Graduate Opportunities & Postgraduate Pathways

Discover the meaningful career and further study pathways available to graduates of Metavision Institute’s holistic counselling and psychotherapy programs.

Whether you’re looking to begin a new vocation, expand your current practice, or pursue advanced qualifications, our programs are designed to open doors to purposeful, transformative work.

The Counselling Profession: An Overview

Counselling is a growing and dynamic profession in Australia. According to Job Outlook data (2023), there were approximately 30,700 counsellors nationally, with strong growth projected at 14.2% by 2028. Almost half of the workforce (49%) are employed full-time, and weekly earnings average $1,652, which is above the national average.

Workforce Snapshot

  • Gender: 77% of counsellors are women; 23% are men.

  • Education: Most counsellors hold a Bachelor’s degree (AQF Level 7) or higher.

  • Employment Sectors:

    • Health care, welfare, and social assistance – 49%

    • Education settings – 36%

    • Public administration and safety – 4.7%

    • Other services, including private practice – 10%

Where Graduates Can Work

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling (Holistic Practice) can apply their skills in a wide range of roles and sectors. This qualification is valuable not only for aspiring counsellors but also for professionals in related fields seeking to enhance their capacity to support others.

Possible career pathways include:

  • Relationship counselling

  • Grief and loss counselling

  • Trauma-informed practice

  • Mental health and wellness

  • LGBTQIA+ counselling

  • Educational and school-based roles

  • Employment Assistance Programs (EAP)

  • Community and faith-based organisations

Opportunities for Allied Professionals

This qualification is also beneficial for those working in:

  • Human Resources

  • Education (teachers and chaplains)

  • Nursing

  • Social work

  • Psychology

  • Pastoral care and spiritual guidance

Further Study Pathways

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Holistic Practice) may choose to:

Private Practice & Industry Recognition

  • Some private health insurers (e.g. BUPA, Medicare Private) may offer provider numbers to qualified counsellors who meet specific criteria

  • Counsellors can become NDIS-registered providers, offering support to clients with disability

  • EAP services provide opportunities for employment with government, corporate, and community programs

  • In some states (NSW, QLD, SA), counsellors are recognised within legislation as unregistered health practitioners, offering increased opportunities and accountability

Professional Recognition: PACFA Eligibility

Graduates of the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Holistic Practice) are eligible to apply for membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) — the leading national body representing qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.

PACFA membership offers:

  • Recognition as a professionally trained counsellor or psychotherapist

  • Access to insurance, supervision, and professional development opportunities

  • The ability to join PACFA’s National Register, increasing visibility with clients and employers

To be eligible, graduates must have completed all academic requirements, face-to-face training hours, and supervised clinical placement in accordance with PACFA’s standards.

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Holistic Practice) and go on to complete the Master’s program in full — including the required clinical hours and intensives — will also be eligible to apply for PACFA membership upon graduation.

Becoming a PACFA member supports your long-term career path with recognised professional standing, ethical accountability, and a supportive practitioner network.