Australian Counselling Association

08/09/2026

Every counselling practice relies on trust, and securing client information is apart of that trust. 🔒

While cloud-based systems offer flexibility and accessibility, they also create a shared responsibility for protecting sensitive client information. Simple steps like using multi-factor authentication, updating software and strong passwords can help to minimise these risks.

As part of ACA member benefits, members can now access a complimentary Cyber Security Risk Assessment through Harvey Norman Technology for Business to better understand potential vulnerabilities and strengthen their cyber resilience.✅

Learn more, and claim your free assessment here:
https://theaca.net.au/news/admin-aca/2026/08/27/is-your-practice-secure-in-the-cloud

07/09/2026

Join us for the ACA's Child & Youth Symposium, held on the 22 October 2026 in Sydney and online.

With many recognised industry leaders in Child and Youth wellbeing presenting, it will be a day of insightful discussion, connection and innovation.

Our early bird ticket prices close next week, so get in at a discounted rate while you can!

Register here: https://aca2026childyouthsymposium.eventsairsite.com/rego

05/09/2026

Setbacks, self-doubt and periods of uncertainty are a normal part of building a private practice. The challenge is learning how to respond when progress slows, confidence wavers or things don't go to plan.

This session of the ACA Private Practice Enterprise Coaching Program focuses on the internal side of practice development, exploring the thinking patterns, emotional responses and self-talk that can emerge when facing obstacles in business.

Exclusive to ACA members.

Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/DJSYW

📅 10 September 2026
🕛 10:00am – 11:00am AEST

This event is part of the Private Practice Enterprise Coaching program, exclusive to ACA members. This session focuses on the internal work of...

03/09/2026

💌Earlier this month, CEO Peta Pitcher joined Pregnancy Counselling Link (PCL) for their Annual Celebrating Women Fundraiser.

PCL ​is an ​organisation dedicated to providing free counselling services to women, their partners and families, supporting them through the challenges that can arise throughout motherhood. 👩

This year, the fundraiser featured guest speaker Dr Clarissa Yates, CEO of Ketim Technologies, who shared the innovative work being done to support the early detection of postnatal depression through blood testing.

💫Events like these are a valuable reminder of the important role counsellors play in supporting women and families. It is inspiring to celebrate the work of PCL and the many counsellors who contribute to these vital services.

L-R: Peta Pitcher CEO, Lindy Fentiman Board Chair PCL, Sharon Wood Board Member (NED)

02/09/2026

And that's a wrap on the 2026 National Career Expo! 📚

ACA is so grateful to have visited Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney this year, sharing information on approved training pathways, and ACA-accredited counselling courses.

💓It was exciting to meet so many current and aspiring counselling students, many of which were ACA members. We took this opportunity to get to know so many of you, and provide guidance on where a career in counselling could take you.

We look forward to partaking in the Expo again, see you then! 👋

31/08/2026

📢 Counselling Australia Magazine 3.1 is now live!

We are excited to launch the latest edition of Counselling Australia Magazine, exploring the influence of relationships on all aspects of the human experience 🫂

From early childhood and parenting to workplace dynamics and therapeutic connections, this edition will examine contemporary perspectives on neurodiversity and love, socio-cultural influences and at its root, client-centred care.

📖 Read the latest edition today!

Digital Edition 3.1 brings you the August 2026 ACA Counselling Magazine, packed with insights on therapy relationships, burnout, culture and trauma-informed care.

27/08/2026

🏢Last week, we welcomed our full Board of Directors to the ACA office, for our monthly board meeting and an annual strategic planning workshop.

It was invaluable to take an in-depth and robust look at how ACA can best support our members now and into the future. With the National Standards model announcement due at any point, the team is planning for all possible outcomes.

💬Our Directors’ message to our members is united; continue doing what you’re doing. When we know what the model is, we will provide an update and support to help ensure a successful transition.

L-R: Will Duncan, Tom Edwards, Nicole Bennett, Board Chair
Dee Hardy, Stephen O’Kane, Sara Edwards, Co Secretary Corrin Bischoff & CEO Peta Pitcher

26/08/2026

💻How does offline connection and belonging influence young people's online behaviours and vulnerabilities?

The ACA 2026 Child & Youth Symposium brings Vesna Ubiparipovic, from the eSafety Commissioner to Sydney to explore this important topic. In her session she will focus on the harm children can face online and how their real-world identity and relationships can shape their digital interactions.

Join us in Sydney, or online to gain practical insights into the complexities of young people online, and strategies to create a safer, more secure digital experience.
⏰Early Bird registration ends 15 September, so don't miss out! :👉

Join us at the ACA 2026 Child & Youth Symposium for a full day of learning, connection and celebration with the counselling profession. Register now to secure your place.

25/08/2026

It's official, the ACA National Conference will return in 2027 in Brisbane, Queensland! We are pleased to share the call for abstracts is now OPEN! ⭐

We are so excited to invite industry professionals and experienced practitioners to share their knowledge in Brisbane, from Wednesday 2 June, to Friday 4 June 2027! 🏙️

With the theme 'Diversity', we are calling for presentations, workshops and masterclasses that delve into the diverse topics seen in counselling practice.

We encourage you to submit an abstract, or share this news with your peers and colleagues! Submissions will close 23 October 2026.
Learn more, or submit here: https://aca2027nationalconference.eventsairsite.com/

21/08/2026

As peer support becomes increasingly embedded within Australia's mental health system, counsellors have new opportunities to work alongside professionals whose expertise is grounded in lived experience.

In Counselling Australia 2.4, Nihal Job explores the value of peer support in counselling practice, highlighting how collaboration between counsellors and peer workers can enhance engagement, strengthen therapeutic outcomes and provide meaningful support between sessions.

Read the full article in the latest edition of Counselling Australia.

Peer support and the client relationship in counselling perspectives can boost engagement and outcomes. Discover how this dynamic benefits mental health care.