Universities Australia.
Pathway potential
Some short courses can contribute to further study, either allowing you to meet the entry requirements for a qualification with credit, or as preparation that gives you a stronger foundation when you do enrol.
If you're looking for something more substantial, short qualifications such as undergraduate certificates can also be worth exploring. These run for 6 months if you study full-time and allow you to study 4 introductory subjects.
Learn more about pathways you can take into a counselling degree.
What are the challenges of studying a counselling short course?
They won’t qualify you to practice
A short course won't qualify you to practise as a counsellor or meet the requirements for professional registration with industry bodies such as the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
If your goal is to become a practising counsellor, think of a short course as a starting point rather than the end of the journey.
Quality can vary
While most short courses are designed well and delivered by qualified practitioners, others may not provide the foundations you’re searching for. Look closely at who delivers the course, what it covers and whether it's offered by a recognised education provider.
Short courses available through Open Universities Australia are all provided by accredited Australian universities.
Limited depth
By design, a short course is going to provide a window into a very large vista. You'll build familiarity with key concepts and skills, but not the depth that comes with a full qualification.
What should you consider before studying a counselling short course?
It can be helpful to work through some exploratory questions before enrolling, such as:
Your actual goal
- Are you exploring the field, or working toward becoming a registered counsellor?
- What will you actually walk away with, a certificate, or just the experience?
The course itself
- Does it offer credit or a pathway into further study?
- Does the course offer practical content, like role play, alongside theory?
- How much time will it take, weekly and overall?
- What kind of flexibility is there?
How can you get started in counselling?
- Browse the short counselling courses available
- Compare course content, duration, fees and start dates
- Learn how a short course could provide a pathway into a counselling degree
- Understand the career pathways you might like to pursue in counselling
- Explore whether a counselling degree is worth it for your goals
- Get in touch with a student advisor if you'd like help understanding your options
Explore your study options through us
Through Open Universities Australia, you can compare and enrol in counselling short courses from leading universities in one place.
About the author
Sarah Vercoe
Contributor
Sarah Vercoe is a Queensland-based writer bringing lifestyle, education, and human-interest stories to life for national publications and non-profits. When she’s not writing, she’s lost in a book with her cat by her side.
FAQs about counselling short courses
Can I work as a counsellor after completing a short course?
A short course on its own won't usually qualify you to work as a professional counsellor. It's designed to build your knowledge and skills, or help you decide whether you'd like to continue with further study.
Can a short counselling course help me decide whether counselling is the right career for me?
Yes. A short course gives you a chance to explore counselling concepts, approaches and ways of working before committing to a longer qualification. It's a good way to find out whether the profession matches your interests and goals.
Do short counselling courses count towards a future qualification?
Sometimes. Some short courses are designed as standalone learning. Short counselling courses available through Open Universities Australia can generally be credited towards a related qualification. Check the “What to study next” section on the course page to see which courses the subject may count towards.
You can also speak with a student advisor to confirm your pathway and credit options before enrolling.
What's the difference between a short course and a nationally recognised qualification?
Short courses are designed to introduce a topic or build specific skills. A counselling qualification is more comprehensive, combining theory, practical training and, where applicable, supervised placement to prepare students for professional practice.
How do I know if a short counselling course is reputable?
Start by thinking about what you want to get out of it. If you're exploring counselling as a career, look for courses offered by recognised education providers that clearly explain what you'll learn and where the course could lead next.
