Latest News

  

Our deep gratitude to Di, Pat and George

Posted on 5/10/2022
PACFA farewells 3 members of the Board - including President Dr Di Stow - who have provided significant service to their fellow members and the profession.
  

Mental Health in the News

Posted on 4/10/2022
ADHD prescriptions double in the last decade, and prescriptions for adults now outnumber those for children, as rising numbers of women are diagnosed with the condition.
  

Member profile: Minky van der Walt

Posted on 3/10/2022
Our October 2022 member profiled is Minky van der Walt, a somatic psychotherapist and music therapist who will be speaking on Day 3 (16 November) of our online Safety Through Diversity Conference, 14-18 November 2022.
  

PACFA PD in October highlights

Posted on 3/10/2022
PACFA-run CPD for October 2022 includes presentations on professional supervision and developing collaborative relationships with parents.
  

2022 Mental Health Advocacy Day

Posted on 3/10/2022
The annual Mental Health Advocacy Day returned to Parliament House on 8 September providing PACFA the opportunity to meet with politicians—and service providers in the mental health sector.
  

Mental Health in the News

Posted on 3/10/2022
A University of Melbourne study has found that women are at greater risk of poorer mental health than men because of inequality in the division of unpaid labour between men and women.
  

Safety Through Diversity Conference registrations open October 19

Posted on 3/10/2022
The stellar line-up for the online PACFA Safety Through Diversity Conference, 14-18 November 2022, has been finalised. Don't miss out on registration when it opens on 19 October.
  

Mental health in the news

Posted on 1/10/2022
Is it time to shift focus from the medical model of mental illness to target the social causes of mental distress?
  

How is your mental health and wellbeing?

Posted on 30/09/2022
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2022, Mental Health Australia is asking mental health professionals to fill out a survey about their mental health and wellbeing.
  

October 14 is Allied Health Professions Day

Posted on 30/09/2022
As full members of Allied Health Professions Australia, PACFA looks forward to celebrating the work of our members on Allied Health Professions Day, 14 October 2022.
  

Requirements for private health fund providers

Posted on 30/09/2022
Members who are private health fund providers have to provide a new first aid certificate to PACFA at least a month before their old one expires, as a current first aid certificate is a condition of having private health fund registration.
  

Safety Through Diversity Conference taking shape

Posted on 7/09/2022
PACFA's Safety Through Diversity Conference, 14-18 November 2022, is shaping up to be 5 days of fascinating discussion and debate.
  

Join our accreditation or ethics panels

Posted on 7/09/2022
PACFA invites expressions of interest from clinical members for our course accreditation and ethics panels.
  

President's roadshow 'a pleasure and privilege

Posted on 7/09/2022
PACFA President Dr Di Stow has concluded a series of roadshow events to branches across Australia.
  

Renew by 30 September to avoid suspension

Posted on 7/09/2022
If you haven't renewed your membership, do so by 30 September to avoid membership suspension.
  

PACFA Safety Through Diversity Conference: A Q&A

Posted on 6/09/2022
PACFA Secretary Nigel Polak, who also leads PACFA Safety Through Diversity Conference Committee, answers some burning questions about the upcoming conference from 14-18 November.
  

Flexibility and mindfulness key to change, research finds

Posted on 6/09/2022
Researchers have identified the combination of psychological flexibility and mindfulness as the skills most commonly attributable to successful change.
  

GBKS Listening, Witnessing & Reflecting Space - invitation to share stories

Posted on 6/09/2022
PACFA’s Diversity in Gender, Body, Kinship, and Sexuality (GBKS) Leadership Group is hosting an online Listening, Witnessing, & Reflecting Space. The group is inviting people with lived experience to share their stories.
  

NASRHP Working Group Expressions of Interest

Posted on 6/09/2022
The National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions working group ensures cohesive policies apply across PACFA, particularly regarding our self-regulation functions.
  

Change of leadership for PACFA West

Posted on 6/09/2022
The PACFA West Leadership Group has welcomed new co-convenors Maxine Santich and Philippa Colgan, replacing Leah O’Brien Addison and Sally Pamberger.
  

Know the signs of an eating disorder and take action early

Posted on 5/09/2022
Australia’s major eating disorder organisations are encouraging people to know the signs of an eating disorder and take action early to prevent disorders escalating.
  

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day

Posted on 5/09/2022
Resources have been made available by Suicide Prevention Australia to observe this annual call to remembrance and prevention.
  

PACFA meets with Federal Mental Health Minister Emma McBride

Posted on 2/09/2022
The Minister and PACFA CEO Johanna de Wever discussed the need for reform to address the mental health needs across Australia.
  

PACFA moving office to Carlton, Melbourne

Posted on 2/09/2022
PACFA is moving in late September to Creative Cubes, a shared office and co-working space at 333 Drummond Street, Carlton.
  

Your opinion: the National School Chaplaincy Program

Posted on 1/09/2022
The public relations firm commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Education seeks input from PACFA members on the efficacy of the Chaplaincy Program in Australian schools.
  

2022 Counselling and Psychotherapy Workforce Survey

Posted on 1/09/2022
Complete an online survey and help the PACFA Research Committee establish and up-to-date snapshot of our workforce.
  

Recruiting counsellors and psychotherapists for student research

Posted on 1/09/2022
Support the work of student researchers and their contribution to the evidence base for the psychotherapy and counselling profession.
  

Upcoming CPD for September and October 2022

Posted on 31/08/2022
PACFA-run CPD for September and October 2022 includes presentations on the prevention of burnout, expressive journaling, trauma therapy and the last mental health course of the year.
  

Nominations close 24 September for PACFA Board positions

Posted on 26/08/2022
The roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Counselling Representative and Psychotherapy Representative are available.
  

PACFA Graduate Award Prize Nominations

Posted on 26/08/2022
An opportunity to officially recognise a student's outstanding academic achievement in counselling and psychotherapy.
  

Deadline for Psychotherapy & Counselling Today 2022 approaching

Posted on 24/08/2022
The deadline for articles and book reviews for the 2022 edition of Psychotherapy & Counselling Today is 23 September 2022.
  

Healing the wounds of colonisation

Posted on 3/08/2022
Convenor of PACFA’s College of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Practices Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson reminded participants at the 4th International Childhood Trauma Conference, held in Melbourne, of the power of listening.
  

Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson new CATSIHP Convenor

Posted on 3/08/2022
Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson is the new Convenor of the College of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Practice.
  

PACFA steps up advocacy to Albanese Government

Posted on 3/08/2022
PACFA is stepping up its advocacy to the Albanese Government, meeting with the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the federal Department of Health.
  

College of Creative and Experiential Therapies Leadership Group elected

Posted on 2/08/2022
The Leadership Group of the College of Creative and Experiential Therapies has been formed, with 6 new members elected.
  

President’s roadshow coming to NSW, Qld and ACT

Posted on 2/08/2022
Sydney, Brisbane and ACT members, your opportunity to mingle and hear PACFA President Dr Di Stow speak about how PACFA is seeking greater recognition for counsellors and psychotherapists, is coming in August.
  

Interested in joining the Professional Standards Committee?

Posted on 2/08/2022
PACFA’s Professional Standards committee is looking for new members, including a chairperson.
  

Upcoming CPD for August 2022

Posted on 1/08/2022
In August 2022 we are running CPD on early parenthood, grief and older adults, polyvagal theory, online therapy, and supporting adult male survivors of child sexual abuse.
  

Private health fund GMHBA offering counselling rebates on ARHG subscription

Posted on 1/08/2022
From 1 July 2022 GMHBA private health insurance company has extended its Australian Regional Health Group subscription to include counselling.
  

CEO presents at Rural Health Conference 2022

Posted on 1/08/2022
PACFA's CEO has presented to the 2022 Rural Health Conference about extending Medicare rebate access to counsellors and psychotherapists.
  

Research participants wanted

Posted on 1/08/2022
A Master's student is seeking to interview NSW high school counsellors about their experiences.
  

Introducing Registered Clinical Psychotherapist Dr Gávi Ansara

Posted on 29/07/2022
Registered Clinical Psychotherapist Dr Gávi Ansara (he/him), Convenor of PACFA’s Diversity in Gender, Body, Kinship and Sexuality Interest Group, talks about why ‘therapeutic self-disclosure’ can be beneficial, sometimes necessary, and more.
  

Community of Care Guidelines for groups

Posted on 29/07/2022
Community of Care Guidelines for therapists working or communicating with groups have been shared by PACFA’s Diversity in Gender, Body, Kinship and Sexuality Interest Group.
  

Welcome Packs for new members

Posted on 29/07/2022
We have produced two welcome packs for new Certified Practising Counsellor and clinical members.
  

Mental disorders the most common health issue for Australians, survey finds

Posted on 29/07/2022
More than 8.5 million Australians aged between 16 and 85 – or over 2 in 5 – have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Survey of Mental Health finds.
  

PACFA part of successful bid for new Brimbank Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub

Posted on 11/07/2022
PACFA is a supporting partner of the Brimbank Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, which will open in late 2022 to provide mental health treatment, care, and support for Victorians aged 26 and over.
  

Mental health in the news

Posted on 6/07/2022
Mental health distress is rising, along with Medicare costs and out-of-pocket expenses on mental health, but mental health care is still not getting to those who need it. Read news articles and research on mental health.
  

PACFA advocates to NDIA on pricing and quality care

Posted on 5/07/2022
The NDIA has released its 2022-2023 Pricing Guide. This includes a range of revisions which affect service providers including PACFA members.
  

On working with children and complex trauma: meet member Dr Emma van Daal

Posted on 5/07/2022
After 6 years in the College of Counselling Leadership Group, Registered Clinical Counsellor Dr Emma van Daal is stepping down from this voluntary role. Read her member profile to learn more about her practice and what's next for Emma.
  

Upcoming CPD for July 2022

Posted on 5/07/2022
In July 2022 we are running CPD on grief, dissociative disorders, music therapy, and the ethics of disclosing particular personal information to clients. Read more and register now, as events can sell out quickly.