Register Eligibility

Training and supervised experience requirements for listing on the PACFA National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors:

There are two categories on the PACFA register, Clinical and Provisional.

There are 3 different training and supervised experience pathways by which you may become eligible for listing on the PACFA Register:

Provisional listing:
(1) Undergraduate Equivalent
3 years Training in Psychotherapy or Counselling (3 years - 350 hours of training plus 50 hours of supervision linked to 200 hours of client contact hours).

(2) Postgraduate Equivalent
Relevant Degree (as defined by the Applicant's Professional Association)
+ Specialist Training in Psychotherapy or Counselling (2 years - 200 hours of training plus 50 hours of supervision linked to 200 client contact hours).

Clinical listing:
Either of the above plus an additional 750 hours client contact with 75 hours post-training supervision (minimum) over two years (minimum)

(3) Recognition of Prior Learning
Where an applicant's professional training and formation does not fit the above, but is based on extensive training, practice and supervision over several years, it may be possible to be admitted to the Register based on recognition of this prior learning (RPL). The PACFA Training Standards will be the guide in determining training equivalence. Higher hours of client contact and post training supervision may be required. For example where a number of smaller courses make up the applicant’s training, the requirement for supervised clinical experience shall be 1200 hours client contact with 125 hours post-training supervision over at least two years.

Click to view and download the Guidelines for RPL

To list on the PACFA Register contact your Member Association.