Are you a psychologist, psychotherapist, counsellor or social worker practicing in Australia?

Culturally responsible therapy with second generation Arab-Australians

The purpose of this study is to investigate therapists’ reflections on how effective and relevant they perceive their cultural training has been to their professional practice. It is expected that a greater understanding of the availability and type of cultural training will inform direction into how to improve these programs in order to better equip therapists to apply necessary skills in their practice.

To participate in this survey you must:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Currently or have previously worked as a mental health therapist in Australia
• Have undertaken all or part of your education and training at an Australian tertiary institution

To participate, you will be asked to complete an online, anonymous, 15-minute survey. Ethics Approval has been attained by Western Sydney University (H15378).

For more information and to participate, please use the following link: https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezkGNJxGcyjRzuu

If you have any questions, please contact the researcher via email: [email protected]

This month launches our new “Member Spotlight” section of the ACA Monthly Bulletin, our monthly newsletter for all ACA Members. The Member Spotlight is designed to showcase the work of our members to you! We hope their stories inspire or spark interest. Let’s share our experiences within our counselling community.

Ken Loftus
Clinical Director of the Sunlight Centre, Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Facilitator

What motivated you to pursue a career in counselling?

I began as a junior helper in my hometown’s Summer Project in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland from when I was thirteen years old. I discovered then I really enjoyed helping people. During my psychology and psychoanalysis degree studies in Ireland, I began my career working in Social Care in a residential care home for under eighteens with high behavioural issues. It was during this time I completed my studies in counselling.

For over 22 years I have worked with adults and adolescents as a psychologist and counsellor covering a wide range of issues via an integrative style though face to face work and create and facilitate empowering mental health workshops.

Since moving to Brisbane in 2017 I have focused on founding the Sunlight Centre, that is a 1-step support counselling charity around suicide and self-harm for adults and under eighteens while focusing my private practice on developing Anxiety workshops and Anxiety face to face support for teens and adults in South Brisbane.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a counsellor for you?
There is that humbling moment when a client is ready to meet you collaboratively and you both work together in shifting their base core beliefs and work through new ways of thinking and behaviours to bring about a more positive outlook on their life.

I have been facilitating workshops and supervising counsellors on their journey in their career for many years now. I am approaching a balance in my career where I want to pass on all I can from working in mental health for over 22 years.

Are there any projects or initiatives in which you are currently involved?
The Sunlight Centre is about to venture into research around non-suicidal self-injury that is currently very under researched and even the DSM-V has information that goes against what I have seen firsthand in clients and their NSSI.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in counselling?
See your own counsellor ASAP. Find the right one for you. Go through your own life story and process your own worries, concerns, and maladaptive coping mechanisms so that you are less likely to be triggered by any client.

Final words of advice
My most common lesson as a clinical supervisor… do not self-disclose! Make the sessions always about your client. As soon as you self-disclose, you have just made the session about you. If you share something personal, when does it stop? What if your client wants to know more about you? Do you keep sharing or shut them down? In my opinion, both of those options damage the therapeutic alliance you should be building with your client.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Member Spotlight, please contact us: [email protected].

As we wind down for 2023, we wish all members a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and relaxation.

The ACA Office will be closed from 4.30pm AEST on Thursday 21 December 2023 to 8.00am AEST on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

During this time, for any enquiries please contact us via email on [email protected].

“I would like to wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Be sure to take time to rest, relax, refocus, and laugh! We look forward to a very exciting 2024!” – Jodie McKenzie, CEO of the Australian Counselling Association

An exciting time in the history of ACA.

Read our most frequently asked member questions and learn more about our move to a company limited by guarantee (CLG).

Why is ACA changing?

ACA Members voted by formal resolution at the ACA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2022 for our change in structure to ensure ACA can continue to grow, operate nationally, and achieve its strategic objectives.

What is the difference between ACA’s current legal structure and a CLG?

ACA has outgrown its structure as a not-for-profit incorporated association, registered in New South Wales, which operates under State law. The current legal structure has some limitations as ACA grows, represents members at a national level, and engages with federal departments and bodies.

A CLG is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Duties, responsibilities and liabilities of individual Board Directors are specified under the Corporations Act 2001.

Most national bodies, such as Australian Psychological Society and Australian Association of Social Workers, have a CLG structure, as this legal structure best represents their size and purpose.

A summary of the differences between not-for-profit incorporated association and CLG can be found here: https://www.murfett.com.au/MurfettLegal/media/Documents/Article/56-Associations-vs-Company-Limited-by-Guarantee.pdf.

What if I have more questions?

If you have further questions, please direct them to the ACA Secretary at [email protected].

Other resources:

• ASIC: https://asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/financial-reporting-and-audit/preparers-of-financial-reports/companies-limited-by-guarantee/
• Legal Fact Sheets: https://www.cleardocs.com/resources-legal-faq-company-limited-by-guarantee.html

Black Dog Institute are in search of feedback about a new concept for the delivery of and access to their mental health education and resources for health professionals.

They will be running consultations during November and December and are seeking the viewpoint of counsellors and psychotherapists. The format for this consultation will be online focus groups via Microsoft Teams (60mins).

Participants will be reimbursed for their time with a $50 gift voucher.

The consultation times are as follows:

Tues 28 November 2023, 9.30-10.30am AEDT

Thur 30 November 2023, 9.30-10.30am AEDT

Fri 1 December 2023, 10-11am AEDT

If you would like to participate, please forward your email with your name and email to the health professional team via [email protected].

Change is an inevitable part of growth and development for any organisation. It’s a process that can raise questions, concerns, and curiosity among our valued members. The Australian Counselling Association recognises the importance of addressing these concerns and offering clarity on the path forward.

In recent times, we have become aware of certain inaccuracies and defamatory statements circulating about the Association. In response, we are conducting a thorough investigation. As an organisation dedicated to the highest standards of counselling practice in Australia, we remain committed to transparency and accountability in all our endeavours.

We understand that change can impact individuals differently. Therefore, we want to make ourselves available to our members to address any concerns or questions you may have about the transfer of legal structure, change in leadership, our roadmap for 2024 and beyond. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are here to provide the information and reassurance you need.

To facilitate this open dialogue, the leadership and management of the Association invite ACA Members to attend the upcoming Brisbane Chapter meeting, which has been transformed into a town hall-style event where you can engage with us directly.

Please note that Grace Harwood’s presentation on ‘Ageing and Assisted Dying’ will be reschedule to a date in the 2024 Brisbane Chapter calendar to accommodate the special focus of the town hall event.

This opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion about the future of the Association will be free of charge. All members who purchased tickets for the previously organised November Brisbane Chapter meeting will be refunded promptly.

Event Details:

ACA Town Hall Meeting, 11 November 2023

Edinburgh Castle Hotel – 421 Gympie Road Kedron, QLD 4031

10.00am – 12.00pm AEST

Click here to register

Your voice matters, and we are committed to working together to build a stronger, more transparent future for the Australian Counselling Association. We look forward to engaging with you and sharing our roadmap for the Association’s growth and development.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared mission.

Sincerely,

Dee Hardy

President, Australian Counselling Association

NAIDOC Week, observed from the first Sunday in July for one week, celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which was originally National Aborigines Day Observance Committee. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 is ‘For Our Elders’, shining a light on the significant role of elders in the communities and families of First Nations peoples.

How to get involved?

The history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be celebrated at any time of year, not just during NAIDOC Week. Click here to download the NAIDOC Week Toolkit for inspiration and recommendations to celebrate, create meaningful conversations, and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Read about the History of NAIDOC Week.
• Attend one of the many NAIDOC Week events in your local area by checking out the NAIDOC Event Calendar.
• Find out whose Country you are located on by visiting the Map of Indigenous Australia.
• Get in touch with contacts in your local area through the Local NAIDOC Committee List
• Participate in one of ACA’s First Nations Chapter Meetings open to all ACA Members – the next meeting open to all ACA Members is on 24 August 2023 via Zoom.

The 2023 National NAIDOC Week Poster incorporating the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag (licensed by the Torres Strait Island Council) by Bobbi Lockyer, a proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru artist, born and based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland. Bobbi is the winner of the prestigious National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition for 2023 with her entry, For Our Elders.

Over the past months, ACA has been in discussions with HCF for the purpose of supporting the fund with the onboarding of counselling as a benefit for their members. ACA is pleased to announce that our discussions have concluded, and as of 1 July 2023, HCF now includes benefits towards counselling consultations as part of their extras program to provide their members with additional mental health support, subject to annual limits, waiting periods and any extras package benefits.

What is the eligibility to become a HCF recognised provider for counselling?

• Level 3 or 4 membership with ACA
• Bachelor of Counselling (AQF Level 7) or Master of Counselling (AQF Level 9)
• Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID003/HLTAID011)
• Current certificate of professional indemnity and public liability insurance ($2M cover professional indemnity and $20M cover public liability)
• You must be in private practice – this means that you must be in a professional practice (whether as a sole trader, partnership, or group) that is self-supporting where your accommodation, facilities and services are not provided, funded, or subsidised by another party such as a hospital or public funded facility.

How do I apply for a HCF provider number?

Before applying, please ensure you read: HCF Terms and Conditions for HCF Recognised Providers of Extras Services.

Once you have reviewed and agreed to the above, you can apply online through your ACA Member Login, and upload your supporting documents for your application here.

Please do not contact HCF to apply for a provider number. All applications are made through ACA through your Member Login page. Once you have completed all parts of your application, we will email you to let you when it has been processed and sent to the fund for processing.

For more information, please download our HCF resources here.

Today Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Hon Emma McBride and a team of other government officials and stakeholders held a one-day forum at the Members Policy Forum for Mental Health Australia to discuss the fallout from the budget. At this meeting it was announced that: “The government will invest $0.3 million over 2 years to develop national standards for counsellors and psychotherapists.”

This meets the recommendation made by the Prime Ministers Select Committee for Suicide and Mental Health that ACA made a presentation to last year.

The purpose of the recommendation is to secure confidence by the government through the development of a National Standard so counsellors and psychotherapists can potentially move into the Primary Health Network and Medicare spaces.

Philip Armstrong the CEO of ACA stated, “This is great news, after decades of advocacy we now have an unequivocal message from the Federal Government that we have been formally recognised. To be mentioned in a budget and be allocated funding for the purpose of laying down of a National Standard reflects the government now recognises counselling and psychotherapy as a profession in our own right, distinct from other mental health disciplines.”

Philip went on further to mention he has been informed he will be contacted by the Department of Health to start discussing ACA’s role in the development of a National Standard in the next few weeks.

ACA welcomes the New South Wales Labor government and congratulates NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Health and Mental Health Ryan Park MP on their victory in the 2023 state election.

“The election of the new state government presents an opportunity for genuine reform to improve the people of NSW’s access to mental health care”, says Philip Armstrong, ACA CEO.

ACA looks forward to working with the new Mental Health Minister and Health Minister Ryan Park MP to ensure that mental health remains a top priority.