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How to Become a Grief Counsellor: Australian Careers in Mental Health

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What is a Grief Counsellor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Grief Counsellor?

A Grief Counsellor helps people work through loss and find a path forward. They support clients dealing with the death of a loved one, a broken relationship, or other major life changes. The role is built on empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to helping others heal.

Grief Counsellors run one-on-one sessions with clients. They use proven therapy techniques to help clients process their emotions. They also develop care plans tailored to each person, set realistic goals, and track progress over time. Support groups are another key part of the work. These give clients a space to share and connect with others in similar situations.

Daily tasks include assessing client needs, keeping clear session records, and working with doctors, social workers, and palliative care teams. This joined-up approach ensures clients get well-rounded support throughout their grief journey.

This career suits people who care deeply about the wellbeing of others. It calls for emotional strength, good communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing self-care. Those who enter this field often find it one of the most personally meaningful careers they could choose.

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Career snapshots For Grief Counsellors

There are around 5,800 people working as grief counsellors and in closely related roles across Australia (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). About 45% work full-time, with full-time workers averaging 41 hours per week. Median weekly earnings are around $1,477 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025), or roughly $77,000 a year. Women make up 79% of the workforce, and the median age is 42. Future demand for these professionals is rated as very strong.

What will I do?

A Grief Counsellor provides emotional support and practical guidance to people coping with loss. They work across individual sessions, group therapy, and community programmes. Strong communication, careful documentation, and a team-based approach define the everyday role.

  • Conduct individual counselling sessions: meet one-on-one with clients to explore their feelings of grief and loss.
  • Develop treatment plans: create care plans that address the specific needs and goals of each client.
  • Run support groups: lead group sessions where clients share experiences and support each other.
  • Educate clients on grief: explain the grieving process to help clients understand their emotions and reactions.
  • Apply therapeutic techniques: use methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help clients manage their grief.
  • Keep confidential records: maintain detailed records of client sessions and progress for ongoing assessment and care.
  • Work with other professionals: liaise with doctors, social workers, and community organisations to give clients full support.
  • Run workshops and seminars: organise educational sessions to raise awareness about grief and mental health.
  • Pursue continuous professional development: stay up to date with the latest research and techniques in grief counselling.

What skills do I need?

Grief Counsellors need a mix of personal qualities and professional skills. Empathy sits at the core of the role. It allows counsellors to connect with clients in a real and meaningful way. Strong listening skills help clients feel heard and safe enough to share.

Resilience is equally important. Grief counsellors deal with emotionally heavy situations on a regular basis. The ability to manage their own feelings while staying fully present for clients is vital. Regular supervision and self-care practices help maintain this balance over the long term.

Skills/attributes

  • Empathy and compassion
  • Active listening
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Emotional resilience
  • Knowledge of grief and bereavement theory
  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Ability to build trust with clients
  • Knowledge of counselling techniques, including CBT and ACT
  • Patience and tolerance
  • Organisational and record-keeping skills
  • Healthy self-care practices
  • Ability to work in diverse settings
  • Commitment to professional ethics and boundaries

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.