Journal article
The History and Focus of Counselling Research in Australia: Review and Future Directions
International journal for the advancement of counselling, Vol.48(3), pp.1-12
06/06/2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
This article provides a critical examination of the history and trajectory of counselling and psychotherapy research, with a specific focus on the Australian context. We situate the recent history of Australian research, which lags behind international benchmarks, within the global evolution of the discipline. This evolution is characterised by a progression from foundational case studies to sophisticated methodologies, with a contemporary focus on therapeutic change mechanisms over simple treatment efficacy. To further contextualise the Australian situation, a comparative analysis is conducted with Canada, representing a mature professional landscape, and Singapore and South Africa, which represent nations with rapidly developing fields. This review of their historical developments, thematic foci, and methodological trends reveals both shared challenges and unique national trajectories. The analysis reveals that in Australia, the imperative for professionalisation since the late 1990s has historically overshadowed the cultivation of a robust research culture. However, a pivotal development is the recent commitment by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care to mandate research literacy as a core competency within forthcoming national standards, signalling an emergent recognition of research's centrality to the profession. Addressing the historical deficit in formal research training pathways, this article aims to inform the effective operationalisation of this new competency by Australian higher education providers. Finally, we propose a forward-looking agenda for counselling research in Australia. Key recommendations include establishing clearer academic pathways, integrating neuroscience and technology, advancing personalised therapeutic models, enhancing research literacy across the profession, and expanding the use of qualitative and mixed-methods designs.
Details
- Title
- The History and Focus of Counselling Research in Australia: Review and Future Directions
- Creators
- Katrina Andrews - University of the Sunshine CoastEbi Cocodia - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- International journal for the advancement of counselling, Vol.48(3), pp.1-12
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions.
- Identifiers
- 991013385950202368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2026.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article