Are you drawn to helping others?

People choose to pursue a career in counselling and psychotherapy at many different stages of life. Some have always known they wanted to become a counsellor or therapist. Others are inspired by a personal or life-changing experience that sparks their passion for helping others heal. And some make a conscious decision to change careers, seeking more meaningful human connection, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

A truly rewarding career

Counselling is a growing industry that offers meaningful work, career flexibility, and variety. Few careers are as fulfilling as helping someone create positive change in their life. Skilled counsellors and psychotherapists empower people of all ages and backgrounds to strengthen their relationships, communicate more effectively, and develop healthier ways to manage challenges and resolve conflict. 

Are you seeking flexibility in your career?

Counselling is a great career path for those seeking greater flexibility and work-life balance. Whether you want to fit work around childcare, eldercare, or simply create a schedule that suits your lifestyle, a career in counselling or psychotherapy can offer that freedom. Many counsellors, particularly those in private practice, can work for themselves and set their own hours.

Be employed in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.

There is currently a strong demand for qualified counsellors in Australia and around the world. As awareness of mental health continues to rise, so does the need for a skilled workforce to support individuals facing a wide range of emotional, psychological, and social challenges. Counsellors are in demand across many sectors – including schools, mental health clinics, community organisations, and aged care – making it a versatile and rewarding career choice.

Study Pathways to becoming a Counsellor

Because counsellors and psychotherapists have such a profound impact on their clients’ lives, high-quality training and recognised qualifications are critical. There are several education pathways to become a counsellor, including Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. This provides a range of opportunities for entering the workforce and continuing to develop your skills throughout your career. Counsellors can also specialise in areas such as drug and alcohol treatment, youth work, and transpersonal approaches. Advanced training in these specialisations provides deeper knowledge and techniques to support the best possible outcomes for clients.

Many professionals choose to pursue additional training as they gain experience, transitioning from a good counsellor to a great counsellor. Education providers such as Ikon Institute offer flexible study options allowing students to continue their studies while they work. This approach allows students to apply new techniques and skills in real time, with the added benefit of direct supervision and feedback from experienced practitioners.

Challenge yourself to change lives. Immerse yourself in the study of Counselling and Psychotherapy by exploring our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Passionate in other areas? We have a range of specialised courses in the field of Arts Therapy, Early Childhood Education and Community Services. 

Myth 1: “Arts Therapy is just like an art class, where you learn to make art”

Reality: Arts therapy isn’t about creating “perfect” artwork – it’s about using creativity as a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and communication. Arts therapy supports emotional wellbeing by helping individuals express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words, making it especially helpful for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy. Through the creative process, arts therapy encourages self-expression, builds self-awareness, and promotes personal growth.

Myth 2:  “Art Therapy is just for artists”

Reality: You don’t need any artistic skill or prior experience to benefit from arts therapy. What matters is being open to using creativity as a way to explore your thoughts, connect with yourself, and support your emotional wellbeing. In arts therapy, there is no judgment about the quality of your artwork — there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create art.

Many people have been told at some point that they are “bad at art” or “can’t draw.” This can actually become a meaningful topic to explore during an arts therapy session, but it never prevents anyone from participating or experiencing its benefits. In fact, people with little or no art experience often find arts therapy to be especially liberating, insightful, and empowering.

Myth 3: “Art Therapy is just for kids or people who can’t communicate“

Reality: Arts therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach for people of all ages. It engages children, teens, adults, and seniors in a creative and transformative process that supports emotional expression and personal growth. Children are often especially responsive to arts therapy because it allows them to play, explore, and problem-solve without relying solely on words.

While arts therapy is highly beneficial for individuals who find verbal communication difficult or overwhelming, it is not limited to these groups. Talking about the creative process can be an important part of each session, helping clients reflect and gain deeper insight. Professional art therapists are trained to tailor their approach to each client’s age, needs, and abilities, making arts therapy a truly inclusive and flexible form of support.

Myth 4:  “Art Therapists know what you are thinking by looking at your artwork“

Reality: No one can know what you’re thinking just by looking at the art you create in an arts therapy session. An art therapist works collaboratively with you to explore and understand the meaning behind your images, often combining visual and verbal techniques.

There can be multiple ways to interpret artwork, and a skilled art therapist will offer ideas and reflections for you to consider — never telling you what you “must” think or feel. Their role is to be a respectful, supportive partner in your therapeutic journey, not a detective searching for hidden secrets.

Myth 5:  “Anyone can call themselves an Art Therapist because it isn’t a real type of therapy“

Reality: Arts therapy is a nationally accredited and evidence-based profession. Qualified art therapists receive advanced training in psychotherapy, creative processes, and therapeutic practice to ensure safe and effective support. Arts therapy has been a recognised profession for over 50 years, with training and practice guided by professional associations and standards.

There is a growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of arts therapy worldwide. It is used to help people manage depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, spiritual distress, and other mental health concerns — offering a creative and holistic pathway to healing.

Considering a Career as an Arts Therapist?

At Ikon Institute of Australia, we proudly offer the only Bachelor of Art Therapy course in the country, dedicated to training the next generation of compassionate and skilled therapists. Our graduates may qualify for tier membership with ANZACATA, the leading professional body for creative arts therapists across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia/Pacific region. Additionally, Ikon provides a Diploma of Art Therapy to help you launch a fulfilling and impactful career.

Enjoyed exploring these five myths about Arts Therapy? At the Ikon Institute of Australia, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals to create life-changing futures. We achieve this by nurturing curiosity and personal growth through meaningful learning experiences in our courses in Arts Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Community Services and Early Childhood Education.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is your pathway to an exciting career as an early childhood teacher, where you will gain a contemporary body of knowledge and skills to educate children from birth to five years across a variety of settings and professional roles. Central to the course design is the significance of the development and learning that occurs between birth and starting school for every child. 

Fast-Track Your Early Childhood Education Degree with Credit Transfer and Advanced Standing

Australia urgently needs more Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs), and upgrading your Diploma to a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a proactive way to help meet this demand.

If you’ve completed a vocational CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, you might be eligible to enter directly into the second year of the Bachelor course. Through credit transfer, you could receive Advanced Standing for up to 11 subjects, significantly reducing your study time.

Graduates of the nested Diploma of Early Childhood Education from Ikon Institute of Australia may be eligible to commence studies in the third year of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program, with Advanced Standing credits granted accordingly.

Plus, if you begin the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education but decide after two years it’s not the right path for you, you can still graduate with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education as a nested award.

Shape your future with industry-recognised qualifications and real-world experience at Ikon Institute of Australia. Ikon’s courses empower students to make a meaningful impact in their careers by combining academic learning with practical, hands-on experience. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Arts Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy, Community Services and Early Childhood Education. 

1. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings, a vital skill for anyone working in counselling or psychotherapy. As a counsellor, you must be able to put yourself in your client’s shoes and view their situation from their perspective. Even if you don’t agree with their viewpoint, being able to recognise and understand how it feels for them is key to building trust and effectively supporting their healing process.

2. Discretion

Confidentiality is one of the most important ethical responsibilities in counselling and psychotherapy. As a counsellor, you must be able to protect your client’s privacy and maintain strict confidentiality. This creates a safe and trusting environment, allowing clients to feel secure enough to share openly and build a strong therapeutic relationship with you.

3. Patience

As a counsellor, you need to give clients the time and space to process what is discussed in sessions. It may take them some time to accept certain insights and to move toward positive change, and it can also take time before you see significant progress. Remaining patient and supportive helps create a safe environment that encourages lasting growth.

4. Compassion

It is very important that your clients sense you truly care about them. You may not personally relate to every issue they share, but showing compassion and acknowledging what it feels like to be in their shoes helps build trust and strengthen the therapeutic relationship.

5. Encouragement

The ability to encourage and instil hope in clients is an important attribute of any counsellor. Offering reassurance and helping clients see the possibility of positive change can empower them to take meaningful steps toward growth and healing.

6. Self-Awareness

A counsellor who is self-aware and able to manage their own emotions, without reacting defensively to what a client shares, is far more effective in building a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship.

7. Open-Mindedness

Counsellors hear deeply personal information and work with people from all walks of life. It is important that the client understands that they are not being judged, but instead supported as you focus on helping them achieve better outcomes and make positive changes.

8. Flexibility

A competent counsellor understands the importance of staying flexible in their approach, adapting their communication style to suit each client’s needs. At times this might involve asking questions, while at other times it means simply holding space in silence to allow the client to reflect and process.

9. Good Listener

Counsellors spend a significant amount of time listening to their clients. It’s important to be intuitive and able to ‘read between the lines,’ understanding the deeper meaning behind what is being shared. This insight allows you to help clients turn their words into clear, achievable goals they can work toward to find resolution and create positive change.

10. Self-Care

Understanding personal limits and maintaining healthy boundaries allows counsellors to care for themselves, prevent burnout, and remain fully present and effective for their clients.

Study Pathways to becoming a Counsellor

Because counsellors and psychotherapists have such a profound impact on their clients’ lives, high-quality training and recognised qualifications are critical. There are several education pathways to become a counsellor, including Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. This provides a range of opportunities for entering the workforce and continuing to develop your skills throughout your career. Counsellors can also specialise in areas such as drug and alcohol treatment, youth work, and transpersonal approaches. Advanced training in these specialisations provides deeper knowledge and techniques to support the best possible outcomes for clients.

Many professionals choose to pursue additional training as they gain experience, transitioning from a good counsellor to a great counsellor. Education providers such as Ikon Institute offer flexible study options allowing students to continue their studies while they work. This approach allows students to apply new techniques and skills in real time, with the added benefit of direct supervision and feedback from experienced practitioners.

Challenge yourself to change lives. Immerse yourself in the study of Counselling and Psychotherapy by exploring our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Passionate in other areas? We have a range of specialised courses in the field of Arts Therapy, Early Childhood Education and Community Services. 

1. Design a Postcard

Want to get something off your chest? Bring your words to life by decorating them in your own unique style.
If your postcard is to someone who’s caused you pain, try using it as a release – burn it safely as a symbol of moving forward.

2. Draw in Response to Music

Music is a remarkable form of art that often evokes profound emotions. Energise or relax by putting pen to paper and creating art dictated by rhythm and emotions.

3. Bring Motivational Quotes to Life

Do you have a favourite phrase or saying that lifts your spirits? Try cutting the words from old magazines and arranging them into an encouraging display. By taking the words of wisdom from someone else and turning them into something visually inspiring, you’ll experience how simple creativity can spark a sense of encouragement.

4. Give thanks with cards of your own 

Focus on words and thoughts of gratitude, expressed in your own unique way. Think about thanking those who are helping you through current challenges, as well as those who have supported you in the past. Even if you’ve already expressed gratitude in person, a card is a thoughtful way to show that their kindness made a lasting difference.

5. Cut and paste a collage 

Do you have some spare magazines, newspapers or advertisements lying around? Take a pair of scissors to them, and let your imagination run wild. If you are seeking encouragement in a certain area – love, finances, body image, and so on – focus on images and phrases that lift you up or reflect the goals you want to move toward. 

6. Draw your vision of a perfect day 

Think about what a perfect day would look like to you and draw or paint it. What about this drawing can you make happen today? Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” It’s no surprise, then, that many people around the world use art as a means to deal with stress, trauma and unhappiness – or to just find greater peace and meaning in their lives.

7. Balloon Message 

Let go of negative emotions or spread positive ones by attaching a note or drawing to a balloon and releasing it into the sky.

Remember, do not allow yourself to judge your work. After all, there’s no right or wrong way to create art. There’s no way to fail. Just draw, paint, or sculpt freely, and let yourself enjoy the process.

At Ikon Institute of Australia, we aim to provide education with real purpose, achieving this by fostering curiosity and self-development through meaningful learning experiences with our courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy, and Early Childhood Education. 

Arts therapy supports people from all walks of life — including children, trauma survivors, and those with disabilities or language barriers — to use creative expression as a pathway to healing, self-discovery, and emotional regulation.

The focus isn’t on creating “perfect” artwork. Instead, the process of making art becomes a healthy outlet for expressing thoughts and emotions. A qualified art therapist gently guides clients through this process, helping them reflect on and find meaning in what they create. No formal art skills are required — only a willingness to explore creativity as a tool for growth and wellbeing.

Research has shown that arts therapy can significantly enhance mental health outcomes, particularly for young people in clinical settings (Lost for Words?, UNSW). The Australian and New Zealand Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA) has also highlighted numerous studies demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting cancer patients, individuals living with chronic pain, and those experiencing mental health challenges. Additionally, arts therapy has been proven to have positive impacts when implemented in school environments (The Proven Efficacy of Creative Arts Therapies: What the Literature Tells Us, ANZACATA).

Our Bachelor of Arts Therapy equips students with the latest knowledge and practical skills in arts psychotherapy. This program explores how creative processes can support people experiencing mental health challenges, emotional distress, or physical difficulties. Students will discover how art-making and symbolic communication can facilitate healing, promote self-expression, and encourage personal growth.

The degree offers small group, experiential learning in a supportive environment, allowing students to build confidence and refine their therapeutic skills. Industry placements and professional networking opportunities are also included, helping graduates prepare for a rewarding career as qualified art therapists.

At Ikon Institute of Australia, we are committed to empowering individuals to create life-changing futures. We achieve this by nurturing curiosity and personal growth through meaningful learning experiences in our courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy, Community Services and Early Childhood Education.