Counsellors focus on ‘normal’ people with ‘everyday’ problems such as relationship, stress, workplace, and grief and loss issues. Counsellors do not conduct psychometric testing or prescribe medication. Counsellors usually engage in one-on-one, family, or group work. Counsellors can refer clients to a General Practitioner or Psychologist for issues of a more serious nature.

Counsellors adopt a ‘more positive’ approach towards patients, with a major focus on the patient’s capability for improvement, achievement and productivity. Counselling is a learning-oriented process, and counsellors are the facilitators.

In Australia, a recognised Diploma is a generally accepted qualification level for the practice of Professional Counselling. These standards have been approved by industry associations (such as the Australian Counselling Association) to guarantee service quality and proficiency, at much lower costs than other mental health professionals offering comparable services (IE Psychologists).

Counsellors registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) have undergone recognised training in counselling and/or psychology.

Psychologists are trained in different theoretical approaches to human behaviour and usually engage in one-on-one, family, or group work. Psychologists work with clients with a mental illness and work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, community health, and private practice. Psychologists can utilise a number of psychometric tests, however are not able to prescribe medication. The focus of most psychologists’ work is on specific problems or symptoms described from their client’s perspective.

Psychologists are more concerned with adjustments and changes in the personality of a patient – aiming at a better adaptation to his/her environment. Although there are many convergent methods between psychologists and counsellors, the former directs more focus in the relationship between past events, the patient’s biological formation, and his/her present condition.

In some cases psychologists are able to use more tools and research background than Counsellors. Therefore these professionals are usually considerably more expensive.

Psychology is a regulated profession in Australia, and as such, Psychologists must meet and maintain high professional standards to be registered as a Psychologist. Psychologists generally have as a minimum a tertiary qualification and have undergone substantial professional supervision.