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How to Become a Marriage Counsellor: Australian Careers in Counselling

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What is a Marriage Counsellor?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Marriage Counsellor?

A marriage counsellor helps individuals, couples and families work through relationship problems. They give clients a safe space to talk, explore their feelings and find better ways forward.

Marriage counsellors run one-on-one and joint sessions. They listen closely and help clients spot patterns in their behaviour. They then look at new ways of thinking and acting with their clients.

In Australia, they work in private practice, community health centres, government agencies and non-profit organisations. Some provide phone or online counselling. The role requires strong empathy, clear communication and the ability to stay calm in hard conversations.

Most marriage counsellors hold a Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) or a degree in counselling, psychology or social work. Many join a professional body such as the ACA or PACFA. This strengthens their credentials and opens access to ongoing training.

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Career snapshots For Marriage Counsellors

Marriage counsellors work with individuals, couples and families to resolve relationship difficulties. The field employs around 1,900 specialists in Australia, with very strong future demand projected (Your Career, 2025).

  • Average salary: approximately $76,900 per year (based on $1,477 per week; Your Career, 2025)
  • Employment: approximately 1,900 family and marriage counsellors nationally (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025)
  • Part-time share: 58% work part-time
  • Female share: 83%
  • Median age: 50 years
  • Primary industry: health care and social assistance
  • Future demand: very strong (Your Career, 2025)

What will I do?

Marriage counsellors support individuals, couples and families through relationship challenges. They create a safe space where clients can speak openly and work toward positive change.

  • Conduct counselling interviews: meet with individuals, couples and family groups to explore relationship issues and identify key concerns.
  • Facilitate open communication: guide sessions that help clients express their feelings and listen to each other more clearly.
  • Develop rehabilitation plans: create tailored plans that address each client’s personal, social and vocational needs.
  • Present alternative approaches: offer new ways of thinking and acting to help clients shift unhelpful patterns.
  • Support behaviour change: help clients understand how their attitudes affect their relationships and support them in adjusting.
  • Help in crisis situations: provide guidance and coping tools when clients are under acute emotional stress.
  • Maintain client records: document each session and track progress to assess the effectiveness of the work.
  • Engage in professional development: attend training and supervision to stay current with best practice.

What skills do I need?

Good marriage counsellors combine strong people skills with solid counselling knowledge. Empathy is the key. Clients must feel heard and safe before they can open up and make progress.

Active listening, clear communication and staying neutral are all daily requirements. Counsellors also need sound thinking to assess complex emotional situations and choose the best approach. Cultural awareness matters too, as clients come from many different backgrounds.

Skills/attributes

  • Empathy and compassion
  • Active listening
  • Clear verbal communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Knowledge of counselling theories and therapeutic models
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Cultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Patience and emotional resilience
  • Objectivity and professional boundaries
  • Record-keeping and documentation
  • Collaboration with other health and social service professionals
  • Adaptability to diverse client needs
  • Knowledge of relationship dynamics
  • Ethical judgement and professional conduct

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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.