Typical Career Progression
Family Therapist is a senior position attained after completing post graduate studies. In 2009 a therapist in private practice charges between $100 and $160 per session. Prior to this a Family Therapist may work as a welfare worker, social worker or psychologist.
Source is www.airc.gov.au
| |
Position |
Remuneration |
Experience |
Education (Optional) |
| Start Position |
Social worker Grade 3:Family Counsellor |
$47,160 |
Graduate |
Relevant degree in social work |
| 1st Promotion |
2nd year |
$48,672 |
One year |
Relevant degree in social work |
| 2nd Promotion |
3rd year |
$49,870 |
Two years |
Relevant degree in social work |
| 3rd Promotion |
4th year |
$52,420 |
Three years |
Relevant degree in social work |
Typical accountabilities and responsibilities
|
1- 3 years
|
Give supportive counseling to clients without complex personal problems. Some supervision given after graduation. Keep appropriate records |
| 4-6 years |
Counsel clients with more complex problems. Supervise other employees that are less experienced. May be in charge of a small group or small department and be responsible for administration and management. |
|
7-10 years
|
Counsel clients with complex problems and/or specialise in a particular disorder such as eating disorders, anxiety and so on. Further study would have been undertaken. May be in charge of a group or department and be involved in supervising others with less experience. |
Career path options
Most Family Therapists are employed in the health and community services sector of governments. Some establish their own private practice or work together with other health professionals in a clinic.
Family Therapists are likely to work in the following settings: Family and Children’s Courts, family counseling services, family support services, government departments, hospital and health care settings or telephone counseling support services
About the Author
Fiona McIlwaine,
Fiona McIlwaine is a registered Psychologist and Family Therapist. She completed her initial family and couple therapy training in 1993 and in 2000 completed the Masters in Family Therapy at the Bouverie Centre. She has worked in the community sector in the areas of community health, intensive family based services, sexual assault and in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry. Currently Fiona works part-time as a Lecturer/Family Therapist at the Bouverie Centre, teaching in the Clinical Masters Program and has a part-time private practice based in Carlton North Victoria.
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